Re: Good windshield wipers?

Wade Garrett <[email protected]> wrote:

> https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/wiper-blades/buying-guide/index.htm

I don't see a single brand mentioned in that article, just
recommendations on types of wipers.  I'm not any respondent is going to
be totally unbiased in "what's best", and we don't know if the OP does
any maintenance on his wipers.  How you use them, preparation,
maintenance, and car of wipers and windshield, weather, and other
factors influence what you'll buy and how much you'll pay.  You could
construct wipers made of steel (glass has a high MOH than steel) for
extremely long longevity, but they would be crap for cleaning.  

There are wipers with silicone blades.  Those last longer than rubber,
but I've found high-quality rubber beats silicone for cleaner wipes.  No
matter the material, chips or dents in the blades and grime on the
blades will degrade performance.  Keep 'em clean.  Don't let them rest
on debris.  Silicone blades are more expensive.  Silicone lasts longer
(the claim is twice as long as rubber, but not true, just longer).  They
swipe better at high speeds (neglecting the presence of a spoiler on the
wiper arm) than rubber blades, and wipe nearly as well as rubber, but
silicone typically leaves a haze behind on every swipe.  That's usually
what pushes me to the higher-quality rubber blades.

No mention of the OP's weather.  For winter, silicone blades are more
pliable than rubber, and stick less to freeze to the windshield.  That
doesn't mean they are uber-durable you can yank them off of an iced over
windshield.

Most auto makers still use rubber blades, and most top brands still use
rubber.  Silicone lasts longest, but rubber swipes better.  To me, a
longer lasting wiper is less important than one that gives me best
vision.  If best wiping is not your criteria, go for silicone.  While
rubber doesn't last as long as silicone, both will have a shorter life
if you don't regularly clean the blades.  Be careful, though, as some
brands market them selling silicone blades when what they are really
selling are rubber blades coated with silicone strips at the edge.  You
want ALL silicone blades.  Before first use, you should clean the
silicone blades.  Some come with a cleaning/lube kit you use before
installing the wipers.  If no prep pack is included, clean using water
and dish soap (I wouldn't recommend Dawn for cleaning anything on your
car).  Alternatively, use the ispropyl alcohol I mention in my other
reply.  Rub several times to get rid of microscopic dirt.

Beam wipers are very good, especially since there are no bridges as with
conventional wipers that can freeze up or accumulate mud or snow.  Less
working parts with beam wipers.  However, I found the Bosch don't press
as hard in the middle as at the ends, but that could've been just for
the ones I got.  I've always been on the fence regarding Trico: some are
good, some are average.  Don't waste your money on Anco.  If you do,
plan on replacing them early spring and late fall (twice a year).  I've
had RainX wipers.  They're okay for the blade, but their frame is poor:
way too easy to pop off when brushing snow off the windshield (they
disconnect at their pivot connector, not from the wiper arm); however,
RainX use silicone blades (but you'll have to decide if the smearing on
swipes is okay for you).

Beam wipers perform better at highway speeds; i.e., less lift.  With
beam wipers, you don't have to consider getting snow wipers (for winter
and snow/ice), but I wouldn't buy those anyway for the conventional
bridge style wipers as ice builds up inside the cover which prevent the
bridges from moving to flex the blade.

Remember your blades are sitting in the hot sun, extreme cold in the
winter, encounter snow and ice, have to scrape bird poop and bug juice,
are subject to road grime, and all types will deteriorate.  You can use
protectorant to extend their life, but it won't be forever.  Cleaning
them (mentioned in my other reply) will remove grime and debris, so the
wipers will squeegee much better again.  A lot of drivers think they
need new wipers, but once cleaned they work very well again.  

You might to watch for sales or rebates.  Good wipers are expensive, and
when replacing all 3 (driver, passenger, rear), it can pinch you wallet.
I think I spent $90 (plus tax) last time for all 3.  The store I usually
get wipers has rebate sales: you buy, you register (use an alias or temp
e-mail account), and they eventually (months later) send a debit card
for the rebate amount.

I haven't mentioned (much) any brands, either, because it depends on how
much you are willing to spend.  To some drivers, $90 at once is too much
although the wipers will last 2-3 years, or more, with proper cleaning
and care.  I prefer buying longer lasting quality than shorter-lived
cheap stuff.  With sales, those can pressure you into buying and what to
buy if you were in the mood to buy at the time.

I've never used hybrid wipers: beam plus bridges.  Can't comment on
those.  Like beams, hybrids are common in luxury cars.  However, like
conventional wipers, hybrids have bridges that can get corroded or
grimed at the pivots.

Watch for sales or rebates on the high-end wipers, so you're more likely
to get them instead of the cheap turds down around $10, or less.  And
get in the habit of cleaning them whether you get rubber or silicone.