If you are shopping for wiper blades, then there is a chance that you have come across the term “silicone.” What exactly does this mean? Silicone refers to a type of rubber that is resistant to extreme heat and has an excellent elasticity. This material is not only used in wiper blades, but it also can be found in other items such as pacifiers, baby bottles, and breast implants. Let’s look at what are the best silicone wiper blades?
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Benefits of Silicone
- Silicone is durable and can withstand extreme heat. This makes it an excellent choice for wiper blades that are exposed to the sun, rain, snow, dirt and other elements while driving or being parked on a busy roadway.
- Silicone wipers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost any size windshield or rearview window.
- Performance: Silicone wiper blades have a thin protective coating that helps repel water at speeds of both town and high speed.
Types of Silicone Wiper Blades
There are two basic types, standard and premium. The major difference is that the silicone wipers on a standard blade will wear out faster than a premium blade.
Standard Blades
The standard blades may be less expensive, but they will need to be replaced more often for optimum performance.
Standard silicone wipers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost any size windshield or rearview window, however, the plastic connectors are prone to breakage over time.
Premium Blades
Premium blades are more expensive but offer a sleek, smooth design that is easy to install. They are designed for long-term performance so they require fewer replacements and will last as long as the vehicle’s wiper blades do.
Silicone wipers can be used on most vehicles with windshields or rearview windows made of plastic, glass, or safety glass.
Popular Wiper Blades Brands
Rain X
Rain X is a company that makes different types of wiper blades, including silicone wipers. Their best product is their original rain-x Xtreme blades.
The company manufactures many wipers, from high-quality ones that are expensive to more affordable like Rain-X Weatherbeater.
PIAA
PIAA is another big name in wiper blade manufacturing. Over 50 years ago, PIAA set out to make top-notch vehicle lights. Today, the company manufactures a full line of automotive and power sports lighting, windshield wipers that come in silicone–from standard black ones to pressure-sensitive or ice resistance blades. PIAA USA is based in Oregon and has global headquarters located in Japan.
Their most loved product is the super silicone wipers which have been around for more than a decade.
Silblade
SilBlade offers an extensive product range of silicone rubber, graphite, and PTFE wiper blades for a wide range of vehicle makes. For the right fit use SilBlade’s Wiper Blade Size Finder or check out Silblade’s full product lineup.
Bosch
Bosh is a household name. They produce a wide variety of tools and products including wiper blades. Their wiper blades are made for a variety of vehicle makes and models, including cars, trucks, SUVs.
Their most popular wiper blades are the Bosch ICON 15A. The Bosch ICON 15A Wiper Blades are one of the most popular designs due to their versatility and durability. The blades themselves can be used on a variety of vehicles, from cars and trucks to SUVs, so they’re a great investment for someone who likes to swap out his or her car often too.
What People Look for When Buying Wiper Blades
There are some criteria that drivers look for when it comes to wiper blades.
Material
The blade is a large consideration. Some people will go with the classic rubber blades, but others prefer to use silicone wipers or metal wiper blades for better performance and reduced ice build-up in cold climates.
Durability
Durability is another factor taken into account when purchasing a set of replacement blades. For some drivers, they want their new wiper blades to last longer.
Performance
Wiper blades should be quiet in operation and provide a good clean streak. When the wipers are not performing well, they may cause drivers to be distracted from the road in front of them.
Price
Wipers are one item that is typically replaced every six months or so and tends to cost around $25 per set. There are different blades available for different budgets.
Final Words
When it’s time to replace wiper blades, people often ask themselves what are the best silicone wiper blades. This is common as silicone wiper blades can last longer and perform better than rubber wiper blades.
Hey, Naomi O’Colman here.
With years working at an auto repair shop in Texas and passionate about the auto industry. I want to share with my readers the best quality products through my well-researched reviews as well as fixing minor defects in your car.
