Do Deluxe Windshield Wipers Work Any Better?

Have you ever wondered if those expensive windshield wipers work any better than the cheap models?  For those of us that live in climates that experience heavy rain, sleet, ice, and snow, good windshield wipers are essential and we need them to work well.  Even for those cars that live in warmer climates, the sun and heat can take a toll on that thin piece of rubber that is on the blade.  

A sure sign that your blades are wearing out is if the windshield starts to get streaky or blurred when using the wipers.  Experts recommend changing wiper blades every six to twelve months, but how long the wiper blades really last probably depends on what type of material the blades are made out of.   

Originally, wiper blades were all made from organic rubber and many are still made that way today.  They have the shortest lifespan with the tendency to break down in the hot sun and freezing temperatures.  There is a halogen-hardened rubber blade that lasts longer than the ordinary rubber ones.  The most expensive and longest lasting wiper blades (although there is some debate on that) are made out of silicone.  These blades leave a light silicone residue on the windshield, which helps to keep it clean.  Recently a new beam style blade was introduced that is now standard equipment on many new cars.  It is engineered for highly curved windshields and is more aerodynamic with less wind-lift.

It has been difficult for consumer groups to fully test the performance of windshield wipers as the process needs to be done over a fairly long period and the blades need to face varying weather conditions.  Also since many manufacturers frequently change designs and rubber formulations of their wipers, it contributes to the fact that it is hard to determine if one make and model is actually better than another. 

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