Top Lock Push Button Wiper Blades? Trust The Answer

Your car needs a good pair of windshield wipers just as much as it needs the brakes. These wipers help you see and keep you safe on the road. You should actually have several sets of wipers available. Replacement windscreen wipers are an essential part of the emergency kit in case something happens on the road.

It’s important to have a good pair of windshield wipers on your car so you can see and stay safe. But you should have several wiper sets at all times. If you have a car, you must have spare windshield wipers in your emergency kit in case something happens along the way.

So let’s talk brass nails. While it might seem that wiper blades would be an easy purchase, there are actually many types of blades to consider. These include traditional wiper blades to choose from, such as: B. squeegee blades, bar blades or hybrid blades. There are even compounds that can offer the best performance no matter how extreme the weather conditions may be. Here are the main types of wiper blades:

Traditional: The OG wipers feature a metal frame supporting a rubber (or just rubber-coated) blade. Its simplicity and availability also make the traditional leaf the most affordable.

: The OG of wipers features a metal frame supporting a rubber blade (or just a rubber-coated one). Its simplicity and availability also make the traditional leaf the most affordable. Beam: Replacing the traditional metal frame with a hingeless rubber strip, beam wipers are gaining popularity as standard equipment on premium vehicles, thanks in part to the sleek, upscale look of the beam wiper. Although the bar wiper design applies pressure more evenly, which improves performance, a disadvantage is that substances such as sand can clog due to the rigid shape of the wiper assembly.

: Replacing the traditional metal frame with a hingeless rubber strip, wiper blades are gaining popularity as standard equipment on premium vehicles, thanks in part to the wiper blade’s sleek, upscale look. Although the bar wiper design applies pressure more evenly, which improves performance, a disadvantage is that substances such as sand can clog due to the rigid shape of the wiper assembly. Hybrid: Exactly what it sounds like. This type of blade has elements of both traditional and bar styles. An aerodynamic plastic housing hides parts of the hinge while maintaining openings for debris to pass through. And the attached bar blade ensures even pressure and contact distribution.

Enlarge image Bosch

Aside from the different styles, there are other variables to consider when purchasing a replacement wiper blade. Whilst most woods on the market have molded rubber inserts, silicone examples are also available which are said to offer better durability and performance over the long term. There are also weather specific options specifically designed to perform and operate in specific conditions such as ice and snow.

If choosing the best windshield wipers for your needs has suddenly become more complicated than you first thought, don’t fret. We’ve compiled a list of the best windshield wipers in a variety of categories based on your budget, type, insert material and how you will be using them. We’ve based our recommendations on hands-on experience and customer satisfaction ratings on popular shopping sites. For the purposes of this list of the best windshield wipers, we’ve included prices for 24-inch wiper blades, which are common on a variety of sedans, SUVs, and crossovers.

Bosch Although beam wiper-style wiper blades are fairly fixed in terms of design (rubber blade attached to a concealed mounting frame), the Bosch Icon wiper blade line is one of the cleanest in terms of simplicity and our pick for the best overall wiper blade out there. This set of rubber blade wipers from Bosch is also one of the best performing compared to more expensive blade competitors. According to Bosch, the Icon wiper blade with ClearMax 365 lasts up to 40% longer against cracks than the competition, making it even more attractive to the budget-conscious buyer. And thanks to a double-lock connection, the Bosch Icon Beam Blade can be easily mounted on the wiper arm. There is a catch though: an adapter (not included unfortunately) is required to connect the Bosch blade to hook system wipers found on most vehicles, unless they are German luxury cars, for which Bosch is considered OEM equipment. However, if your area gets a lot of rain and snow, this Bosch wiper blade will work wonders to keep your windshield clean. And because of the spring design, the pressure is evenly applied to the blades, so there is no cracking or smearing. The blades stay flush even at highway wiper arm speeds, which is not always the case with other wipers.

Overall Best Wiper Blade Details Model Bosch Icon Wiper Blades Type Bar Lengths 13″ to 28″ Price Range $19 – $32 per blade Warranty Varies by dealer

Anco Anco specializes solely in the manufacture of wiper blades and related parts and has been offering premium wiper blades for almost a century. Its 31 series rubber blade line is a top performer and comes at a competitively affordable price compared to other traditional wiper blades. The blade is made from a proprietary rubber compound that provides a streak-free wipe down with standard washer fluid on most windshields and is coated with a wax-free solution to resist deterioration. Attached to a vented bridge, the Anco 31 Series Blade uses the company’s exclusive KwikConnect system for easy installation. The blades offer a universal fit, however some models may require an adapter for installation. Despite this, the replacement is easy and with the sound of a “click” you know that the wiper has been installed correctly. Available in many sizes, the Anco 31 Series is perhaps one of the most budget-friendly OEM replacement wipers on the market and comes in single and multi-pack bundles. These aren’t the quietest wiper blades we’ve tested, but they’re not obtrusively loud and are only compatible with newer models. If you have a car with a severely curved windshield, you should also look elsewhere as the sheets will not match and will result in smearing and skipping.

Best Budget Wiper Blades Details Model Anco 31 Series Wiper Blades Type Traditional Lengths 10 to 28 inches Price Range $5 to $20 per blade Warranty Six months

Goodyear Goodyear has been in the rubber business since the 19th century and is now a global giant making tires for more than just passenger cars (think aerospace, commercial vehicles and motorsports). The windshield wiper business is a relatively new offshoot, by comparison, with rubber blade products manufactured under license from Saver Automotive. But the Goodyear name has long been synonymous with innovation, and even the wiper blade is an example. Goodyear wipers feature the industry’s only round-hinged squeegee blade. This not only extends the service life of the blade, but also ensures an optimal wiping angle of 45 degrees. Just be aware that they are noisy at first before tapering off over time. The Goodyear 770 Hybrid’s blade has a simple overall design, but installation is relatively easy, albeit a little clumsy for the traditional J-hook. But even if you don’t own a high-end luxury car (like changing your own wipers), the Goodyear hybrid rubber blade fits up to 97% of the vehicles on the road thanks to its universal adapter system at an affordable price.

Best Budget Wiper Blade Details Runner Up Model Goodyear 770 Hybrid Wiper Blades Type Hybrid Lengths 14″ to 28″ Price Range $6 to $15 per blade Warranty N/A

PIAA Founded in 1963, PIAA is an industry-leading manufacturer of driving lights, but the company’s commitment to helping you see clearly extends to wiper blades as well. All PIAA wipers offer a traditional, bar and hybrid blade model and feature pure silicone blade inserts instead of a rubber compound. Silicone wiper blades are known for their long-lasting durability and higher performance, but their softer composition (compared to natural or compound rubber) can cause some problems when clearing heavy snow. The PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blade is a traditional frame-style wiper that doesn’t have the most elegant design, but makes up for its lack of fashion in durability and well-balanced pressure points along the sturdy metal frame. Because the silicone blade easily conforms to the windshield, the wipes are smooth, quiet and streak-free. The silicone also gives your windshield a light coating that adds a beading effect to allow raindrops to roll off themselves. After installing the wiper blade, use the supplied moistened prep pad on a clean windshield to ensure it is free of debris. Then you need to run the wipers for 3 minutes for the silicone to effectively cover the windshield.

Details on Best Silicone Wiper Blades Model PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blades Type Traditional Lengths 12″ to 26″ Price Range $20 to $30 per blade Warranty One year

PIAA The PIAA Aero Vogue solves the fashion problem of its traditional-style brethren above by having one of the most linear, aerodynamic wiper designs. The minimalist style of this premium wiper blade is due in part to the vents built into the cover to increase airflow while minimizing silicone wiper chatter and wind lift at high wiper arm speeds. Basically, they work just like the air vents, ducts, and hood scoops you see on high-performance vehicles. In addition to the water beading effect of the silicone coating for the windshield, the material is very resistant to sunlight and UV radiation. The flexibility of the silicone also allows the silicone rubber blade to have excellent contact with the curve of the windshield glass. However, that same flexibility can make it difficult to sweep away fast-falling flakes during a winter snowstorm. Installing these expensive silicone blade wipers, including replacing the blades, is quick and easy. And these silicone wiper blades also come with a nice one-year warranty.

Best Heavy Duty Wiper Blade Details Model PIAA Aero Vogue Wiper Blades Type Hybrid Lengths 12 to 28 inches Price Range $10 to $37 per blade Warranty One year

Rain-X The name Rain-X is synonymous with keeping glass clean. No wonder windshield wipers can be found in the product catalog alongside the water-repellent sprays for which the company is known. Rain-X offers a choice of wipers, but its Latitude Water Repellency 2-in-1 blades pack a punch when it comes to spray performance (if not a gold star for the longest name of all time). The 2-in-1 refers – no surprise – to the water-repellent Rain-X coating on the blades. So not only do you get the power and efficiency of a squeegee wiper, but you also get the water-beading glass coating that helps in heavy rain. To get the most out of the Latitude blades, you must run the wiper blades on a clean and dry windshield for 2 minutes. According to Rain-X, this activates the water-repellent coating, which should last for a few months. Latitude’s 2-in-1 hydrophobic blades are designed to act like a wiper for the best windshield cleaning, and their contoured blade blends snugly with the glass. Thanks to the universal adapter, Latitude wipers fit 96% of the vehicles out there without the need for special tools. As good as they are in the rain, the Rain X Latitude sipes aren’t good for snow and ice build-up. Cases are large, bulky, prone to clogging, and can be a noisy winter weather blade. Also be careful as the blades are not true to size but are slightly longer than advertised so you may need a smaller size.

Best Heavy Rain Wiper Blade Details Model Rain-X Latitude Water resistant 2-in-1 wiper blades Type Blade lengths 14″ to 28″ Price range $16 to $22 per blade Warranty One year

Rain-X What’s in a name? Well, with Rain-X the ad is true and the Weatherbeater wiper blade lives up to the hype. Sure, it’s a budget-conscious, traditional-style wiper blade, but as this list has shown, performance doesn’t have to come with a cost. The Rain-X Weatherbeater Winter Blades stand up to weary winter weather thanks to a galvanized steel frame that resists rust and corrosion. And like the aforementioned Latitude Water Repellency 2-in-1, the Weatherbeater features the same squeegee material that wipes clean and clear with every swipe. The natural rubber is crack and chip resistant even under extreme conditions. For all these reasons, it is our top choice for winter wiper blades. But unlike the 2-in-1, which is a bar blade, the Weatherbeater might not adapt as well to heavily contoured windshields. But it’s equipped with multiple pressure points and should get the job done for most vehicles, offering clear vision while battling old man’s winter.

Best Snow and Ice Wiper Blade Details Model Rain-X Weatherbeater Wiper Blades Type Traditional Lengths 16″ to 28″ Price Range $8 to $15 per blade Warranty One year

Trico True to its name, the Trico Exact Fit is designed as an OEM replacement. Each wiper blade assembly comes with a connector pre-installed, eliminating the need for additional adapters. Trico introduced its first mass-produced wiper blade in 1917, so it’s a good bet the company knows a thing or two about fit and quality. But the Exact Fit line is in no way fancy. Available in all three blade types, the Exact Fit Conventional wiper is as sleek and standard as you can get in terms of design, bordering on a look so cheap it might have been bought at a discount store. But as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving. The steel frame provides the right pressure for a streak-free mopping. Its operation is also relatively quiet and can handle just about anything nature throws at you. Trico’s exact fit conventional wiper blade is available in sizes for front and rear use. Its rear blades range in size from 8 to 16 inches. There is no vehicle that Exact Fit is not compatible with and it is available in stores and online.

A top choice of traditional wiper blades Details Model Trico Exact Fit Wiper Blades Type Traditional Lengths 8″ to 28″ Price Range $9 to $33 per blade Warranty Varies

Aero Aero is another windshield wiper manufacturer. It also advertises that it doesn’t advertise to pass on the savings to customers. Not that aero premium wipers need the PR as they are also an OEM supplier. The Aero Voyager J-Hook Wiper (sometimes referred to as the “Premium All-Season”) is a dependable bar-style wiper. The blades are made of mixed rubber so they are flexible and have good contact with the car windshield for sharp wipes. Aero Voyager wipers are also sold in pairs for a budget friendly front wiper replacement. Although labeled as an all-season wiper, this wiper has a shorter lifespan in winter conditions. Its performance in preventing snow and ice build-up is unquestionable. It’s just a common observation that it generally dislikes the cold. But who does that?

A selection of top bar wiper blades Details Model Aero Voyager J-Hook Wiper Blades Type Bar Lengths 12″ – 28″ Price Range $18 – $27 per set of two Warranty Six months

Michelin Like Goodyear, Michelin is a brand better known for its tires. But the company offers a full line of wipers covering all types, and its Stealth Ultra Hybrid ranks at the top. There’s also the Stealth XT Hybrid, but go ultra or go home, right? All Michelin hybrid wipers feature Smart-Flex technology which, in company jargon, “hugs the glass like Michelin tires hug the road”. Ha. Put simply, the clipless housing has different pressure points that allow the Michelin stealth blade to adapt to dirt on the windshield surface. So it removes the dirt while maintaining constant contact with the glass. Its segmented hardcover design (the non-Ultra has a soft one) also prevents the accumulation of these debris and remains durable even in extreme weather such as heavy rain or excessive heat. The Stealth Ultra Hybrid blades also feature a mixed graphite rubber coating that reduces friction (i.e. smearing) and minimizes noise. The Michelin blades are particularly useful in winter, so there is little doubt about their durability. But although the Michelin blades come with adapters, 22″ and larger sizes may not be compatible with your vehicle. And even if they do fit, Michelin Stealth knives aren’t as easy to install as other brands.

A premium selection of Hybrid Wiper Blades Details Model Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Wiper Blades Type Hybrid Lengths 16″ to 28″ Price Range $13 to $22 per blade Warranty N/A

Tips before buying new wiper blades

Although wipers are more of a one-size-fits-all product than air filters, for example, there are still important factors to consider before purchasing replacement wipers. For starters, size matters.

Brands offer a variety of lengths to ensure their blades work with a variety of vehicles. However, keep in mind that some newer cars come with staggered sizes, often with a curved windshield, meaning that in addition to having a different length for the rear wiper blade (if applicable), the front wipers can also vary from traditional wiper blade sizes.

So check if the windshield model you are interested in is available in all sizes for your vehicle. Otherwise, you may have to buy different blades for different wipers, which means different performance and durability, among other things.

Ease of installation is an obvious aspect, but as common as the J-hook is, other types of attachment have also become common: side latch, top latch, pinch-tab, bayonet, and slim-top. These are different sizes in themselves. Double, triple and quadruple check the equipment tables for the wiper of your choice. Keep in mind that “universal” mounts are actually one size fits all and that all adapters (included or not) may or may not be compatible with your vehicle – particularly the high-end aftermarket styles.

Also, be honest about what kind of car wiper blade features you need. For example, if you live in an area where the weather is relatively mild and consistent, instead of spending on more expensive bar blades, winter blades, or aerodynamic spoilers, opt for a cheaper replacement wiper.

Enlarge image Bosch

There’s no need to install an all-season hybrid when a traditional rubber one will do, or splash out on a contour beam blade if your older vehicle has a flatter windshield. Newer cars usually have a curved windshield. Conversely, if your vehicle is experiencing real seasons, it pays to invest in a premium windshield wiper that provides streak-free visibility in inclement weather and other conditions.

There’s no glass cleaner or rain repellant that offers a clearer view of the road ahead (or behind) than a wiper blade and washer fluid. Sure, the products on this list can last a few years past their warranty terms and survive 1 million swipes. However, it is still recommended to change your blades every six to 12 months. When driving a vehicle, visibility is of the utmost importance. Because you can’t avoid what you can’t see.

Written for the Beverly Braga Roadshow.

When it comes time to replace your wiper blades, you’re probably spoiled for choice. With so many different models to look for and technologies to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, there are several key factors to focus on when looking to get a great wiper set at a reasonable price. After finding the most promising options for a range of vehicles, we put them through our testing protocol to determine the ones that are most worth beating your car.

Take a look at the quick tips on the best wiper blades below, then scroll down for buying guides and in-depth reviews of these models.

Best Overall Rain-X Advantedge shop.advanceautoparts.com $35.99 SHOP NOW Best value Michelin Endurance XT walmart.com $19.47 SHOP NOW Easiest to install Trico Maxx shop.advanceautoparts.com $33.99 SHOP NOW Most advanced Bosch Focus shop.advanceautoparts.com $34.99 SHOP NOW Best Design Bosch Icon amazon.com $27.75 SHOP NOW

What to consider

Aside from performance, the biggest differentiators for wiper blades are the mounting systems, styles, and the material of the blade itself. The ideal wiper should work out of the box, be affordable, easy to install, be exceptionally quiet, and remove precipitation from your windshield better than the competition. Finding the right size blades that are compatible with your vehicle is also important.

Trevor Rab

➥ Mounting Systems & Compatibility

Like many things in the automotive industry, there are countless standards. When it comes to attaching wiper blades to your vehicle, there are already many solutions ranging from pins, tabs, hooks and sometimes even screws. However, this makes life difficult for wiper manufacturers who want to create models that tie in with all of this.

Before fumbling with the wrong wiper set, be sure to consult your local auto parts store or dealer to ensure you are getting the correct wiper blades for your vehicle. Every unit we tested – with the exception of the Bosch Icon and Bosch Focus, which have J-hooks – uses a completely different assembly to make contact with the car, but are universally compatible.

➥ wiper style

Most wipers come in two different shapes. (There’s a mix between these, but it’s much rarer.)

Frame shape: These wipers are the simplest on the market – and the most affordable. To maintain contact with the windshield, they use a steel structure from which are suspended a series of levers attached to the blade itself. These levers force the wiper onto the windshield, often resulting in streaks where they meet.

Beam Style: While frame-style wiper blades have a series of levers, these newer blades use a steel beam that runs the length of the wiper to ensure even contact. In addition to better performance, the beam design is less vulnerable to the elements in winter and allows for an airfoil to prevent the wiper from lifting off the windshield in strong gusts.

➥ Materials

While some wipers have rubber blades, silicone wipers are far superior. The material is much more resistant to the elements, performs better and lasts longer. Regardless of the material, wiper blades leave residue on the windshield; Silicone is naturally hydrophobic, which should help water bead off your windshield. Sure, rubber was a lot cheaper in its heyday, but silicone wipers have become more affordable, and the performance benefit is worth the price. If you can’t find a great set of silicone wipers, synthetic rubber makes a great substitute.

As we tested

In choosing the best of the best wiper blades, I have compiled a pool of the latest models that demonstrate superior value, functionality, and design. To accurately evaluate the performance of each wiper, I enlisted the help of my 2015 Volkswagen GTI as a test bench. I set up a repeatable experiment to evaluate each unit and sprayed my clean windshield with a three-to-one mix of washable paint and water before removing it with each wiper blade. I kept turning the wipers on until the path was 100 percent clean with no paint remaining. Between each test, I scrubbed the windshield with car soap, then wiped away the remaining water and dried the glass.

Trevor RaabTrevor Raab

To make sure I packed the windshield with the same amount of paint every time, I used a pressure garden sprayer. Between each run, I depressurized the device and pumped it up 35 times. When it came time to apply the paint, I made two passes in a crosshatch pattern – up and down and then side to side – for maximum coverage.

For the second experiment, I compared noise levels on a semi-dry windshield—because nothing beats a wiper squeaking during a light rain shower. I started by wetting the windshield and then used a squeegee to wipe away 80 percent of the water. However, instead of wiping it dry like in the previous test, I left the remaining 20 percent water on the glass. Using a calibrated decibel meter mounted on the hood of the car, I turned on the wipers once to record a reading. After doing this process three times for each model, I averaged the readings for a final result.

Trevor Rab

While each wiper features a bespoke design to scour the glass of water, I found that all of these models worked very closely right out of the box. The most notable differentiators – and what to focus on in your search – were ease of installation and noise levels.

-ALL THE BEST-

Rain-X Silicone Advantage

Cloths to be cleaned: 2 | Noise: 58.1dB | Material: silicone

Advantedge 26″ Rain-X Wiper Blade shop.advanceautoparts.com $35.99 SHOP NOW Great performance

Low noise Difficult to install properly

When it comes to getting what you pay for, wiper blades are no exception. In line with the most expensive model in our test, the Rain-X Silicone Advantedge performed best and remained the quietest. It also applies a water-repellent coating as it runs along the glass. So does the Michelin Endurance XT below, but unlike this wiper, this one remained whisper quiet. The only gripe I had with it was a difficult installation, thanks to a mechanism that was exceptionally complex and didn’t allow for a secure connection.

—BEST VALUE—

Michelin Endurance XT

Cloths to be cleaned: 3 | Noise: 71.1dB | Material: silicone

Endurance XT 26″ Wiper Blade Michelin walmart.com $19.47 SHOP NOW Cheapest Makes a lot of noise

Yes, the Endurance XT was the noisiest wiper in our test, but it was also one of the cheapest, with great performance for the price. Along with the aforementioned Advantedge, which costs almost twice as much, the Endurance XT applies a water-repellent coating as it runs along the windshield. Michelin has treated the wiper with four layers of its hydrophobic coating to improve cleanability before the wiper is even deployed. For drivers who experience relatively mild seasons year-round, this is a great option.

—EASIEST INSTALLATION—

Trico Maxx

Cloths to be cleaned: 3 | Noise: 61dB | Material: synthetic rubber

Maxx 26″ Wiper Blade Trico shop.advanceautoparts.com $33.99 SHOP NOW Universal Compatibility Hard to find

The Trico Maxx was on par with its compatriots in terms of performance, but remained one of the quietest, producing a full ten decibels less than the Michelin Endurance XT. The Trico’s clear party piece, however, was how easy it was to install. Rather than being stuck with one universal carrier, the Trico comes with two that snap in and out with a series of clips. After I have the correct piece of plastic in place there are a number of removable plastic spacers which are used to hold various mechanisms which will snap securely into place once I have the correct assembly for my VW.

—AT THE ADVANCED—

Bosch focus

Cloths to be cleaned: 3 | Noise: 65dB | Material: synthetic rubber

Focus 26″ Wiper Blade Bosch shop.advanceautoparts.com $34.99 SHOP NOW Excellent day and night performance Limited compatibility

The Focus here is a bit outstanding among wipers. Designed to optimize night-time operation, this wiper features clever technology to mitigate reflections while maintaining strong performance elsewhere. The spoiler, which holds the wiper to the windshield in strong winds, is coated with a light-absorbing activated carbon powder to eliminate reflections for vehicle occupants. As well as the unique design of this spoiler, the Focus also features a wear indicator on the outer edge that turns yellow when it’s time to replace your wipers. Aside from the uber clever design points, the pair is easy to install and not too noisy.

—BEST DESIGN—

Bosch symbol

Cloths to be cleaned: 4 | Noise: 63.4dB | Material: synthetic rubber

Icon 26″ Wiper Blade Bosch amazon.com $27.75 SHOP NOW Wear indicator simplifies replacement Limited compatibility

Much like the Focus, Bosch’s Icon uses clever design cues to improve performance. To eliminate wind lift – where strong gusts can blow the wiper off the windshield – this blade uses an asymmetric spoiler to create an even downforce across the wiper. It’s not quite Formula 1’s aerodynamic design, but more contact with the windscreen means more water is swept away. The Icon’s blade features Bosch’s ClearMax 365 technology with a soft rubber core and hard polymer cover to improve performance and durability. Similar to the Focus, the Icon uses the same carrier mechanism, allowing for quick and easy installation.

How to find the right wiper blades for your vehicle and replace them yourself

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of good vision while driving. Proper wiper maintenance is an area that many vehicle owners don’t consider on a regular basis, and it’s easy to forget living in areas where vehicle wiper blades may only need to be used once or twice a month. The simple fact is, you don’t want to be caught in the middle of a storm with wiper blades that aren’t performing at their best, leaving streaks, or worst of all, damaging your windshield during use.

In this blog, we examine the warning signs that your wiper blades could use replacing, how to find the right blades to keep your windshield clean and tidy, and how to replace your wipers without the help of your local mechanic.

How long do wiper blades last?

It is generally recommended that you replace your wiper blades every 6-12 months. This may seem excessive at first, but windshield wiper blades have to deal with several deteriorating conditions on every journey. UV light, exhaust fumes, airborne dirt and moisture can all cause a wiper blade to fail over time.

Wear and tear can cause cracks or tears in the rubber edge of the wiper blade. These cracks reduce wiper performance and over time can be the cause of many common wiper problems such as: B. jumping, streaking, splitting or squeaking. If you have any of these common windscreen wiper blade deterioration problems, it’s safe to say that it’s time to find the right replacement.

How to find the right wiper blade for your vehicle

Finding a replacement windshield wiper kit can be easier said than done. Many automotive stores have aisles full of wiper blades, each with different sizes, features, and adapters to connect to the vehicle’s wiper arm. It can be overwhelming if you are unsure, but if you come to your local Sanel NAPA location you can speak to a sales representative who can help you find the correct wiper blades for your vehicle’s make, model and year to find.

How to replace your wiper blades

Replacing your vehicle’s wiper blades isn’t as difficult as you might think, but the process may be slightly different depending on which adapter your vehicle uses to attach the wiper blade to the vehicle’s wiper arm. We’ll cover the two most common types of adapters: the hook wiper arm and the pen wiper arm.

The hook-type wiper blade arm uses a locking tab that keeps the wiper arm connected to the wiper blade. When replacing wiper blades on a hook wiper arm, you must first remove the old wiper blade by lifting the wiper arm and rotating the blade. Squeeze the tab and press firmly on the wiper blade until it disengages from the wiper arm.

Attaching a new wiper blade is even easier. All you have to do is slide the wiper arm hook around the wiper blade mount and then pull up until you hear a click.

When replacing a wiper blade on a pen wiper arm, you must release the latch by pulling up on the tab. At this point you can remove the pin from the side of the wiper arm. After this step, the wiper blade can be removed.

To fit a new wiper blade, you must first lift the tab slightly before inserting the wiper arm pin into the wiper blade. When you’re done, press the tab until you hear a click. Your Blade should now be installed.

For more information about the automotive industry, contact or visit the knowledgeable professionals at a Sanel NAPA location near you.

About Sanel NAPA

Since 1920, Sanel NAPA has been a leading retailer of auto parts, heavy-duty truck parts and body accessories with over 42 locations throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. We supply high-quality auto parts, heavy-duty truck parts, auto paints and body accessories, as well as tools and equipment that are durable, reliable and long-lasting to provide our customers with the best possible products and services. For more information, call (603) 225-4000 or click to find a store near you.

Ice, snow and constant chattering of teeth – there are many things that affect your view of the road in winter. A dirty windshield should not be one of them! Reliable wiper blades can mean the difference between keeping your eyes on the road and seeing nothing but ice on your windshield. If you’re replacing yours this season, use the points below to determine whether conventional or bar wiper blades are best for your car.

Differences between conventional and bar wiper blades

1. Conventional blades are straighter than squeegee blades.

Bar wiper blades are more curved than conventional ones. This extra curvature improves their ability to “hugg” the contours of your windshield, allowing them to apply more pressure for a clearer line of sight. When you upgrade from conventional to wiper blade blades, you can expect to see the most noticeable difference on the passenger-side windshield. Compare their design side by side in the image below.

Conventional or traditional blades only touch the windshield at six to eight points due to their straighter design. In contrast, bar blades have infinite pressure points because their entire length fits snugly against the windshield. More pressure points mean more thorough cleaning.

2. Bar wiper blades are more wind resistant than traditional blades.

Contrary to popular belief, rain and snow aren’t the only things affecting your vision. So does the wind. High speed winds create more drag, often referred to as “drag”. Pulling, in turn, “lifts” conventional blades away from the windshield. This phenomenon is known as wind lift. When your wiper blades lose contact with your windshield, you lose sight of the road. Premium Beam Blades resist wind resistance by converting it into pressure that they use to clean your windshield more effectively.

3. They are built from different materials.

Conventional wiper blades generally consist of a replaceable rubber blade that snaps into multiple contact points on a metal frame. Each contact point has a spring that is used to apply pressure to the windshield. However, because there are a limited number of springs on each blade, conventional blades tend to wipe windshields less evenly than beam blades.

Premium beam blades are made of high-strength steel and high-quality rubber, making them last longer and withstand tougher road conditions. In addition, they have no exposed parts, which prevents ice and snow from accumulating on them. For riders living in areas with harsh winters, unpredictable summers, and everything in between, Beam Blades are a better choice.

See the difference for yourself

Still not sure whether you want conventional wiper blades or bar wipers? Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care to get a clearer picture of how these two types of wiper blades differ. We’ll help you find the right TRICO wiper blades for your car and fit them on site so you can hit the road with a better view.

Wiper blades are bayoneted to the end of the arm, or the end of the arm is hooked or has a side locking pin. If you are just replacing the rubber part, be sure to get the correct one and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The wiper arms are attached to their drive shafts by a clip, fastening nut or bolt. Usually the spindle is splined and the arm mounting cap is splined. When replacing the wiper arms, make sure that the new arm is installed in exactly the same place as the old one so that it parks in the same position. Don’t mount the arm so that the blade rests against the windshield surround – the blade hits the rubber, accelerating wear and causing a lot of unnecessary noise.

Adjusting the wipers

Mark the parking position with adhesive tape.

Before you begin, make sure the blades are parked correctly and mark the location of the tip of each blade on the windshield with a small piece of tape. When the new arm and its blade are assembled, the blade tip should be in the same position on the windshield. If it is not, remove the arm again and realign it by moving it one tooth at a time on the spindle.

Replace wiper blades

bayonet type

Slide the wiper blade bayonet catch onto the wiper arm until the locking pin engages.

The blade is clipped onto the end of the arm, which has a small raised pin that engages a hole in the blade mount. Disconnect by pushing the blade against the spring pressure until the pin is released. Some blades have a locking clip that needs to be moved to the side. The new blade is simply pushed in.

hook arms

Insert the U-profile into the hook until it clicks into place.

The blade carries a U-shaped plastic part that is pivoted on a pin. The plastic fits into the hooked end of the arm. To remove the blade, pinch the ends of the U-shape and move the blade down the arm to the open end of the hook; Disconnect the U-piece from the hook. When attaching the new blade, thread the hook arm through an opening above the U-piece. Insert the channel into the hook until a plastic locking piece engages a recess or notch in the hook.

sidelock blades

Slide the wiper arm onto the tapered pin.

Sidelock blades have a tapered pin on one side that engages in a cross hole at the end of the shackle. Push the securing clip away from the pen and pull the pen out to the side. To insert a new blade, simply push the pin into the hole – but make sure the blade is over the arm. It can be mounted upside down. Some hook-ended arms are converted to accept sidelock blades by inserting molded plastic locking pieces into the hook. To remove the blade, push the plastic insert toward the open end of the hook by pressing on the piece that overlaps it. Spread the two halves of the insert apart to release the blade. To attach the new blade, snap the pin into the two halves of the insert and slide the assembly into the hook until it clicks into place.

pantograph type

Some cars use a double pantograph arm. The blade is attached to two trunnions, usually with lock nuts. Unscrew or pry off all covers and loosen nuts to release blades.

Adjust wiper arms

Arms held by clips

The clip is mounted behind the arm and rests on the spindle near the hinge pin. Once you can see the clip, use a screwdriver blade to pry it away from the spindle and pull the arm off. Attach the new arm with a blade attached so you can see that it is in the correct position. First slide it half open and check the position. When correct, push the arm all the way onto the spindle until the clip snaps into place.

Arms held by a nut or bolt