You need to take care of your Wiper Blades. Without this component, the driver’s view can be disturbed during bad weather such as sandstorms, rain, or just cleaning dirt that sticks while driving.

So how do you take care of Wiper Blades and what should you pay attention to when choosing Wiper Blades? Come on, see more in the following article!

Wondering how to select a Wiper Blades that ensures safety and fits your vehicle perfectly? Check out these useful tips!

1. Read Manufacturer Recommendations and Suggestions

Each vehicle comes with a designated wiper manufacturer, which includes specifications for size, wiper type, blade type, and wiper pressure settings. It’s important to check that both wipers are the same length so they can effectively clean the whole glass surface.

Then in terms of pressure. Ensure that you apply the right amount of pressure when using the wiper. Don’t be too loose or too tight. When the fit is overly tight, it risks damaging the glass and the wiper blade. Conversely, if it’s too loose, the wipers won’t function effectively.

2. Decide on the Type of Wiper Blades: Frameless, Conventional, or Hybrid

When considering aftermarket wiper blades, you have three options to choose from: frameless, conventional, and hybrid. Curious about how they differ?

Conventional wipers come with a frame that links the arm to the blade.

On the other hand, frameless wipers attach the blade directly to the arm, providing a more adaptable sweeping motion than their conventional counterparts. Hybrid wipers are a special variety of wipers that look a lot like frameless ones. However, they still feature a plastic or metal frame around the blade.

Wipers come in various types, each with its unique benefits. Conventional wipers are often more stable and budget-friendly, but they aren’t very flexible. In contrast, frameless wipers provide enhanced flexibility and durability, though they tend to be pricier than their traditional counterparts.

3. Decide on the Wiper Blade Material You Prefer

You can find two kinds of aftermarket wiper blades: silicone and rubber. Just to clarify, wiper blades are what you use to remove dirt from your windshield.

Rubber wiper blades are usually associated with older vehicles and are often used in standard wiper systems. One limitation of rubber blades is that they aren’t very resistant to heat.

When it comes to durability and flexibility, silicone wiper blades outshine rubber wipers, which is why they are often found on frameless wiper systems.

4. Be mindful of the kind of blade connector you’re using

Wipers are not only defined by their materials but also by their shapes, which include flatbed and beam options. Both of course have their advantages. Generally, flatbed wipers are well-suited for removing denser materials like snow, sand, or dust. 

However, in today’s vehicles, these wipers are not commonly seen, as most cars now utilize beam-shaped blades that adapt to the window’s shape. Beam blades are known for their flexibility and provide improved pressure and wiping performance over flatbed wipers.

5. Be mindful of the kind of blade connector you’re using

Most aftermarket retailers tend to sell wiper blades and arms individually. If your goal is to replace just the blade, double-check that the connection is compatible with your current wiper arm.

Four types of blade connections are commonly used, namely as follows.

The center-bayonet hinge type is where the blade and arm are connected by inserting.

The center-inner lock utilizes a hinge type where the blade and arm are joined together with a locking feature. In the pin-side button configuration, the blade and arm are joined together with a locking mechanism, much like a button does.

The arm is fastened to the blade, which is of the screw-side button type, using bolts.

6. Always test the wiper before buying! 

Make sure to see it firsthand and request the seller to give it a try so you can ensure it works properly. This helps to make sure that the wiper you buy is compatible with your car’s requirements and won’t damage any of its parts.