Whether you're talking to the owner of a late-model Fusion or a 1965 Galaxie 500, chances are you won't hear them running around in excitement after purchasing a new set of wiper blades.
Wipers aren't sexy, even to automotive enthusiasts and car buffs. Many of us are guilty of waiting for a monsoon or snowmageddon to even look into changing tattered wipers. Still, we should all recognize the fact that our windshield wipers are crucial for having a clear view -- and are thus essential for driving safety.
There's more to buying wipers than simply walking into an auto-parts store, finding a set of blades that fit and swapping them for your old pair. These days there are choices even among wiper blades, so let's first look at the three basic blade styles in our quest for visibility.
Traditional frame-style wipers
The most common type of wiper blade is the traditional frame style. It incorporates a metal framework that serves as a mount for the actual wiper -- a metal-backed strip of either ordinary rubber or halogen-hardened rubber. Found on the majority of vehicles on the road today, frame-style wipers are the most affordable, available and widely used.
Prepare for the winter roads by replacing your current wiper blades with a set of winter wiper blade.
Winter wipers
The winter wiper blade claims a substantial upgrade in functionality for drivers faced with inclement winter weather, Our for example, features a traditional blade that is encased in a protective rubber shell. This allows the framework of the wiper to remain ice- and snow-free, which increases the service life of the wiper.
Winter wipers are neither as visually appealing -- to the extent that wipers are appealing at all -- nor aerodynamic as more conventional wipers, but they get the job done in tough winter weather.
Upgrade for a more aerodynamic appearance with a set of premium beam-style wiper blades.
Premium beam-style wipers
Discriminating drivers can select from a range of premium beam-style wiper blades. These blades come at a higher price, but manufacturers claim longer life, and the sleek appearance appeals to some.
Premium wipers do away with the framework of traditional wipers, instead featuring a one-piece design with minimal parts. An encased spring-steel band allows the wiper to conform to the curvature of the windshield, with some incorporating silicone and double-rubber technology.
Don't be daunted by the colorful display of wiper blades at your local retailer, pick the one that best fits your fancy.
Choosing the ideal wiper blades
Manufactures like Bosch , Anco, and RainX bombard the market with a vast array of different takes on these three wiper blade styles, so selecting the ideal blades can be a bit confusing.
Still, figuring out what wipers fit your vehicle is quick and easy. Look to your owner's manual for the specifications regarding wiper size, or use the wiper size finder here-> http://www.mywipersize.com
When it comes time to purchase your wiper blades, you will want to replace both at the same time. Wiper blade service intervals will range anywhere from six months to a year, dependent upon driving conditions and the quality of the wiper itself.
No matter how long it's been, if you notice that your wiper blade is not properly cleaning the windshield -- leaving behind a haze of unclean glass -- it's time to consider your options.
Pricing it out: what you can expect to pay for new wipers
For the sake of pricing out wiper blades, we will use a 2012 Toyota Camry as an example vehicle and the advertised prices for the three different style wiper blades from major auto parts retailers for our numbers.
The Camry takes a 26-inch wiper on the drivers' side and 18-inch for the passenger side while using the hook-style wiper arm.
Starting with an entry-level frame-style wiper blade, Valeo brand wipers will cost roughly $27.98 for the set. Some retailers offer a “house-brand” that can get you a set of blades for less than $20. A set of premium frame-style Bosch Excel+ blades, by contrast, runs $29.48.
For the added versatility of winter wiper blades, plan to spend $26.98 for a set of Trico Chill wipers -- or pick up a set of Duralast winter blades for $24.98.
If you're looking for the aerodynamic and sleek look of a beam-style wiper blade, cost is the only thing holding you back.
Many different companies offer variations of the beam-style wiper blade, and cost is about the same across the board. Bosch Icon blades may trigger sticker shock at $43.98 for the set. A set of Trico Force blades can sell for as much as $40.98. Still beam-style blades can be had at a somewhat lower price point: equivalent Duralast Flex blades retail for around $32.98
We're changing that
Replacing wiper blades
The three most common wiper arm styles are the side post, J hook and bayonet. These common style blades rely on part of the wiper to lock into place, making for simple removal and installation. However, the two-screw bayonet-style wiper blade will need a specific wiper blade, and will require the use of a screwdriver for removal and installation.
Wiper-blade manufacturers include universal hardware with new blades, allowing for different style wiper blade arms to attach and function properly. However, some vehicles will need specific features for the wiper to work.
Have patience and take your time. Or ask the auto parts counterperson at your store of choice to replace them for you -- most retail outlets will perform this task free of charge if you purchase your replacement wiper blades from them.
While you're thinking visibility, it's a good time to check your windshield washer fluid. Adequate fluid will allow for easy removal of road grime, bugs and even ice -- if you live in an area that sees extreme cold, we recommend upgrading to a winter washer fluid versus the cheap blue stuff. Winter fluid has a lower freeze point and serves as a better deicer.
Click here to Find out the size of your Wiper blade -> http://www.mywipersize.com
To shop our wiper blades click here -> https://beastlygear.com/collections/wiper-blades
