Recommended Windshield Wiper Blades

Written by

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

Updated on November 27th, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • Always make sure that the windshield wiper blades are compatible with the windshield wipers in length and type.
  • Framed windshield wipers are more common and affordable, but frameless windshield wipers last longer and clean the glass more thoroughly.

Windshield wiper blades work hard throughout the year. They remove most substances that land on the windshield, whether it’s water, dirt, dust, sand, or snow. By keeping the windshield clean and easy to look through, wiper blades help you drive safely.

Most windshield wiper blades last roughly six months. You need to replace worn-out wiper blades to avoid damaging the windshield. Alternatively, you might want to install newer, more efficient wiper blades if you expect bad weather. It’s important to choose the right blades for the type of windshield wiper on your vehicle.

Types of Windshield Wipers

You can divide windshield wipers between framed and frameless wipers. Each type has strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, a windshield wiper blade that fits one type will probably not fit the other. Always read the product description to see if the new blades are compatible with the windshield wipers.

Framed Windshield Wiper Blades

The framed windshield wiper blade gets its name from how it attaches to a rigid metal frame that keeps it flat on the windshield. It’s considered the conventional or traditional type.

Framed windshield wiper blades are the affordable and common option. They’re easy and cheap to manufacture, so car makers usually use them as stock wiper blades for their vehicles. They also do their job well enough.

However, framed windshield wiper blades have several drawbacks. They can’t reach every spot on the windshield because the wiper is more or less straight while the glass is curved. When they move across the windshield, they apply uneven pressure on the glass, leaving some parts of the windshield dirty and wet. They might also scratch the glass.

Another weakness of framed windshield wiper blades is their short service life. They contain more components, increasing the chance something will fail and go wrong.

Recommended Framed Windshield Wiper Blades

Framed Front Windshield Wiper Blades

Framed windshield wiper blades are the affordable and common option. They’re easy and cheap to manufacture, so car makers usually use them as stock wiper blades for their vehicles.

These framed windshield wiper blades are designed for installation and use on the front of the vehicle only. They keep the front windshield clear as day.

Our Top Picks:

Framed Front Driver and Passenger Windshield Wiper Blades

These framed windshield wiper blades are mounted on the driver and passenger sides of the front windshield. You can usually switch the position of the two blades.

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Framed Rear Windshield Wiper Blades

Not all vehicles have windshield wipers on their rear end. These framed windshield wiper blades are intended for use in models with wipers on the rear windshield.

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Framed Front and Rear Windshield Wiper Blades

These framed windshield wiper blades are suitable for use on both ends of the vehicle, provided the model has front and rear wipers of the same type.

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Frameless Windshield Wiper Blades

Frameless windshield wipers dispense with the rigid frame that characterizes and names their conventional counterpart. Their lack of a frame gives them a curved shape.

Frameless windshield wipers dispense with the rigid frame that characterizes and names their conventional counterpart. Their lack of a frame gives them a curved shape.

Their natural curve enables frameless windshield wipers to follow the contours of the glass. Their windshield wiper blades apply the same pressure to every part of the windshield, resulting in a thorough cleaning.

Furthermore, frameless windshield wipers last longer. Getting rid of the frame reduces the number of components in the windshield wiper. The simplified wiper has fewer points of failure, thereby extending its service life.

The sleeker shape of frameless windshield wipers translates into better aerodynamics. They look smooth and sporty, which can improve the looks of the vehicle, especially if the car is a luxury model.

If frameless windshield wipers are so good, why aren’t they the standard issue? Their main drawback is cost. Frameless windshield wipers have bigger price tags because they use high-quality materials.

Frameless Front Windshield Wiper Blades

Upgrade your car with these frameless windshield wiper blades that will keep the front windshield clean and clear.

Our Top Picks:

Frameless Rear Windshield Wiper Blades

These frameless windshield wiper blades will wipe away most liquids and particulate matter that stick to the rear windshield.

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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.