Windscreen wiper blades remove rainwater, road grime and bugs to improve visibility on your windshield. They're also easily replaced. Visit a name-brand auto parts store for help -- most will install the new wiper blades for free. Conventional wiper blades snap into six to eight contact points on a metal frame. Premium beam-style blades hug your windshield for better coverage.

Beam Blades

Beam blades look sleek and are growing in popularity due to their cleaner windshield visibility. They also last longer in winter weather as they don’t have a metal frame that can clog with snow and ice. Windshield wiper blade coverage is based upon various contact or pressure points. Conventional wiper blades have only a few spring-loaded pressure points, while beam blades offer infinite pressure points which better conform to modern curved windshields for an improved view of the road and driving experience.

Additionally, premium beam blades are designed to resist wind lift. High winds create a drag on conventional wiper blades that can lift them away from the windshield, known as wind lift, which reduces performance and causes drivers to lose sight of the road. Beam blades are aerodynamic so they can overcome this by transferring wind resistance into windshield pressure. This enables them to perform well year-round in all conditions. Choosing the right wiper blade material is also important as it impacts durability, ozone and UV resistance, heat tolerance, and more.

Hybrid Blades

Often times your customers will request that you install conventional Windscreen wiper blades, but it is important to make them aware of other options. By educating your customers on the different types of blades, you can build trust and loyalty while also helping them save money and improve their driving experience. Hybrid blades incorporate the aerodynamic 'flat'-style shaping of a beam blade with the metal frame of a conventional blade. They are designed for hook-style wiper arms and provide a seamless connection with the windshield for optimized contact.

A patented twin point connector design improves force transfer from the wiper arm to the blade for uniform wiping pressure. This eliminates an exaggerated peak load, resulting in a cleaner windshield. The rubber wiping element features a balance of natural and synthetic materials for durability, flexibility and ozone resistance, while a spoiler reduces wind lift at highway speeds. The result is a blade that delivers superior performance, even in extreme conditions.

Steel Frame Blades

Right behind brakes, wiper blades are one of your fleet’s most important safety features. Premium beam blades feature high-strength steel and blade materials to help them last longer and endure harsher road conditions. They also have no exposed parts, preventing them from building up with ice and snow. Designed to fit today’s curved windshields, these advanced blades are a great choice for your vehicle. They are more affordable than hybrid blades and provide superior all-weather performance.

They work with a standard hook mount wiper arm fitting and are easy to install. Simply line up the adapter with the slot on the blade bridge, snap it in place, and listen for a confident “click.” You can even find a pair that have special chamfer-edge end caps to protect the rubber from damage caused by an ice scraper. This allows the blade to stay flexed against the windshield for even wiping pressure. They are less noisy than conventional blades, too.

Frameless Blades

During inclement weather, your windshield wipers play a key role in ensuring you can drive with a clear field of view. They’re also your first line of defense against any debris that might fly through the air, whether it’s rain, snow, ice, or dirt. Frameless blades are designed without a metal frame, which means they’re naturally curved and hug your windshield with equal pressure throughout their entire length. This translates to cleaner wiping and less streaks during heavy rains, while also offering more stability at high speeds.

The tensile steel beam of a quality frameless blade is usually covered with an aerodynamic rubber cover that fits securely around the curve of your windshield. This eliminates any place where ice can build up during winter, which would typically cause conventional framed wipers to become ineffective. The tensile steel frame is then connected to the wiper arm using a spring catch or lever under the blade. The connector ensures the blade doesn’t come loose and falls off during use.

Conclusion

Windscreen wiper blades are a key component of car visibility. A worn blade can squeak, chatter, skip or streak, reducing driving visibility. Beam and hybrid styles are lighter and more flexible than conventional frame blades, allowing them to better curve and fit your windshield. They also stay pliable in warmer temperatures for optimal performance.