LAST UPDATED: May 24, 2019
Best Silicone Wiper Blades: Top Picks for Clear Views
Our top picks for keeping your windshield unobscured
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PUBLISHED ON May 24, 2019
An obscured windshield is a real safety hazard, so make sure you’ve always got a clear view of the road by regularly checking and replacing your windshield wiper blades. New materials and designs have cropped up in the past few years, making natural rubber blades almost obsolete. Read on to find out everything you need to know to pick out the best silicone wiper blades for your vehicle.
An obscured windshield is a real safety hazard, so make sure you’ve always got a clear view of the road by regularly checking and replacing your windshield wiper blades. New materials and designs have cropped up in the past few years, making natural rubber blades almost obsolete. Read on to find out everything you need to know to pick out the best silicone wiper blades for your vehicle.
Best Silicone Wiper Blades Reviews & Recommendations 2020
Made from pure silicone, this PIAA wiper blade comes in sizes between 12 and 26 inches. The patented silicone rubber material is extremely resistant to wear and damage from UV and heat exposure as well as cold temperatures. This makes them last up to twice as long as a wiper blade made from natural rubber. It also comes with another benefit: The silicone coats your car’s windshield with a water repellent layer after every wipe, helping water bead and keeping your view unobstructed.
An aerodynamic frame keeps your car sleek and streamlined, while the design also allows for quiet, streak-free wiping. The hook attachment is easy to install and compatible with a wide variety of vehicles. An included prepping cloth can be used to further improve the performance of the wipers by coating your windshield with a water-repelling solution. This makes the PIAA wiper blade perform exceedingly well in a number of weather conditions.
The one downside to these blades is that they don’t work as well in heavy snow since this particular silicone rubber is much softer than a dual-blended or natural rubber one would be. That could be a problem, depending on where you plan to drive with these wipers installed. The higher cost is also a factor to consider, but since they can last for a year and longer, they’re well worth the investment.
A blended rubber formulation makes the ICON wiper blade heat resistant and protected from ozone deterioration. In quality tests, these wipers routinely lasted up to 40 percent longer than other wiper blades, making these a great value buy. They’re also really easy to install, thanks to the sturdy hook adapter they come with. Available in an impressive range of sizes and fits, this wiper blade is made to fit the contours of most windshields.
The sleek design keeps your visibility as clear as possible, even in extreme weather conditions. A patented tension spring design distributes force equally, so there are no skips in the wiping pattern; a useful feature in heavy rain and snow. These wiper blades also hold up well at high speeds, thanks to a flexible, asymmetric spoiler that uniformly distributes downward force. Another benefit of their high-quality design is that they don’t squeak; during comparative testing, these were some of the quietest blades on the market.
The only thing we didn’t like about these blades is that they require an adapter to work with most vehicles, which can be annoying if you happen to have a hook system these don’t work with. That being said, it’s worth looking into an adapter to make these work, as the performance for the price is stellar.
As the 2017 Product of the Year winner, this Rain-X wiper blade has a couple of great features that we’re excited about. They’re made from a dual-rubber blend for superior all-weather performance, making them durable even in the most extreme weather conditions. A water-repellent coating is applied to the windshield by the blades with every wipe, which helps with water beading. That, in turn, keeps your visibility high, which is an important safety factor when driving in foul weather.
Advanced beam blade technology fits the contours of curved windshields well, making for a smooth and streak-free wiping motion. The patented universal adapter ensures easy installation and a fit that matches most vehicles out there. Both of these factors also make for quiet operation, even at high speeds. Pro tip: If you combine these blades with Rain-X water beading solution, you’ll have an even clearer view of the road ahead.
Compared to some other wiper blades, the attachment point is bigger and bulkier than it needs to be, which can be a bit of an eye-sore. We also noticed that these tended to be a bit bigger than indicated on the packaging. That means you should probably buy them in a size smaller for the best fit. Other than that, this model works well and definitely deserves a mention.
SILICAR’s water-repellent wiper blades are another great choice for drivers looking to make their vehicles safer and more comfortable in wet conditions. Not only do these silicone blades last far longer than rubber blades—up to 60 percent longer, in some cases—but the coating they leave on your windshield also wicks water so well that it sometimes slides off before the wiper even touches it. That means longer visibility and less stress.
The other standout qualities of these blades are their user-friendliness and their aerodynamic design. Installation is extremely easy and quick. And while aerodynamic engineering isn’t something many people think about with their windshield wipers, it plays an important role in keeping them silent and capable at high speeds. SILICAR’s blades do a standout job of minimizing both rattling noise and wind damage.
If there’s anything about these blades we don’t like, it’s that they don’t always lie perfectly flush with the windshield, which can lead to spots getting missed. And while they don’t rattle, they have been observed to squeak while in use. Finally, some purchasers have reported trouble with the paste used in the initial treatment, which sometimes arrives too dry to use.
AVA’s silicone blades have a unique design, which starts with installation. Adding the blades to your adapter works a bit differently as a consequence of their shape, and only works on J-hook wiper arms. Once they’re on, that unique design begins to pay off: AVA’s all-weather blades are some of the quietest on the market, and stay quieter than brand new rubber blades even after using them for a significant amount of time.
They’re also exceptionally affordable, especially for how well they work—other manufacturers charge a lot more for the same streak-free clean. The “all-weather” claim holds up as well, as these blades have proven surprisingly capable of tackling snow and ice buildup. Rounding out the list of positive qualities is their impressive longevity. We’ve observed that they last longer than new rubber blades, without any noticeable drops in performance.
Before you buy, there are a few negatives you should be aware of. These blades don’t ship with an instruction manual, which can force you to go to the internet to find out how to install them. That’s problematic since these blades don’t install the way many others do and don’t install at all on U-hook wiper arms. Also, shipping sizes are not always accurate—customers have reported receiving blades that are up to 2 inches off the claimed length.
XPERT Performance’s silicone wiper blades are another great choice for an affordable, versatile replacement. Since they come in sizes from 8 to 28 inches, you’re sure to find the length of the wiper you need. These blades boast a three-segmented design that conforms well to the curvature of any windshield and does a good job of catching spots of moisture that other blades miss. They work in both rain and winter weather and leave very few streaks in all conditions.
The main selling points of silicone wiper blades are quiet performance and a long life, and XPERT Performance delivers here as well. Using them for six months in multiple weather conditions doesn’t produce a noticeable effect on their ability to clear moisture—and they don’t get any louder, either. If you’re looking to make the switch from rubber wipers, these are a great starter set to convince you of the power of silicone.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the few problems we have with the XPERT Performance blades. They’re not completely silicone but are a silicone-rubber hybrid, which lowers the unit price but might pass up some of the durability benefits of silicone past the six-month mark. Installation can also be a bit tricky, and they only work with J-hook wiper bases.
In case you’re interested in how companies better known for other automotive products build silicone wiper blades, we’ve got some good news: Michelin’s silicone blades are definitely an above-average choice. The Stealth Ultra series comes in lengths ranging from 16 to 28 inches, all of which install easily with simplified locking systems.
Like many others on this list, Michelin’s silicone blades are fitted with two hinges, which in this case are engineered to apply the correct amount of pressure to maintain blade contact with the windshield glass. The whole system is contained within a cover which is also segmented, maintaining flexibility while protecting the inner workings from water and dust. Michelin states that independent testing has proven these blades are capable of consistent performance for 300,000 wiping cycles.
Michelin also claims that they took inspiration from beam blades to prepare these wipers for ice and snow, but unfortunately, that one doesn’t quite pan out. These aren’t a great choice for areas with cold winters. Despite the beam technology, ice gathers under the blades and has to be dug out manually. Another drawback to these blades is the instruction manual, which isn’t clear about the four different options for mounting the blades.
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Benefits of Silicone Wiper Blades
- Environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional organic rubber windshield wiper blades, silicone models are manufactured without petroleum. That makes them easier to manufacture in an environmentally-friendly process, and they’re also completely biodegradable.
- Better performance. When compared to rubber windshield wiper blades, silicone variants last longer and perform better. That’s due to the nature of silicone that’s more resilient against heat, cold, and UV rays, making it much more durable and able to withstand the elements.
- Save money. Since you’ll be changing your windshield wiper blades less often when using silicone ones, you’ll save money over time. You’ll also save on potentially pricey windshield repairs thanks to the glass-friendly softness of silicone.
- Clearer view. When you’re driving in heavy rain, you’ll want the clearest view of the road possible. That’s where silicone wipers come in. They leave a slight residue on the windshield that makes water bead up, allowing the wipers to clear it more easily.
- Less noise. Have you ever noticed that squeaking noise rubber windshield wipers can make? With silicone wipers, you’ll never have to deal with it again, as the material glides over glass much more easily, eliminating most noise.
Types
Pure Silicone
As the name suggests, pure silicone wiper blades are made from just silicone. They have the advantage of being soft and gentle on windshield glass while effortlessly wiping away water. They’re also going to last longer than rubber or dual-rubber blades since silicone is very resistant to the elements.
Dual Rubber
In most cases, dual-rubber blades are made from a hard, natural rubber core surrounded by a soft silicone outer layer. This combination works well to clear water from the windshield and is ideal for heavier rain and snow, as the blades have more weight to them. The downside is that they won’t last as long as pure silicone.
Top Brands
PIAA
Based in Portland, Ore., PIAA has been making quality automotive accessories for more than 50 years. PIAA’s wiper blades are some of the best in class, thanks to its innovative manufacturing technology. Among the top sellers is the 95055 Super Silicone Wiper Blade.
Bosch
Since 1886, Bosch has been active in the technology and engineering sectors and has since branched out into the automotive field. Bosch products are manufactured to high standards, backed by a guarantee. The company’s most recommended windshield wiper blade is the ICON.
Trico
Founded more than 100 years ago, Trico has been in the automotive industry for decades. The company’s expertise in windshield wiper blades comes from a long history of manufacturing rubber and silicone products with advanced technology to improve performance. Trico’s best sellers include the NeoForm Beam Wiper Blade.
Windshield Wiper Blade Pricing
- Under $10: You’ll find a small number of wiper blades in the budget category. These tend to be made from natural rubber or a dual-rubber material, both of which wear out more quickly than pure silicone. The quality of the steel frame can be poor to good at this price point, so watch out for poorly made wiper blades.
- $10-$20: At this price point, you’ll find a wide selection of good-quality wiper blades. We recommend spending at least this much to get a quality set that will give you at least six months of high performance. Silicone, dual-rubber, and natural options are available in the mid-range, all of which should have quality fittings.
- Over $20: A number of specialty wiper blades are available in this price range. These tend to be made from either pure silicone or dual rubber and with high-quality metal frames. On average, they tend to last the longest, so if you’re eager to replace your wipers less often, it might be worth springing for more expensive ones.
Key Features
Size and Fit
Keep in mind that every vehicle requires a different size of the wiper blade, so check your recommended length in the owner’s manual. Also, remember that wiper blades need two different lengths in the front and a different length for the rear windshield. Most companies manufacture windshield wiper blades between 14 and 28 inches, a range that covers almost all car makes and models.
Wiper Material
Windshield wiper materials have come a long way since natural rubber ones dominated the market a few years back. If you’re looking for the most durability and the least streaky glass feel, pure silicone is the way to go. For more heavy-duty wiping needs, dual rubber is the way to go, due to the more robust squeegee.
Ease of Attachment
Most wipers are pretty easy to install, thanks to their universal attachment mechanism. J-hooks are also pretty common and are among the easiest to install. That being said, some windshield wiper blades come with different wiper arms, which can make the installation process more of a hassle. If you need help figuring it out, check out this short video to improve your skill level.
Other Considerations
- Driving Climate: If you’re frequently dealing with foul weather, you’ll need a different type of blade than someone who lives in a very hot climate. Silicone blades last the longest in extreme weather, but dual-rubber blades and coated options are great for wiping away heavy snow loads.
- Blade Frame: Check if your car came standard with the newer beam-style blade, as other blade frames may not fit properly. Any car with old-school bracket blades can take beam-style blades as a replacement.
- Windshield Curvature: This is a bit trickier to check, but car windshields have varying amounts of curve to them, making some brands and models of wipers fit better than others. That being said, you might have to buy a couple of different brands to see what works for you.
- Quality and Performance: It goes without saying that higher-quality wiper blades will provide the best performance over time. Even cheap wiper blade models will work well in the first couple of weeks, but after that, only quality materials will keep working as expected.
Best Silicone Wiper Blades Reviews & Recommendations 2020
Made from pure silicone, this PIAA wiper blade comes in sizes between 12 and 26 inches. The patented silicone rubber material is extremely resistant to wear and damage from UV and heat exposure as well as cold temperatures. This makes them last up to twice as long as a wiper blade made from natural rubber. It also comes with another benefit: The silicone coats your car’s windshield with a water repellent layer after every wipe, helping water bead and keeping your view unobstructed.
An aerodynamic frame keeps your car sleek and streamlined, while the design also allows for quiet, streak-free wiping. The hook attachment is easy to install and compatible with a wide variety of vehicles. An included prepping cloth can be used to further improve the performance of the wipers by coating your windshield with a water-repelling solution. This makes the PIAA wiper blade perform exceedingly well in a number of weather conditions.
The one downside to these blades is that they don’t work as well in heavy snow since this particular silicone rubber is much softer than a dual-blended or natural rubber one would be. That could be a problem, depending on where you plan to drive with these wipers installed. The higher cost is also a factor to consider, but since they can last for a year and longer, they’re well worth the investment.
A blended rubber formulation makes the ICON wiper blade heat resistant and protected from ozone deterioration. In quality tests, these wipers routinely lasted up to 40 percent longer than other wiper blades, making these a great value buy. They’re also really easy to install, thanks to the sturdy hook adapter they come with. Available in an impressive range of sizes and fits, this wiper blade is made to fit the contours of most windshields.
The sleek design keeps your visibility as clear as possible, even in extreme weather conditions. A patented tension spring design distributes force equally, so there are no skips in the wiping pattern; a useful feature in heavy rain and snow. These wiper blades also hold up well at high speeds, thanks to a flexible, asymmetric spoiler that uniformly distributes downward force. Another benefit of their high-quality design is that they don’t squeak; during comparative testing, these were some of the quietest blades on the market.
The only thing we didn’t like about these blades is that they require an adapter to work with most vehicles, which can be annoying if you happen to have a hook system these don’t work with. That being said, it’s worth looking into an adapter to make these work, as the performance for the price is stellar.
As the 2017 Product of the Year winner, this Rain-X wiper blade has a couple of great features that we’re excited about. They’re made from a dual-rubber blend for superior all-weather performance, making them durable even in the most extreme weather conditions. A water-repellent coating is applied to the windshield by the blades with every wipe, which helps with water beading. That, in turn, keeps your visibility high, which is an important safety factor when driving in foul weather.
Advanced beam blade technology fits the contours of curved windshields well, making for a smooth and streak-free wiping motion. The patented universal adapter ensures easy installation and a fit that matches most vehicles out there. Both of these factors also make for quiet operation, even at high speeds. Pro tip: If you combine these blades with Rain-X water beading solution, you’ll have an even clearer view of the road ahead.
Compared to some other wiper blades, the attachment point is bigger and bulkier than it needs to be, which can be a bit of an eye-sore. We also noticed that these tended to be a bit bigger than indicated on the packaging. That means you should probably buy them in a size smaller for the best fit. Other than that, this model works well and definitely deserves a mention.
SILICAR’s water-repellent wiper blades are another great choice for drivers looking to make their vehicles safer and more comfortable in wet conditions. Not only do these silicone blades last far longer than rubber blades—up to 60 percent longer, in some cases—but the coating they leave on your windshield also wicks water so well that it sometimes slides off before the wiper even touches it. That means longer visibility and less stress.
The other standout qualities of these blades are their user-friendliness and their aerodynamic design. Installation is extremely easy and quick. And while aerodynamic engineering isn’t something many people think about with their windshield wipers, it plays an important role in keeping them silent and capable at high speeds. SILICAR’s blades do a standout job of minimizing both rattling noise and wind damage.
If there’s anything about these blades we don’t like, it’s that they don’t always lie perfectly flush with the windshield, which can lead to spots getting missed. And while they don’t rattle, they have been observed to squeak while in use. Finally, some purchasers have reported trouble with the paste used in the initial treatment, which sometimes arrives too dry to use.
AVA’s silicone blades have a unique design, which starts with installation. Adding the blades to your adapter works a bit differently as a consequence of their shape, and only works on J-hook wiper arms. Once they’re on, that unique design begins to pay off: AVA’s all-weather blades are some of the quietest on the market, and stay quieter than brand new rubber blades even after using them for a significant amount of time.
They’re also exceptionally affordable, especially for how well they work—other manufacturers charge a lot more for the same streak-free clean. The “all-weather” claim holds up as well, as these blades have proven surprisingly capable of tackling snow and ice buildup. Rounding out the list of positive qualities is their impressive longevity. We’ve observed that they last longer than new rubber blades, without any noticeable drops in performance.
Before you buy, there are a few negatives you should be aware of. These blades don’t ship with an instruction manual, which can force you to go to the internet to find out how to install them. That’s problematic since these blades don’t install the way many others do and don’t install at all on U-hook wiper arms. Also, shipping sizes are not always accurate—customers have reported receiving blades that are up to 2 inches off the claimed length.
XPERT Performance’s silicone wiper blades are another great choice for an affordable, versatile replacement. Since they come in sizes from 8 to 28 inches, you’re sure to find the length of the wiper you need. These blades boast a three-segmented design that conforms well to the curvature of any windshield and does a good job of catching spots of moisture that other blades miss. They work in both rain and winter weather and leave very few streaks in all conditions.
The main selling points of silicone wiper blades are quiet performance and a long life, and XPERT Performance delivers here as well. Using them for six months in multiple weather conditions doesn’t produce a noticeable effect on their ability to clear moisture—and they don’t get any louder, either. If you’re looking to make the switch from rubber wipers, these are a great starter set to convince you of the power of silicone.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the few problems we have with the XPERT Performance blades. They’re not completely silicone but are a silicone-rubber hybrid, which lowers the unit price but might pass up some of the durability benefits of silicone past the six-month mark. Installation can also be a bit tricky, and they only work with J-hook wiper bases.
In case you’re interested in how companies better known for other automotive products build silicone wiper blades, we’ve got some good news: Michelin’s silicone blades are definitely an above-average choice. The Stealth Ultra series comes in lengths ranging from 16 to 28 inches, all of which install easily with simplified locking systems.
Like many others on this list, Michelin’s silicone blades are fitted with two hinges, which in this case are engineered to apply the correct amount of pressure to maintain blade contact with the windshield glass. The whole system is contained within a cover which is also segmented, maintaining flexibility while protecting the inner workings from water and dust. Michelin states that independent testing has proven these blades are capable of consistent performance for 300,000 wiping cycles.
Michelin also claims that they took inspiration from beam blades to prepare these wipers for ice and snow, but unfortunately, that one doesn’t quite pan out. These aren’t a great choice for areas with cold winters. Despite the beam technology, ice gathers under the blades and has to be dug out manually. Another drawback to these blades is the instruction manual, which isn’t clear about the four different options for mounting the blades.
Tips
- Make it a habit to check your windshield wipers every time you stop for gas. This will help you identify wear and tear earlier, leading to a better-maintained car.
- Consider using a wiper blade that’s slightly shorter than the recommended size to reduce drag. The difference in the area wiped is hardly noticeable, and you’ll be saving the wiper motor some trouble, extending its overall life and improving wiper performance.
- When one wiper blade is due for replacement, make sure you also switch out its mate. That keeps them working in sync, without any streaks, gaps, or skids.
- If you live in colder climates with frequent frost and snow, make sure to never use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield. This practice will wear them out quickly, costing you more in replacement costs in the long run.
- Extend the life of your wipers by cleaning the windshield frequently. This will remove dirt and debris that can otherwise weaken the rubber of the wiper blades.
- You can further improve the performance of your windshield wipers by giving them a good cleaning every once in a while. This will help prevent wear and tear, and it will ensure that your wipers are making good contact with the windshield, which will keep them working at peak level.
FAQs
Q: How often do I need to replace my windshield wiper blades?
A: Every six to nine months is the rule of thumb for windshield wiper replacement. If you start to notice a decrease in performance or wear and tear on the wiper blades, replace them sooner. That’ll help protect the windshield and will keep your vision clear when driving in bad weather.
Q: Are silicone wiper blades better than natural rubber ones?
A: The overall performance and longevity of silicone wiper blades tend to be higher than that of rubber ones. That gives you an advantage when it comes to replacing them, as silicone blades will last longer, saving you money in the long run. They’re also completely biodegradable, making them the more environmentally friendly choice.
Q: How do I figure out my windshield wiper size?
A: A couple of different approaches can help you out here. The quickest way is to check your car’s owner’s manual, which should list all of the different required blade sizes. A simple Google search should also turn up the right result. As a last resort, you can always measure your existing wiper blades.
Q: How do I get ice off my windshield wipers?
A: If you live in a snowy climate, you’re probably going to have to deal with an iced-up windshield and snow-covered wipers often during the winter. Use a gloved hand or a rag to manually clear off ice and snow from wipers and scrape the windshield to remove ice before you turn on your wipers.
Q: How do I clean my wiper blades?
A: The quickest and easiest way to clean off your wiper blades is by using a rag dipped in warm soapy water. This will clear off any dirt and debris that may have been hampering the wiper blades’ performance.
Q: Are the wiper blade refills a good choice?
A: Yes and no. If you’ve got the time and patience to peel off the old rubber from your blades using needle nose pliers and some elbow grease, refills can be a good choice. But if you’re like most people, you’ll want to replace your blades quickly and easily, so choose a blade and arm combo.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick is the PIAA 95055 Super Silicone Wiper Blade. The pure silicone squeegee and sleek design make it one of the best windshield wiper blades on the market.
If you’re looking for the benefits of silicone at a lower price point, check out the Bosch ICON Wiper Blade. A dual-rubber blend gives you the best of both worlds, rewarding you with superior all-weather performance.