Which wiper blades are best?
Without a sturdy set of windshield wiper blades, you risk not having a clear view of the road, especially in extreme weather. But how do you pick the right pair?
Let’s compare available wiper blades to help you make your choice.
Choosing wiper blades
Picking the “best” wiper blades depends on the designs that suit your vehicle type, the season, and your budget.
Design
Most vehicles are equipped with traditional/conventional, beam, or hybrid design wiper blades. Conventional blades were the most popular for many years, but the newer designs are more flexible, helping them stay softer in cold weather.
Season
The season also influences the wiper blade you need. Every Canadian driver needs two pairs of wiper blades: one set for spring, summer, and fall, and another for winter.
In the summer, you mainly have to deal with rain and bugs on your windshield. Summer blades have a lightweight design, so they can easily glide over the glass to clear away water and bug residue. When the temperature drops, however, summer blades get held up by snow and ice, reducing their flexibility.
Winter wipers can handle the cold because they have an extra layer of synthetic rubber (usually silicone), which allows them to stay soft without tearing.
Budget
Windshield wiper blades can cost as little as $10 and as much as $80. This pricing varies based on what the wiper blade is made of, what it promises, and the brand name.
Most wiper blades of the same specifications perform similarly. As long as you pick a pair that’s suited to the climate, you can avoid breaking the bank.
Your owner’s manual may provide a brand, style, and size recommendation of wiper blades. You can also have your car assessed at a NAPA AUTOPRO service centre, where an auto technician can tell you what blades you need. To learn more about types of wiper blades available, check out this article.
(Note: Depending on your vehicle type, you may need to purchase a specific windshield wiper adapter to attach the blades to your windshield.)
Installing wiper blades
Over time, all wiper blades will deteriorate. We recommend getting a new winter set every year and a new summer set every one or two years. If you notice any tears, cuts, or delamination on your blades, it’s time to replace them.
You need to change your wiper blades based on the season. To prepare for the cold, change your wiper blades to winter ones before the first snowfall. This will likely be between late October and early December, depending on where you live. Once the snow clears up in the spring, switch to your summer blade set.
For help installing your wiper blades, visit a NAPA AUTOPRO service centre. Your AUTOPRO technician will tell you right away if it’s time to replace your wiper blades or if they’ll last another season.
Windshield washer fluid
To get the most out of your windshield wiper blades, you need to pair them with the right washer fluid. Just like wiper blades, different washer fluids are meant for different seasons. Summer fluid targets bug residue while winter fluid clears away road grease and salt. A generous dose of antifreeze to the winter formulation keeps it from freezing in cold temperatures.
Windshield washer fluid will list the lowest temperature it can handle, so pick one that’s suited to your current climate.
If you have questions about picking the right wiper blades and windshield washer fluid, ask an expert at a NAPA Auto Parts store. You can find a wide selection of individual wiper blades, wiper blade sets, and adapters both in NAPA stores and online at NAPACanada.com. For professional automotive services, book an appointment at your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.