The windshield wiper market is inundated with options, all trying to tell you that they are the best of the best. Yet, with so many of these choices falling short of expectations, it’s only right that you might decide to do a little research before making your purchase. Of course you want the best silicone wiper blades available, but perhaps you aren’t sure what that really consists of, just yet.
Below we go in detail as to what makes silicone wiper blades the right option as well as give you our Top Picks in silicone windshield wipers. So read on, and discover everything you need to know about silicone wipers and how they can make your car journeys safer, clearer and all the more enjoyable.
The Best Silicone Wiper Blade
Bosch Automotive Silicone Wiper Blade
The Bosch icon wiper blades are some of the best silicone wiper blades on the market. Made with durable materials, they come with bragging rights and last up to 40-percent longer than their competitors. This is due in part to their design and the high-quality silicone wiper blades Bosch uses, which resist damage from UV rays and ozone deterioration.
This is a design that sits better along the windshield, protecting against ice and frost build-up, thus preventing damage from the environment. It also provides a clear, full sweep that leaves your windshield spotless after use. Just be aware that there are some copies around, so be sure to check your box when it arrives and send it back if you’re concerned you haven’t received the right option.
PROS
- Extremely easy to install and quick to set up
- Frameless design sits better along the windshield
- Weather-resistant to avoid breaking down due to frost or UV rays
CONS
- Copies are being sold, so beware fakes
- Do not fit well with some windshield wiper directional movement
Rain-X Silicone Wiper Blade
This 2-in-1 Water Repellency Wiper Blade is another excellent choice in silicone wiper blades. With the addition of an aerodynamic spoiler, this option works brilliantly even in the heaviest storms.
It comes with a huge bonus in water repellency features. The silicone blades coat your windshield with a layer of hydrophobic chemicals, causing the water to bead and leave your windshield clearer, even when the blades aren’t in use.
PROS
- Treats windshield with water repellent during use
- Universal adapters fit all windscreen wipers connections
- Fits up to 96% of vehicle types
CONS
- Wiper has been known to come loose at times
- Can miss large sections of window
PIAA Si-Tech Silicone Wiper Blade
With these PIAA wiper blades you’ll find your windshield coated with water repellent hydrophobic liquid. This is great if you’re looking for a windscreen wiper that gives you greater clarity, even when not in use.
Made with an aerodynamic design, this option quickly and easily prevents a build up of frost and ice during the colder months, making it easier to get your car clear in the morning. It does, however, make quite a bit of noise when travelling at higher speeds and many users noted that these are rather difficult to install.
PROS
- Coats windscreen with water repellent during use
- Aerodynamic design prevents build-up
CONS
- Can be difficult to install
- Makes noise at high speeds
AERO Windshield Wiper Blade
Known for providing a long-lasting option for most makes and models, these all-season windshield wiper blades from AERO are a fantastic choice if you currently need a greater selection of sizes for your car windscreen. They are guaranteed to fit alongside the original equipment manufacturer – so you’ll have no problem installing these on most car types.
While they are aerodynamically designed, some customers have complained that they can produce a lot of noise while driving. The rubber has also been known to come away from the main structure of the wiper, meaning you’ll have to watch for any faults before they become a risk on the road.
PROS
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Excellent customer service
CONS
- Can be very noisy at times
- Rubber has been known to come away from the wiper
Silblade Premium Black Silicone Wiper Blade
A great choice if you’re looking for a quick replacement, this is a pack of one wiper blade – so be sure to make multiple purchases if you need both replacing. It comes with a pre-installed adapter, making it much easier to attach to your car and get going again and comes at a very reasonable price.
Be aware however, that customer service from Silblade is said to be pretty terrible. As such, we would recommend these silicone wiper blades as a good, short-term replacement that should be treated as a bonus, if they work well for you. Otherwise, they’re a great choice for getting your new silicone wipers on your car as and when you need them urgently.
PROS
- PTFE coating allows for a smooth, quality sweep
- The adaptor makes installation extremely easy
CONS
- Poor customer service
- Can be very loud
Beigaon Silicone Windshield Wiper Blade
Another option that comes with multiple sizing options, to best suit your car, these silicone windshield wipers from Beigaon also come with a water repellent coating and paste. They’re perfect for handling wetter weather as they easily snow and ice build-up. As an added bonus, they’re said to be extremely quiet – even when travelling at higher speeds.
Unfortunately, they’re also known for wearing out pretty quickly. This means you’ll end up spending more on other replacements down the line. That said, they’re still a great choice if you’re looking for something to get you through the winter – just be aware that if you get the measurements wrong, you’ll be looking at a streak of water for most of your journey.
PROS
- Aerodynamic design resists snow and ice build-up
- Quiet and smooth
CONS
- Can miss large sections on the window
- Can wear out more quickly than competitors
Piaa Aero Vogue Silicone Wiper Blade
Another single blade option, this PIAA wiper blade comes with a host of extra features – although this comes at an extra price. Slightly more expensive than many of the other options on our list, this silicone wiper blade still comes with excellent value for money. It’s very weather resistant and comes with the water repellent coating feature which helps to set it apart.
Its aerodynamic design is perfect for ensuring there’s no noise while you drive. However, you might notice that the design of this wiper blade includes the venting, and these may hold some water during heavier downpours – often leaving you with a streak of water after being used. It also struggles with removing dirt, according to reviews – so this may be better suited for commuters over longer rides.
PROS
- Applies water repellent coating during use
- Aerodynamic design ensure no noise
CONS
- Struggles with removing dirt
- Leaves some water after each sweep
San Auto Windshield Wiper
Here’s a fantastic, affordable option that is ideal when you need quick replacements. These wipers come with a u-shaped design so they sit flush with your windshield, ensuring a thorough sweep when installed.
This pair of wiper blades come in multiple size combinations, so be sure to check the fit before buying. They leave a streak-free finish that users love and are extremely easy to install – just be aware that there are no directions for your installation and customer service is said to be lacking.
PROS
- Very quick and easy to install
- Leave a streak-free finish
CONS
- No directions given for installation
- Poor customer service
Silicone Wiper Blades Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying Silicone Windshield Wipers
- Car Make and Model
Naturally, the make and model of your car will have an effect on the compatibility with the windshield wipers you choose. If you aren’t sure whether your new wipers will fit with your car, then be sure to check with the manufacturer – this is also a great opportunity to check how good the customer service is. There’s also a handy fitting feature on Amazon you can use, which is available with some of the options, as you can see from our Top Picks, above.
- Length
Getting the correct length of wiper blade will ensure that you aren’t left with missing sections on your windscreen. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also be very dangerous, as it creates a distraction from the road, or blocks your view. We talk more about how to get the rid fit for your windscreen, below.
- Number of Blades
If you’re just looking for a quick replacement, then one may do you for the time being. However, if your older wipers are starting to fail, making a noise or are generally terrible at being windshield wipers, then it’s time to get a complete new set of two. Just be sure that they’re compatible with each other, as well as your vehicle.
- Weather Resistance
Increased weather resistance is one of the key reasons to buy silicone wiper blades and this is especially true with winter coming up. The buildup of snow and ice on your windscreen can be difficult to shift at times, and can often damage your wipers. Instead, opt for silicone wipers that are designed to allow this buildup to quickly and easily fall away with the help of gravity.
The summer is no better, with increased traffic on the roads and the blazing summer sun, you’ll find that pollution and UV rays can quickly break down most windshield wipers. Instead, look for good quality materials that are more resistant to these, giving you greater longevity.
- Quality
The quality of your new silicone wiper blades is easily one of the most important considerations. Think about the material of the frame and the quality of the silicone wiper itself, as well as how well they fit together. While it can be tougher to gauge this when buying online, a good way to check is to look at the descriptions and check with reviews, to see how well the wipers are made.
Why You Should Use Silicone Wiper Blades
Silicone wiper blades are gentler on your windshield and can easily shift away standard rainfall with issue. As well as this being safer for your overall health, as you’ll have a clearer view and less chance of a cracked or damaged windscreen, this also means that you’ll save more money over time – as they are less likely to wear down quickly.
Their resistance to extreme temperatures is another great example of why you should use silicone wiper blades. Being naturally resistant to UV rays and even being easier to clean thanks to their resistance to fungus, these are great if you don’t want to have to continually clean your wiper blades every few weeks.
Finally, they are much more environmentally friendly. As well as being made from a more environmentally friendly process, they are also less likely to require replacing as often. This, in turn, leaves more money in your pocket while reducing your impact on the environment.
Silicone Wiper Blades vs Rubber Wipers
There are quite a few differences when it comes to silicone wiper blades vs rubber options. First and foremost, silicone is much more temperature resistant, which helps against extreme temperatures that we can often find here in the US.
It’s also much easier to clean, as silicone is naturally resistant to fungus and even chemicals. The latter of which also allows it to hold an increased longevity against its rubber counterparts – particularly in combination with poor environments such as acid rain. It can also withstand UV rays and ozone issues without concern, again helping with the longevity.
That’s not to say that rubber doesn’t come without its own strengths. For example, rubber is much heavier and can handle a greater level of weight, particularly as the likelihood of tears or small damage increases with silicone. For this reason, it can sometimes be worth opting for a dual rubber option which incorporates silicone, giving you the best of both worlds.
Types of Silicone Wipers
- Pure
Pure silicone is made up of nothing but silicone (as the name suggests). These are generally more weather-resistant while being gentle on your windshield. They also come with the added benefit of being longer lasting overall, as their material is usually of a higher quality, while the silicone stands up to extreme temperatures much better.
- Dual
As the name suggest, dual silicone wipers are made up of a compound of silicone and cheaper plastics. They can also be made up of a harder, rubber inner with a silicone surround. While still effective, these options are a little heavier duty and can be harsher on your windscreen. They are, however, better suited for heavy rains and snowy weather, as they can shift the buildup much easier.
Our Top Pick
We love the Bosch ICON wiper blades because their design and cohesiveness with a wide range of vehicles makes them one of the most adaptable on the market. This adaptability ensures you still get a great level of clarity when on the road, leaving you safer and feeling much more in control of your driving when it’s raining.
They’re affordable, long lasting and highly rated by previous buyers, leaving you with a level of confidence from the very start. All-in-all, these are the best silicone wiper blades on the market because they leave you with a gleaming windscreen, without noise, streaks or installation issues.
