What Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

Understanding all the needs of your vehicle and the methods and functions for each part on your vehicle is an important part of car ownership, and can help keep you safe while on the road. A crucial but often overlooked aspect of every vehicle is the windshield wipers.  In fact, in some states, a windshield is not legally necessary but windshield wipers are. They keep your front and rear windows clean, can help get pesky bugs out of your line of sight, and improve visibility in the rain. Learn about what windshield wipers are, the different types, and how to choose the right wipers for your vehicle and driving needs.

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What are Windshield Wipers?

Windshield wipers are a feature on your vehicle to remove dirt, dust, and moisture from the windshield. Wipers improve visibility when you are driving in the rain, snow, or even on long road trips where you can see fragments of bugs and foliage stuck on your window. You can typically adjust the speed of your wipers from inside the vehicle. They are a necessary feature to help drivers maintain clear visibility of the road and respond appropriately to changing road and weather conditions.

Types of Windshield Wipers

When it comes to wipers, you have a variety to choose from. The most important thing is that you get a set that fits your vehicle properly and  is suited for the weather in your area. Your available options include:

Conventional Wipers

These are the standard design and the most common type found on  older vehicles. This wiper has a typical metal frame that holds a type of rubber material. Working like a squeegee, the metal frame pivots along the windshield, allowing the rubber to glide across the windshield and clear up any debris or water on the glass. This type of wiper is affordable and tends to last about four to six months, depending on your area and the weather. Extreme heat, cold, or dry conditions may cause the rubber to break and crack.

Wipers with Beam Design

These wipers have a curved frame that adjusts to the shape of your windshield. The frame is not metal, which means that there is a smaller possibility that it gets stuck. This blade is more expensive than the conventional type, but it provides superior performance because the rubber wiper is one solid piece. And although you’ll pay more upfront for a pair of these wipers, they usually last longer. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, this type of wiper can help you get the snow off your windshield.

Hybrid Design

The hybrid wiper is a little bit of both the conventional wiper and the beam blade. It has a metal frame with a rubber shell that covers the outside of the frame. This allows for maximum contact with the windshield but still provides the strong pivot actions form a traditional set of blades. If you’re looking for something in between as far as performance and price point, this is your best option.

The Importance of Size

When selecting wipers for your vehicle, you want to pay close attention to measurements and size. If your wipers are longer than what is needed and recommended, you’ll find the wipers bumping into one another or getting stuck together as they pass each other. This can damage the wiper motor and lead to further complications and repairs. Blades that are too big might just fall off the first time you try to use them and cause a visibility issue for you as you drive. They can also scratch up or get caught on the sides of your windshield, and damage the trim.

Blades that are too small may not clean the entire windshield and can scratch up your window in parts where there is no rubber on the wiper.

Choosing the Right Wipers for Your Needs

No matter what conditions you drive in, having a solid pair of wipers can help you in unpredictable weather or when you have a dirty window. Selecting the proper wipers for your vehicle and the time of year will ensure that you are prepared for changing weather and other road conditions. You’ll want to replace your existing blades with the correct type and material to ensure they function properly and keep you safe. Consider the following factors to select the right wipers for your vehicle:

• Consult the owner’s manual: Each car manufacturer will have a recommended wiper size for each make, model, and year.
• Check out a wiper-blade size finder: Most automotive shops have reference books for customers and associates. Look up your specific vehicle in the reference book or wiper-blade size finder to ensure you find one that fits.
• Research your correct wiper size online: There are many online resources to help you find the right size and type of wiper for your needs.
• Get accurate measurements of your current wipers: You can use your current wipers as a reference point to help you find new ones that will fit your vehicle.
• Measure both blades separately:  Some wipers are not the same size for each side of the window. Be sure to measure your current wipers to get a guide for the ones you are looking for.

Tips to Help You Know It Is Time to Replace Your Wipers

Look out for the following tell-tale signs for when to replace your wipers:

• Streaks on the window.
• A stretching or scratching noise on the glass when the wipers run across.
• Blades leaving scratches or other marks on the glass.
• Blades that stick or don’t run smoothly on the glass.
• A piece of the blade missing or dangling as it moves across the glass.
• Visible cracks or small tears on the blades.

So there you have it.  Performance Toyota has just shared with you our guide on windshield wipers. Understanding the different types available and how to select a set right for your vehicle and needs can help you maintain optimal visibility while on the road and keep you safer. Replacing your wipers consistently can help keep your windshield in the best condition and prevent scratches. Leave a message and let us know about your DIY wiper-changing experience. If you find that you need the help of an expert, give our service center a call at (513) 874-5535 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Image credits: Windshield wipers by State Farm is licensed with CC BY 2.0