A Fresh Look at Windshield Wiper Replacement

Your front windshield is your window to the road, but it’s all too easy to become accustomed to the view. With your mind occupied with the morning commute, after-school activities, and weekend plans, you might fail to notice that your windshield isn’t quite as crystal clear as it once was.

That’s why sticking to a regular windshield wiper replacement schedule is so important. Swapping out your old, worn-out wiper for a new set can have a noticeable impact on the overall driving experience, giving you a whole new perspective by eliminating streaks and effectively clearing away snow and ice. When replacing windshield wipers, drivers have two options: swapping them out for an identical pair or trying a new kind.

Today’s wiper blades come in three distinct styles: conventional, beam, and hybrid. Each has its pros and cons per effectiveness, cost, and weather resistance, so there’s really no one-size-fits-all approach. Different wiper blades excel in different driving situations, so before you head to your local auto parts store or stop by McCluskey Chevrolet, take a moment to read up on the advantages of each style. We’ll also cover some lesser-known wiper types, review wiper replacement schedules, and take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of a failing wiper, so read on if you’re seeking a little clarity.

Conventional Blades

Pros: Affordable, easy to install, can be refilled
Cons: Not very durable, less efficient wiping, bad at high speeds

Found standard on most pre-2005 vehicles, conventional wiper blades are designed with a rubber strip that’s held in place by a metal frame. This metal frame allows the rubber blade to pivot while springs keep the blade firmly pressed against the windshield. This design had been the industry standard for decades but started to fall out of favor for a few simple reasons.

First off, the conventional design only allows the blade to create four to eight pressure points on the windshield; this can lead to an inconsistent wipe, creating streaks that can impact overall driving safety and comfort. Secondly, conventional wiper blades tend to be less durable than some of the more modern designs, typically requiring replacement as often as every six months; this lack of longevity can’t be blamed on the wiper blade itself but rather the metal frame that holds the blade in place.

Given how often these metal frames are exposed to moisture, they’re particularly susceptible to rust and corrosion, which can impact the blade’s ability to pivot. That said, there are a few better options when you’re looking to replace your windshield wiper blades on a budget. Conventional blades are not only easy to install, but they’re also typically the most affordable option on the market, ringing in at half the cost of modern beam-type wiper blades.

Many drivers have decided to upgrade from conventional to beam- or hybrid-type wiper blades, but the process usually doesn’t work both ways: if your vehicle can take beam- or hybrid-type blades, automakers recommend against swapping them out for a conventional alternative. Most conventional wipers can also be replaced with a rubber refill that allows drivers to swap out an old, worn-out strip of rubber for a fresh new one, though this should only be attempted once or twice before springing for a full replacement.

Beam Blades

Pros: High-quality material, aerodynamic, better visibility, ideal for harsh weather
Cons: Expensive, beware of low-quality imitators

Beam wiper blades represent a significant improvement over the conventional design. This largely comes down to the blade’s sleek, minimalist design, which not only improves visibility and the blade’s aerodynamic properties at higher speeds but also ensures a clean, even wiping motion.

Beam wipers consist of a rubber blade encased in a pre-tensioned steel beam that’s wrapped in a plastic casing. This casing reduces road noise and keeps snow and ice away from the metal components, preventing the sort of rust and corrosion common to conventional wiper blades. The wiper’s arched steel beam follows the curvature of the windshield to provide consistent pressure and contact, while a built-in spoiler keeps the blade firmly adhered to the windshield at higher speeds.

Once reserved for luxury and high-performance vehicles, this combination of performance and durability has made beam wiper blades the go-to choice for many of today’s automakers. This means that beam wiper blades are pretty easy to find at your local auto parts store or dealership—but they don’t come cheap. Prices vary by manufacturer, but generally speaking, drivers should expect to pay as much as $50 for a new set of beam wiper blades.

That might sound like an investment when compared to conventional wiper blades, but it’s important to note that beam-style blades are usually rated to last twice as long as their budget-oriented counterparts. That doesn’t mean all beam wiper blades are created equal; as is the case when shopping for any automotive part, you always want to be wary of cheap knock-offs. Keep an eye out for wiper blades that come with a solid warranty covering both performance and fitment and avoid products that offer anything less than a one-year warranty.

Hybrid Blades

Pros: All-around value, good in high speeds or extreme weather
Cons: Not as efficient or durable as beam-style, more expensive than conventional, and can be difficult to find

Hybrid wiper blades offer a good middle ground between conventional and beam-style designs. More affordable than beam wiper blades and more efficient and longer-lasting than conventional designs, hybrid blades are a great choice for those who are looking for improved performance without breaking the bank.

Hybrid wiper blades use both a metal frame and a rubber shell but, unlike conventional blades, encase the metal elements in plastic for improved aerodynamics and corrosion resistance. The metal frame also allows the rubber blade to pivot as it moves across the windshield, resulting in a smooth action that’s perfect for quickly cleaning the glass. Hybrid wiper blades offer comparable protection to beam blades when facing snow, sleet, and rain, though they don’t typically last quite as long. They’re also something of a niche product on today’s market and, as such, can be difficult to source, especially if your vehicle requires an unusual size.

Other Kinds of Blades

We’ve covered the three most common wiper blade styles—conventional, beam, and hybrid—but we should also take a moment to mention a few of the less common designs that you might come across.

Winter wipers come in all shapes and sizes, but all share one thing in common: they’re designed with a special blade that’s better at enduring snow and ice. Winter wipers are usually a little more expensive than all-weather varieties, but they can make all the difference when trying to improve safety under harsh winter driving conditions.

Most vehicles can accommodate a wide range of wiper blade styles, but that’s not always the case; some vehicles (typically high-performance models) require their own proprietary wiper blades that are better at handling the windshield’s unique properties or dimensions. Rear windows also tend to require their own wiper blades owing to their unconventional size and shape, so always make sure to reference the owner’s manual to find the right style and size for your specific vehicle.

Length & Longevity

Choosing your next set of wiper blades isn’t as easy as narrowing it down to a specific style. In order to ensure the correct fit, it’s important to make sure you’re shopping for the right size. Many auto parts stores will provide model-specific sets (or a handy reference guide that will allow you to look up your specific year, make, and model), but when in doubt, you can always refer to your owner’s manual. If you want to take a more hands-on approach, simply grab a tape measure and use it to measure the rubber blade; when taking this measurement, you want to focus on the length of the rubber blade, not the metal frame or plastic housing.

We’ve covered your options for windshield wiper replacement, but how often should this task be performed? As we mentioned above, it mostly comes down to the type of blade you choose. Conventional blades might need to be replaced every six months, while a hybrid or beam blade can easily last a year or more. Premium brands usually offer longer-lasting performance, but that’s certainly not always the case, so do a little research before dropping $30 to $50 on a new set of wiper blades.

What to Do When the Time Comes

There are a few tell-tale signs of a wiper blade that’s in need of replacement. Over time, the rubber blade can become cracked, dried, or otherwise worn due to extreme temperatures or arid environments. Snow and ice buildup can also impact a blade’s longevity, which is why drivers should always take a little extra time to clear their wipers following a winter storm. When these factors start to compromise a blade, it’ll typically show up in a number of ways.

You might notice smudges or streaks across the windshield or hear a screeching or chattering noise that indicates a lack of flexibility. Blades that don’t clear the windshield quite as well as they once did are another clear indication, as are dry, cracked, or worn blades. Experts recommend changing your wipers once or twice a year, usually right before the start of winter and spring, when drivers typically encounter the most challenging weather conditions.

Choosing the right set of windshield wipers is essential for safely operating your vehicle. This is especially important for drivers who live in a region that regularly experiences harsh winter weather. Snow and ice can present some real challenges when you’re behind the wheel, obscuring the road and even putting strain on the wipers themselves. Conventional wiper blades might be a good choice for budget-conscious drivers, but they will often have a tough time getting the job done or wear out prematurely due to excessive corrosion.

If you’re looking to upgrade from the conventional wiper blades that came with your car, truck, or SUV, stop by McCluskey Chevrolet to discuss your new options today. From advanced beam-style blades to well-rounded and affordable hybrid blades, our service department can help you pick the right set for your unique driving needs.