Car windshield wipers: types and features, which ones are better and how to choose

Windshield wipers are one of those car parts that you only think about when the weather is bad. But as soon as it starts to rain or snow, they become indispensable. Visibility on the road, and therefore safety, directly depends on how well they work. However, choosing windshield wipers is not as easy as it might seem: they come in different types, differ in design and even in materials. Let's take a look at their features. This will help you understand which windshield wipers to choose for your car.

Types of windshield wipers

At first glance, all windshield wipers are the same — a rubber blade on a holder that rubs against the glass. But in reality, there are more differences than meets the eye. The main types of windshield wipers are:

• Frame windshield wipers for cars are the classic type. The frame is made of metal, to which a rubber strip is attached. They are simple, inexpensive, and reliable. However, in winter, these windshield wipers have a disadvantage: the metal frame can freeze, causing them to fit poorly against the glass.
• Frameless windshield wipers have a flexible plastic or rubber body instead of a frame. They fit tightly to the glass and are much quieter than conventional wipers. Frameless windshield wipers ice up less and last longer. This compensates for their higher cost. It is important to note that they are not always suitable for older cars.
• Hybrid windshield wipers are a cross between frame and frameless models. They have a metal frame, but it is hidden under a protective cover. This makes them durable, resistant to all weather conditions, and versatile. However, the price of such windshield wipers is above average.

Which windshield wipers are better? Each of these types of windshield wipers is good in its own way. The main thing is that they are made of high-quality materials. The rubber should be elastic and odorless. The metal or cover should have a uniform coating.

How to choose windshield wipers for your car

In order for the windshield wipers to thoroughly clean the glass, so that you don't have to get out and wipe it with a cloth, they must be of a suitable design. They should fit snugly against the surface.

What else to look for when choosing windshield wipers:

• Each car has its own windshield wiper parameters. Wipers that are too short will not clean the entire windshield, and wipers that are too long will catch on each other. You can find the required length in the car manual or on the manufacturer's website.
• Wipers have different mounting methods: “hook”, ‘button’, “bayonet” and others. It is important that the model you choose fits the mounting on your car.
• Good windshield wipers are soft so as not to scratch the glass and durable to withstand temperature changes. Some models have a graphite coating that extends the life of the rubber and improves gliding.
• Universal windshield wipers are suitable for any season, but if there are frequent frosts in winter, it is better to choose models with anti-icing protection. For example, winter frame windshield wipers with a rubber cover.
• In warm climates with frequent rain, frameless windshield wipers are an excellent choice. They work quietly and fit snugly against the glass. For regions with harsh winters, frame or hybrid models that are resistant to icing are more suitable.

It is important to remember that even the highest quality windshield wipers have a limited service life. They usually work well for about a year. The rubber wears out, squeaks and streaks appear. You can read reviews on the Internet about different models of windshield wipers. Users share how windshield wipers of different brands and models work in different conditions and how long they last.