Types of wiper blades
Windshield wiper blades typically come in one of three styles: conventional/traditional, beam, and hybrid.
Conventional
Conventional blades (sometimes still referred to as traditional blades) were the industry standard for many years and are still common for gas-powered vehicles today. They have a rubber blade held together by a plastic or metal frame and work best in the spring and summer.
Beam
Instead of an external frame, beam blades use an internally embedded spring-metal beam. Because of their curved design, beam blades can hug your windshield more closely than a straight conventional blade. Most EVs come with beam blades.
Hybrid
Hybrid wiper blades combine the design of conventional blades with an aerodynamic rubber shell to promote all-weather performance. They are another common style for modern EVs.
Choosing the right wipers
Aside from the design, choosing windshield wiper blades largely depends on the season.
Summer wiper blades
In the spring and summer, you mainly have to deal with rain and bugs on your windshield. Windshield wiper blades made for the summer have a lightweight design, so they can easily glide over the glass. You can find them in any design, but conventional is most popular for gas-powered cars, and beam or hybrid style for EVs.
When the temperature drops, however, all summer blades get held up by snow and ice, reducing their flexibility.
Winter wiper blades
Winter wipers can handle the cold because they have an extra layer of synthetic rubber (usually silicone), which allows them to stay soft without tearing.
Beam-style wiper blades are a winter favourite. They come with a piece of high-strength, tensile steel along the length of the wiper and have tension springs within them to stay flexible in the cold. You can also find booted-frame winter blades, which are encased in rubber boots to stop their joints from icing up.
Picking a brand of wiper blades is mainly a matter of preference. Your owner’s manual may have a specific recommendation, though. Your manual will also list the size of wiper blade you need to properly fit your windshield.
When to change your blades
To stay safe year-round, change your windshield wiper blades ahead of the weather.
Switch to winter wiper blades before the first snowfall, which may be between late September and early December, depending on where you live. In the spring, when the last of the snow melts, switch back to summer blades. Also, change your blades early if you notice any tears, cuts, or delamination on them.
No matter what type of blades you have, the natural rubbers in them will deteriorate over time, especially when they’re exposed to extreme temperatures. To keep your view clear, get a new pair of winter wiper blades each year and a new summer set every one or two years.
If you want to change your own wipers blades, the packaging will explain how to install them. For some expert help, visit your local NexDrive service centre to get fitted with new blades in a flash.