Top 5 Best Windshield Wipers 2024

Different Types of Windshield Wipers

Since Alabama native Mary Anderson (1866-1953) invented the car windscreen wiper in 1903, it has evolved into roughly three different categories:

1. The old school “standard” or “conventional” type: has a metal frame supporting hinged contact points that push the rubber blade onto the windshield.
2. The “flat” or “beam” blade: consists of a single flexible strip with a blade attached to it.
3. The “hybrid” type: combines both technologies, depending on type and brand, and is most often covered with an aerodynamic plastic shell.

Standard or Conventional Windshield Wipers

The advantage of “standard” or “conventional” type wipers is their affordability. They are among the cheapest out there. 

Another upside is their classic look that generally looks better on older cars or future classics that originally came with this type of windshield wipers.

The main downside is that this type of wiper blades doesn’t perform well in below freezing temperatures because its hinges freeze solid and snow piles up between them as well. 

Also, with heavy downpour, they get more “oversplash” because of their design. This means that during fast wiping action, the water that collects in front of the wiper overflows and splashes behind the wipers, clouding the view.

Their aerodynamic properties leave a lot to be desired too.

Flat or Beam Windshield Wipers

Good quality “flat” or “beam” wipers are the way to go if you don’t mind spending a few bucks more. They work best in all weather-types and stay more flexible in extreme cold. 

They cope better with extreme rainfall too.

It’s the type of wiper blades that most, if not all, new cars come with because of their superior performance and aerodynamic properties.

Hybrid Windshield Wipers

Hybrid windshield wipers still have a small following because of their streamlined, aerodynamic look.
Beneath their plastic aerodynamic cover hides a metal structure similar to “standard” or “conventional” wipers. 

Whatever their looks may suggest, technically they have no added value over “flat” or “beam” wipers.
They are an outdated transition phase between old school “standard” or “conventional” type wipers and modern “flat” or “beam” ones.

Arguably they may look sporty on a very small number of nineties sports cars that came with that type of wipers or on tuned cars, but they look out of place on the vast majority of older or classic cars and outdated on recent ones.

They perform even worse when it snows because snow builds up behind the large aerodynamic cover.

For those reasons, we do not recommend this type of windshield wiper.

How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last? 

Depending on their type and quality, windshield wipers last anywhere from 6 months up to 6 years or longer.

For optimal performance, standard natural rubber windshield wipers should be replaced every 6 months up to 1 year.

Premium silicone or silicone-infused windshield wipers outlast standard rubber ones multiple times. 
They last anywhere from 2 years up to 6 years or longer, depending.

However, longevity varies widely due to external factors like climate, weather, intensity of use, condition and average cleanliness of the windshield, road conditions, UV-exposure, car storage and chemical exposure (road salt, windscreen-washer fluid, car-wash cleaning agents, chemical fall-out…).

Most importantly you should keep an eye on how they perform and use common sense. 
When they start streaking or squeaking, it’s time to replace them.

Don’t wait until your wiper blades crack and disintegrate, that’s a safety-hazard!

During a sudden downpour, your sight will be hindered. 
Dangerous, often life-threatening situations may occur.

Badly worn wipers will often scratch your windscreen too, leading to added costs.

Which is Best: Rubber or Silicone Windshield Wipers? 

While the most affordable wipers are natural rubber or a rubber mix, premium ones most often are made of silicone, are silicone-infused or coated with silicone.

Silicone, silicone-infused or silicone-coated quality wipers last up to 5 times longer than their budget counterparts mainly because they are much more resistant to UV.

Blades made of silicone remain soft and pliable in below-freezing temperatures, while most rubber ones stiffen, freeze and stick to the glass. 
Silicone material withstands extreme heat better as well.

That’s why silicone is superior to natural rubber when it comes to wiper blades.

Which Windshield Wiper Connector / Adapter Should You Use?

Although the “side post”, “J-hook” and “bayonet” are the most commonly used wiper arms, there are many different types and variations of windshield wiper arms which all need their own adapter. 
They are not interchangeable to make things even more complicated.

There’s no reason to elaborate on the subject, though. That would lead us too far.

Problems only occur when people randomly buy wipers and try to make ‘em fit. Murphy will make sure they won’t 😉

As long as you select the right make, year and model of your vehicle in one of our trusted online suppliers’ car selector tools, any wiper in the selection will fit. Adapters are included. 

What Kind of Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

An accurate windshield wiper selector tool is paramount to select a windshield wiper type that is right for your car. 

According to user reviews as well as our personal experience, the most accurate, user-friendly online car windshield wiper selector tool can be found on wiperbladesusa.com. 

This specialized all-american company has great instructional guidelines and videos. They guide you step-by-step through the replacement process of your specific type of wiper.