Windshield Wiper Blades

Merle's Automotive Supply: Choosing The Best Windshield Wiper Blades

Like many things, deciding what windshield wiper blades to buy can be difficult because there are so many choices. However, it's usually true that once you factor in your climate and your budget you can at least determine which of the three types of blades you want:

Beam-Style Windshield Wiper Blades
Beam-style wipers are the most expensive, but they also last the longest. They are constructed using a single, one-piece design, made of long-lasting silicone or graphite-coated double rubber. Beam wiper blades are more curved than bracket wiper blades. These wiper blades fit the contour of your windshield providing thousands of contact points between the silicone wiper and the windshield for superior wiping ability.

Bracket or Frame-Style Windshield Wiper Blades
Bracket or frame-style windshield wiper blades snap on to your car's metal wireframe. The wiper blades typically look like a rubber squeegee used to clean windows. These blades are a low-cost option because they are made of single uncoated rubber. Conventional bracket-style wiper blades should be replaced regularly. The wiper blade snaps into metal brackets that can be vulnerable to snow and ice, but bracket-style wiper blades are great for drivers in mild climates.

Hybrid Windshield Wiper Blades
Hybrid blades have become more popular in recent years, featuring similar construction as conventional bracket-style blades, but with an added outer shell. The outer shell acts as housing over the blade portion of the wiper. The outer shell has a low profile and helps keep ice and frozen precipitation off the blade. Hybrid blades are moderately priced and need to be replaced less frequently than bracket-style windshield wiper blades.