Nothing is more scary than when you’re casually commuting on the freeway and then all of a sudden, you find yourself caught in an unexpected rain storm, leaving you unable to see other cars around you. Some rain spouts have been recorded to drop 1.5-2.0 inches in 6 hours. This is an all too common occurrence, especially in the Pacific NorthWest. The goal of this article is to increase driver safety, inform our customers about the best windshield wiper blades on the market, and make those rainy days a little less stressful for everyone on the road.
After a few seasons of sun, it is easy to forget about the condition of your windshield wipers. The last thing you want to do is to wait until you’re driving through a rainstorm only to realize your windshield wipers need to be replaced.
Our expert technicians at AG Automotive have compiled a list of the top 10 windshield wiper blades to help our customers and community drive with confidence by making the decision of purchasing the perfect wiper blades an easier experience. Keep in mind that some vehicles require two different sizes of blades. Make sure to look up your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations on what size blades you need before you make the purchase!
If you have any questions about your windshield wiper blades, give AG Automotive a call and an expert technician will be able to answer your questions or get you on our schedule for a replacement.
Top 10 Best Windshield Wipers
- ANCO 31-Series
The ANCO 31-Series wiper blades come in at #1 on our list because of their overall performance, reliability and cost. Compared to the best blades available on the market, they might lack the durability and advanced technology seen from their competitors, but the ANCO 31-series blades trump the competition because of their above average performance & reliability for their relatively cheap price tag.
They feature an all-metal vented bridge design that offers a consistent, clear wipe in all driving conditions. Like many other windshield wiper blade manufacturers on this list, the ANCO 31-Series rubber is made of an exclusive rubber compound that provides a consistent steak-free wipe.
These blades are recommended for vehicles that have to persevere through moderate rainfall throughout the year. Keep in mind they are not the best option for snow or ice, but that doesn’t mean they fall behind other blades that are on this list just for that reason alone.
- Bosch ICON
The Bosch ICON is one of the best performing wiper blades on the market. It’s cost might deter the average customer, but it’s above-all superiority comes from it’s functionality in all weather conditions and exceptional lifespan.
These premium blades feature up to a 40% longer lifespan than other premium blades on the market. It’s patented beam design paired with Bosch’s special rubber material technology takes away the difficult challenge of wiping away heavy snow or ice completely. It’s bracketless design and tension springs allow the blade to be flexible without sacrificing wiping performance.
Bosch wiper blades are a great choice if you live in a climate that experiences a lot of rain or snow throughout the year. Washington and Oregon climates are notorious for their rainfall, as their climate is oceanic with Mediterranean influences. Bosch ICON wipers might not necessarily be the best option for those who are shielded from the rain or snow during the peak seasons.
- PIAA Silicone Wipers
There is a nice debate between whether or not silicone blades out perform rubber blades. The PIAA Silicone Wipers have set out on a quest to end that argument once and for all.
The manufacturer’s claim the blades to be twice as durable as traditional rubber blades. They also coat the windshield with silicone that provides greater visibility to the driver. Another benefit to the PIAA Silicone Wipers is they offer replaceable blades which are a cheaper alternative to replacing the frame and the blade at the same time. The upgraded frame ensures even pressure across the windshield, providing a smooth and streak-free wipe.
They also offer a one-year warranty if you find yourself constantly replacing blades throughout your battle with heavy rains, snow or icy conditions.
- Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Wiper Blade
The Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Wiper Blades made this list for their exceptional performance during harsh winter conditions. Even though Michelin is known for its tires, the company has proven to be a top competitor in the windshield wiper market.
The blades are all about their exceptional ability to handle snow and icy conditions. It’s hard-cover beam design is paired with a premium blade coated in a special rubber work together to create the perfect tool for tearing through challenging winter conditions while also preserving the integrity of the blade.
Overall, the Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Wiper Blades are the perfect choice for drivers who encounter a lot of ice and snow throughout the year. One thing to note about these blades is that the included adapters may not fit on some vehicles. It would be in the best interest for our customers to check their owner’s manual to ensure the adapters are compatible with your vehicle. Give our experts at AG Automotive a call and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the compatibility of your wiper blades.
- Aero Premium All-Season Wipers
Unlike the previous blades on this list, the Aero Premium All-season Wipers, as stated, are made to persevere through all seasons. With a 6-month warranty, these blades are created with a special blend of rubber to provide a smooth, clean and streak-free wipe for an affordable price.
They rank in at #5 on this list because of their overall above-average performance and price point. Even though they have “premium” in their name, if you are looking for the best wiper possible for your vehicle, check out the options above. They are a good choice for those in climates that see steady rain throughout the year, but they don’t outperform other wipers on this list that specialize in dealing with snow or ice.
One major benefit of choosing these blades is that Aero includes an extra set replacement blade along with your purchase. Even though there is nothing too special about these blades, they are considered an all-around good choice for those looking for a cheap windshield wiper blade replacement.
- Bosch OE Specialty AeroTwin
The Bosch OE Specialty AeroTwin wiper blades are a great option for all weather conditions and are less expensive compared to the other Bosch ICON blades that came in at #2 on this list. Consider the AeroTwin blades, the younger brother of the ICON blades, as what they lack in performance, they make up for in affordability.
The AeroTwin wiper blades feature a multi-rubber compound coated with graphite for increased durability and are guided by a curved, aerodynamic, and all-steel frame. Sold in a set, you want to make sure you purchase the correct sizes for your vehicle.
These blades are a great mid-range choice that perform well for their price point and are recommended for use in areas that don’t experience any snow or ice throughout the year.
- Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency 2-n-1 Wiper Blades
The company Rain-x specializes in water repellent technology for glass surfaces. So it only made sense for them to produce their very own windshield wipers. They integrated their water repellent technology into the Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency 2-n-1 Wiper Blades which makes them a fierce competitor in the wiper blade industry.
The blades are coated in their water repellent coating which is applied to your windshield during its first few uses. It’s priced relatively cheap while still being able to perform just as well as some of the other wiper blades on this list. You should take note that these blades were designed to excel in climates that only experience rain. Snow or ice may cause the blades to clog-up since the frames don’t offer any protection from that type of harsh weather.
The Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency 2-n-1 Wiper Blades are some of the best selling blades on the market and a great choice for almost every vehicle on the road.
- Valeo 900 Ultimate Series
Coming it at #8 on this list, the Valeo 900 Ultimate Series wiper blades have some unique properties that distinguish them from other windshield wiper blades on the market. Summarized in a single phrase, they are like an arrow in the wind.
The blades come in a wide range of sizes ranging from 15 to 29 inches. Valeo also claims that the 900 Ultimate Series blades have the best aerodynamics out of any other blades on the market. They are even able to reduce wind noise by up to 3dB in extreme weather conditions.
They might sound like a gimmick, but they are also able do their job as a windshield wiper. Their frameless non-metal blades make throwing off snow and ice a walk in the park. They have also gone through extensive testing to claim the blades have at least 1,500 windshield-to-blade pressure points to ensure the pressure is distributed evenly. They are known to wear out more quickly compared to other blades on the market, especially if they are constantly battling harsh weather conditions year-round.
They sound like the most advanced windshield wipers on the market, but unfortunately they are priced at a premium. Not to mention that Valeo doesn’t offer any replacement blades.
- SilBlade Premium Silicone
The SilBlade Premium Silicone is all about longevity. #9 on this list, these blades are designed for extreme weather conditions. That might not seem like such a big deal, but the thing about these blades is they are designed to last years, not months. The company offers a 5-year warranty on these blades because they are positive they can withstand anything that is thrown at them.
These premium blades come at a premium cost though, which is why they are lower down on this list. The frame is powder coated in a high gauge steel and painted with very durable paint. L
Like many of the other premium options on the market, the wiper blade is a silicone blade infused with graphite that offers incredible chemical resistance and durability. They also are designed to adapt to today’s modern windshield curves.
These blades might outlast the competition, but their high price tag might deter the average buyer. Overall, the SilBlade Premium Silicone makes for a great all-season blade that you can throw on and almost forget about.
- TRICO White Extreme Weather Winter Wiper Blades
Even though the TRICO White Extreme Weather Winter Wiper Blades come in at #10 on this list, they still outperform many other wiper blades on the market. They are designed to excel in & withstand harsh winter conditions. So, if you live in a climate that doesn’t experience too much snow or ice, you should consider other all-season options on this list.
These blades are made of a flexible metal frame that stays soft in extremely cold weather to prevent cracks from ruining its structural integrity. Just like the everlasting SilBlade Premium Silicone wiper blades, TRICO blades are specifically curved to hug modern windshields.
The TRICO White Extreme Weather Winter Wiper Blades are a great choice for drivers that constantly have to battle snow or ice throughout the year.
Schedule your windshield wiper blade replacement service today!
If you have noticed that your vehicle’s windshield wipers aren’t what they used to be, Ag Automotive will have you back on the road in no time after you schedule a windshield wiper blade replacement service. Our expert technicians have the tools and knowledge to clean or replace worn blades quickly and efficiently.
We offer our customers a full service inspection of their vehicle which includes replacing your old windshield wipers. We want the job to be done right the first time so we ensure your vehicle is working properly and exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications.
If you have any questions about your windshield wiper blades, give AG Automotive a call and an expert technician will be able to answer your questions or get you on our schedule for a replacement.
