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4 Types of Windshield Wipers (with Pictures)
Visnja Radosavljevic
Last updated:
Windshield wipers are a vital component of every vehicle, and there are several available types on the market. Their blades are typically divided into three main categories: flat, standard, hybrid.
However, there are some sub-categories we will mention below. If you want to purchase new windshield wipers for your vehicle, check out the list below and find your perfect match!
The 4 Types of Windshield Wipers
1. Flat Blade Windshield Wipers
Image By: Zoltan Galantai, Shutterstock
Most newer vehicles are equipped with flat-blade windshield wipers that are great when driving during bad weather. Because of their flat shape, these windshield wipers allow better airflow and reduce wind noise. Also, they allow better visibility than standard blade windshield wipers.
Their design matches the shape of your windshield, and the contact pressure will be the same throughout all windshield areas. These windshield wiper blades are a bit more expensive than the conventional type.
2. Hybrid Blade Windshield Wipers
Image Credit: Stason4ik, Shutterstock
These windshield wipers represent a mixture between the standard-blade and flat-blade windshield wipers. They are the perfect combination as they have excellent performance while providing a pleasing appearance and aerodynamic properties.
These windshield wipers have a spoiler that goes throughout the entire blade length, reducing wind and keeping the rubber blade directly on the windscreen for quiet and smooth movement.
3. Standard Blade Windshield Wipers
Image Credit: Thanida Siritan, Shutterstock
A few years ago, most new cars had standard blade windshield wipers with a metal or plastic structure made of a central bridge and jointed links with multiple pressure points, determined by the blade’s length. These windshield wiper blades are very affordable and have the best availability. They resemble a coat hanger and can range in sizes from 10 inches to 28 inches. If you have these windshield wipers on your vehicle, you can easily replace them with a new set or choose one of the upgraded types on the list.
4. Beam Blade Windshield Wipers
Image Credit: noPPonPat, Shutterstock
These are the most expensive type of windshield wipers, although most manufacturers claim they have a longer lifespan. These windshield wipers have a one-piece framework with minimal parts, making them unique. Because of the spring-steel band, the wipers can adjust to the windshield curve. Their appearance is also more attractive, which will increase the price of your vehicle.
As beam blade windshield wipers have no exposed parts, they are protected from snow and ice during colder months. That’s what makes them a superior option for any car.
How to Choose the Right Windshield Wipers for Your Vehicle
Choosing adequate windshield wipers for your vehicle can be tiring, especially if you’re unsure what to look for.
Below are some easy tips on choosing the proper blades for your car.
Tips
Check your vehicle’s manual: When you’re unsure which windshield wipers you need, it’s best to check your vehicle’s manual. It will have all the details you need, and it might even recommend a brand that would work the best for your car.
Search online: You can find online tools that will help you determine which windshield wipers you need.
Speak with a professional: If you’re still having doubts, you can reach out to a professional to help you find adequate windshield wipers for your vehicle. It’s always better to reach out to someone with experience than to make a mistake.
Conclusion
Before choosing your new windshield wipers, familiarize yourself with all the available options and verify which would work best for your car. Compare the functionality and practicality of each type and look for windshield wipers with good performance that won’t break your budget.
Of course, you can always take your car to a service where they’ll choose adequate replacements and charge you for the work.
Visnja is a content writer that covers various topics such as DIY, pets, home improvement, travel, gardening, and more. She is a young mom and college student that balances her time between her busy personal life and her passion of writing.
She believes that "writing is a great way to share your knowledge with the community and express yourself. There's nothing that words cannot accomplish, so I always try to use them in the best possible way."
Visnja Radosavljevic
