How To Pick The Right Window Wipers For Your Car: What Wipers Are The Best

When it comes to keeping your car’s windshield clear and ensuring a safe drive in unpredictable weather, window wipers are an unsung hero.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about your car’s window wipers.

Material Types

One of the most crucial factors when selecting new wiper blades is the material. With so many options like natural rubber, synthetic rubber, Teflon, and silicone, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Generally, high-quality rubber wiper blades are the best choice, as they offer excellent, streak-free cleaning. These are readily available at your local auto parts stores, such as SuperCheap Auto or Repco. Top-tier wiper blades often come with a graphite or Teflon coating, ensuring long-lasting, streak-free performance.

Types of Window Wipers

There are three main types of window wipers: traditional frame wipers, beam wipers, and hybrid wipers. Frame wipers are the most common, beam wipers offer better performance in harsh weather, and hybrid wipers combine the strengths of both for optimal efficiency.

Conventional Frame Wipers:

• These are the most common type, known for their sturdy metal frame and rubber blade. They are effective but can wear out faster in harsher weather conditions. Commonly found on cars pre 2000’s.

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective	Prone to wear and tear in extreme weather
Easy to find and replace	Metal frames can freeze in cold conditions
Reliable performance in mild weather	Less aerodynamic, which can lead to streaking at high speeds

Hybrid Wipers:

• Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid wipers have a metal frame covered by a plastic shell, offering durability and improved performance. Commonly found on cars from the early to mid-2000s.

Pros	Cons
Durable and long-lasting	Higher cost compared to conventional wipers
Improved performance in various weather conditions	Availability might be limited in some areas
Aerodynamic design helps reduce wind lift	Slightly bulkier than beam wipers

Beam Wipers:

• These wipers have a sleek, modern design without a metal frame. They conform better to the windshield, providing more even pressure and better performance, especially in heavy rain. Commonly found on Euro or new Japanese cars.

Pros	Cons
Excellent performance in heavy rain and snow	Generally more expensive than conventional wipers
More aerodynamic design reduces streaking at high speeds	Can be harder to find in some stores
Longer lifespan due to fewer moving parts	Installation might be more complex for some vehicles

Choosing the Right Wipers

When selecting wipers, consider the following:

• Climate: In New Zealand, with its mix of coastal rain and highland snow, beam wipers often provide the best performance due to their superior contact with the windshield.
• Vehicle Type: Make sure the wipers fit your specific vehicle. Check your car’s manual, consult with a professional or check an online database such as Wipertech’s helpful page to ensure compatibility.
• Quality: Invest in good-quality wipers. Cheaper options might save you money upfront but can wear out quickly and compromise safety.

Top Selling Wiper Blades

1. Bosch Aerotwin
   • Features: Beam-style blades, dual rubber compound.
   • Why It’s Great: Excellent all-weather performance and long-lasting.
2. Wipertech Premium
   • Features: Beam-style, advanced rubber.
   • Why It’s Great: High-quality materials, smooth and quiet operation, easy to install.
3. Trico Force
   • Features: Beam-style, HighGlide treated rubber.
   • Why It’s Great: Superior wiping, aerodynamic design, excellent at high speeds.
4. Tridon Flexblade
   • Features: Beam-style, Synthetic rubber technology.
   • Why It’s Great: Quiet, cost-effective, streak-free, and durable in extreme weather.

Comparison Chart

Brand & Model	Type	Material	Durability	Performance In Wet Weather
Bosch Aerotwin	Beam-style	Dual rubber compound	High	Excellent
Wipertech Premium	Beam-style	Advanced rubber	High	Very Good
Trico Force	Beam-style	HighGlide treated rubber	High	Excellent at high speeds
Tridon Flexblade	Beam-style	Synthetic Rubber	High	Very Good

Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Cleaning: Wipe the blades with a damp cloth regularly to remove dirt and debris that can cause streaking.
2. Check for Damage: Inspect your wipers for cracks or splits in the rubber. Replace them immediately if you find any damage.
3. Seasonal Replacement: It’s a good idea to replace your wipers at least once a year, preferably before the rainy season starts.

DIY Replacement Guide

1. Lift the Wiper Arm: Carefully lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Remove the Old Blade: Press the small tab on the underside of the wiper where it connects to the arm, then slide the blade off.
3. Attach the New Blade: Slide the new blade onto the arm until you hear it click into place.
4. Lower the Wiper Arm: Gently lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield.

To learn more about how to replace your car’s window wipers. Check out the tutorial below.

Top Tip: If you would like your window wipers installed, SuperCheap Auto or Repco can do it for free at a location near you!

Conclusion

Window wipers are vital for your car’s safety, especially with New Zealand’s varying weather. Choosing the right wipers, keeping them in good condition, and replacing them when needed improves visibility and ensures safer driving in all weather.

Our top choice is Wipertech Premium wipers. They are easy to order online, ensuring a hassle-free purchase, and come with a 12-month warranty.