What wiper blade do I need?

You'll find plenty of options for your wiper blade in the store. But how do you know which model or product to choose? Not all wiper models are compatible with your car or your driving habits. That's why it's important to be well-informed before replacing your wiper blades to ensure visual comfort and optimal safety.  That's why we've put together some tips and recommendations to help you choose the right wiper blade for your car.

Windshield wiper components

To help you better understand how they work, windshield wipers consist of

• A generally metal arm
• Adapters that connect the blade to the arm
• Pulleys that bend to fit the windshield
• A rubber blade
• A spoiler

How to choose a wiper blade?

The windshield wiper blade guarantees your visibility and therefore your safety on the road in poor weather conditions. It would be a shame to give up this driving comfort in any situation. That's why we advise you to choose high quality wipers that are compatible with your vehicle.

Your wiper part number will vary depending on your car model. To choose the right part number, take into account the make, year and recommended length. In most cases, this information can be found in your vehicle owner's manual.

Keep in mind that the length of your wiper blades is the most important factor in your selection. They need to be long enough to cover the entire area of your windshield (but not so long that they stick out!). To find out how long they should be, simply measure your old blades.

Choosing wiper blades

The three most common types of wiper blades are conventional, flat, and hybrid.

• Conventional wipers consist of a hinged metal or metal-plastic composite frame to which a blade is attached.
• Flat wipers use a thick rubber blade with a joint in the center.
• Hybrid wipers are a hybrid of the two, combining the best performance of conventional blades with the aerodynamic structure of flat blades.

Most cars are equipped with either conventional or flat blades, but you can use any type of blade on any vehicle. Conventional blades are a good choice for spring and summer. For fall and winter, choose a heavy-duty silicone hybrid blade designed to withstand heavy rain and snow.

How often should you change your blades?

To prepare for winter, replace your blades with a winterized pair before the first snowfall.

Replace your rear wiper blades at least once a year. You can do this at the same time you change your front blades for winter.

Extreme weather conditions can wear out your wiper blades more quickly, so be aware if you need to replace them more often. Here are some signs that your blades need to be replaced:

• Cracked rubber
• Bent or damaged blade frame
• Brush leaves marks on the windshield

Even if they look good at the end of the season, the natural rubber in all wiper blades deteriorates over time. You can use the same pair of blades for spring, summer and early fall, but buy a new pair for winter each year to maximize your visibility on the road.

How much do wiper blades cost?

Don't worry, buying new wiper blades doesn't require a big budget. In general, a pair of wiper blades costs between $15 and $20, depending on the brand and model you choose. You can buy them in stores or on a specialized e-commerce site, where you'll find a wide selection at low prices.