| Best Choice |
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Bosch Automotive Silicone Wiper Blade | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Piaa Aero Vogue Silicone Wiper Blade | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
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San Auto Windshield Wiper | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
The windshield wiper market is inundated with options, all trying to tell you that they are the best of the best. Yet, with so many of these choices falling short of expectations, it’s only right that you might decide to do a little research before making your purchase. Of course you want the best silicone wiper blades available, but perhaps you aren’t sure what that really consists of, just yet.
Below we go in detail as to what makes silicone wiper blades the right option as well as give you our Top Picks in silicone windshield wipers. So read on, and discover everything you need to know about silicone wipers and how they can make your car journeys safer, clearer and all the more enjoyable.
The Best Silicone Wiper Blade
The Bosch icon wiper blades are some of the best silicone wiper blades on the market. Made with durable materials, they come with bragging rights and last up to 40-percent longer than their competitors. This is due in part to their design and the high-quality silicone wiper blades Bosch uses, which resist damage from UV rays and ozone deterioration.
This is a design that sits better along the windshield, protecting against ice and frost build-up, thus preventing damage from the environment. It also provides a clear, full sweep that leaves your windshield spotless after use. Just be aware that there are some copies around, so be sure to check your box when it arrives and send it back if you’re concerned you haven’t received the right option.
- 40% longer lasting than competitors
- Easy to install
- Weather shielded protective design
- Brand Bosch
- Model 15A
- Weight 4.8 ounces
Extremely easy to install and quick to set up
Frameless design sits better along the windshield
Weather-resistant to avoid breaking down due to frost or UV rays
Copies are being sold, so beware fakes
Do not fit well with some windshield wiper directional movement
This 2-in-1 Water Repellency Wiper Blade is another excellent choice in silicone wiper blades. With the addition of an aerodynamic spoiler, this option works brilliantly even in the heaviest storms.
It comes with a huge bonus in water repellency features. The silicone blades coat your windshield with a layer of hydrophobic chemicals, causing the water to bead and leave your windshield clearer, even when the blades aren’t in use.
- Aerodynamic spoiler
- Weather resistant
- Repels water
- Brand Rain-X
- Model 5079281-2
- Weight 6.4 Ounces
Treats windshield with water repellent during use
Universal adapters fit all windscreen wipers connections
Fits up to 96% of vehicle types
Wiper has been known to come loose at times
Can miss large sections of window
With these PIAA wiper blades you’ll find your windshield coated with water repellent hydrophobic liquid. This is great if you’re looking for a windscreen wiper that gives you greater clarity, even when not in use.
Made with an aerodynamic design, this option quickly and easily prevents a build up of frost and ice during the colder months, making it easier to get your car clear in the morning. It does, however, make quite a bit of noise when travelling at higher speeds and many users noted that these are rather difficult to install.
- Available up to 26 inches
- Weather resistant
- Repels water
- Brand Piaa
- Model 97060
- Weight 6.4 ounces
Coats windscreen with water repellent during use
Aerodynamic design prevents build-up
Can be difficult to install
Makes noise at high speeds
Known for providing a long-lasting option for most makes and models, these all-season windshield wiper blades from AERO are a fantastic choice if you currently need a greater selection of sizes for your car windscreen. They are guaranteed to fit alongside the original equipment manufacturer – so you’ll have no problem installing these on most car types.
While they are aerodynamically designed, some customers have complained that they can produce a lot of noise while driving. The rubber has also been known to come away from the main structure of the wiper, meaning you’ll have to watch for any faults before they become a risk on the road.
- OEM fit guaranteed
- Aerodynamic design
- Highly rated
- Brand Aero
- Model AERO-J2616-01
- Weight 12 ounces
Affordable and cost-effective
Excellent customer service
Can be very noisy at times
Rubber has been known to come away from the wiper
A great choice if you’re looking for a quick replacement, this is a pack of one wiper blade – so be sure to make multiple purchases if you need both replacing. It comes with a pre-installed adapter, making it much easier to attach to your car and get going again and comes at a very reasonable price.
Be aware however, that customer service from Silblade is said to be pretty terrible. As such, we would recommend these silicone wiper blades as a good, short-term replacement that should be treated as a bonus, if they work well for you. Otherwise, they’re a great choice for getting your new silicone wipers on your car as and when you need them urgently.
- Available up to 28 inches
- Weather resistant
- Pre-installed adaptor
- Brand Silblade
- Model WB124S
- Weight 4.8 Ounces
PTFE coating allows for a smooth, quality sweep
The adaptor makes installation extremely easy
Poor customer service
Can be very loud
Another option that comes with multiple sizing options, to best suit your car, these silicone windshield wipers from Beigaon also come with a water repellent coating and paste. They’re perfect for handling wetter weather as they easily snow and ice build-up. As an added bonus, they’re said to be extremely quiet – even when travelling at higher speeds.
Unfortunately, they’re also known for wearing out pretty quickly. This means you’ll end up spending more on other replacements down the line. That said, they’re still a great choice if you’re looking for something to get you through the winter – just be aware that if you get the measurements wrong, you’ll be looking at a streak of water for most of your journey.
- Set of 2 windshield wipers
- Weather resistant
- Multiple size combinations available
- Brand Beigaon
- Model SY2418
- Weight 10.6 Ounces
Aerodynamic design resists snow and ice build-up
Quiet and smooth
Can miss large sections on the window
Can wear out more quickly than competitors
Another single blade option, this PIAA wiper blade comes with a host of extra features – although this comes at an extra price. Slightly more expensive than many of the other options on our list, this silicone wiper blade still comes with excellent value for money. It’s very weather resistant and comes with the water repellent coating feature which helps to set it apart.
Its aerodynamic design is perfect for ensuring there’s no noise while you drive. However, you might notice that the design of this wiper blade includes the venting, and these may hold some water during heavier downpours – often leaving you with a streak of water after being used. It also struggles with removing dirt, according to reviews – so this may be better suited for commuters over longer rides.
- Weather resistant
- Highly rated
- Water repellent
- Brand Piaa
- Model 9165
- Weight 9.1 ounces
Applies water repellent coating during use
Aerodynamic design ensure no noise
Struggles with removing dirt
Leaves some water after each sweep
Here’s a fantastic, affordable option that is ideal when you need quick replacements. These wipers come with a u-shaped design so they sit flush with your windshield, ensuring a thorough sweep when installed.
This pair of wiper blades come in multiple size combinations, so be sure to check the fit before buying. They leave a streak-free finish that users love and are extremely easy to install – just be aware that there are no directions for your installation and customer service is said to be lacking.
- Set of 2 windshield wipers
- Multiple size combinations available
- U-shaped design
- Brand San Auto
- Model HD-YGU24-16
- Weight 12.8 ounces
Very quick and easy to install
Leave a streak-free finish
No directions given for installation
Poor customer service
Silicone Wiper Blades Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying Silicone Windshield Wipers
- Car Make and Model
Naturally, the make and model of your car will have an effect on the compatibility with the windshield wipers you choose. If you aren’t sure whether your new wipers will fit with your car, then be sure to check with the manufacturer – this is also a great opportunity to check how good the customer service is. There’s also a handy fitting feature on Amazon you can use, which is available with some of the options, as you can see from our Top Picks, above.
- Length
Getting the correct length of wiper blade will ensure that you aren’t left with missing sections on your windscreen. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also be very dangerous, as it creates a distraction from the road, or blocks your view. We talk more about how to get the rid fit for your windscreen, below.
- Number of Blades
If you’re just looking for a quick replacement, then one may do you for the time being. However, if your older wipers are starting to fail, making a noise or are generally terrible at being windshield wipers, then it’s time to get a complete new set of two. Just be sure that they’re compatible with each other, as well as your vehicle.
- Weather Resistance
Increased weather resistance is one of the key reasons to buy silicone wiper blades and this is especially true with winter coming up. The buildup of snow and ice on your windscreen can be difficult to shift at times, and can often damage your wipers. Instead, opt for silicone wipers that are designed to allow this buildup to quickly and easily fall away with the help of gravity.
The summer is no better, with increased traffic on the roads and the blazing summer sun, you’ll find that pollution and UV rays can quickly break down most windshield wipers. Instead, look for good quality materials that are more resistant to these, giving you greater longevity.
- Quality
The quality of your new silicone wiper blades is easily one of the most important considerations. Think about the material of the frame and the quality of the silicone wiper itself, as well as how well they fit together. While it can be tougher to gauge this when buying online, a good way to check is to look at the descriptions and check with reviews, to see how well the wipers are made.
Why You Should Use Silicone Wiper Blades
Silicone wiper blades are gentler on your windshield and can easily shift away standard rainfall with issue. As well as this being safer for your overall health, as you’ll have a clearer view and less chance of a cracked or damaged windscreen, this also means that you’ll save more money over time – as they are less likely to wear down quickly.
Their resistance to extreme temperatures is another great example of why you should use silicone wiper blades. Being naturally resistant to UV rays and even being easier to clean thanks to their resistance to fungus, these are great if you don’t want to have to continually clean your wiper blades every few weeks.
Finally, they are much more environmentally friendly. As well as being made from a more environmentally friendly process, they are also less likely to require replacing as often. This, in turn, leaves more money in your pocket while reducing your impact on the environment.
Silicone Wiper Blades vs Rubber Wipers
There are quite a few differences when it comes to silicone wiper blades vs rubber options. First and foremost, silicone is much more temperature resistant, which helps against extreme temperatures that we can often find here in the US.
It’s also much easier to clean, as silicone is naturally resistant to fungus and even chemicals. The latter of which also allows it to hold an increased longevity against its rubber counterparts – particularly in combination with poor environments such as acid rain. It can also withstand UV rays and ozone issues without concern, again helping with the longevity.
That’s not to say that rubber doesn’t come without its own strengths. For example, rubber is much heavier and can handle a greater level of weight, particularly as the likelihood of tears or small damage increases with silicone. For this reason, it can sometimes be worth opting for a dual rubber option which incorporates silicone, giving you the best of both worlds.
Types of Silicone Wipers
- Pure
Pure silicone is made up of nothing but silicone (as the name suggests). These are generally more weather-resistant while being gentle on your windshield. They also come with the added benefit of being longer lasting overall, as their material is usually of a higher quality, while the silicone stands up to extreme temperatures much better.
- Dual
As the name suggest, dual silicone wipers are made up of a compound of silicone and cheaper plastics. They can also be made up of a harder, rubber inner with a silicone surround. While still effective, these options are a little heavier duty and can be harsher on your windscreen. They are, however, better suited for heavy rains and snowy weather, as they can shift the buildup much easier.
Best Silicone Wiper Blades FAQ:
Water beading is when the rain droplets turn into beads over rivulets, which run down your screen. Bunching up like this allows you to see the road much clearer, even when the wipers themselves aren’t switched on. This is created by using hydrophobic ingredients in coatings, which resist water and therefore force the liquid to form small beads.
Generally speaking, windshield wiper blades should be replaced if you see a big difference in the quality of your sweep. While many problems can be fixed with a quick clean, if you still see smears, if the rubber is breaking or you see leftover water droplets after using your wipers, then it’s time to give them a new lease of life. Another good rule of thumb is replacing your wiper blades every 6-8 months, depending on the weather you drive in, how frequently you drive and the type of wiper blades you currently use.
While most car manuals should have the correct size, there are other ways to find this information if you have lost this or can’t find the correct information. A good way to check would be to measure the current size of your wiper blades, for the most effective and quickest way to get the right size – or you can simply ask a shop assistant to help you.
Cleaning your wiper blades is key to getting a greater lifespan out of them. It’s also a good way to keep a freshly washed car nice and clean – especially if your wipers are starting to smear or leave a residue after being used. The best way to clean your wipers is to do the following:
– Bring your wiper up and away from your window, and decide which angle is easier for you to get into the entire length of the wiper.
– You can use hot, soapy water to get rid of a larger build-up of dirt, before using a cleaner. Simply use a good quality sponge and bucket, with warm (not boiling) water and a little dish soap.
– If you have a specialized cleaner, you can wait for the wipers to dry or wipe them down, before using this.
– Apply your cleaner using a few paper towels, a decent rag or general household cloth.
– Run a fresh paper towel over your wiper – there should be no residue left. If there is, give your blades another clean.
– Place them back against your windshield, being careful to ensure they don’t rush down and cause a crack.
Our Top Pick
We love the Bosch ICON wiper blades because their design and cohesiveness with a wide range of vehicles makes them one of the most adaptable on the market. This adaptability ensures you still get a great level of clarity when on the road, leaving you safer and feeling much more in control of your driving when it’s raining.
They’re affordable, long lasting and highly rated by previous buyers, leaving you with a level of confidence from the very start. All-in-all, these are the best silicone wiper blades on the market because they leave you with a gleaming windscreen, without noise, streaks or installation issues.
Source:
- How to Choose Windshield Wiper Blades – Wiki How
