Silicone wiper blades are getting more and more popular mainly because of the durability advantage over rubber blades. Since you are reading this page I am guessing you have already decided that you need silicone blades – not rubber – but in case you do not know what the difference is, please see Silicone or Rubber Wiper Blades? Which Ones to Buy?
While there are still a few big manufacturers in the silicone market, you’ll find some great product offers for silicone blades. For your convenience, I’ve put together a list of the best silicone wiper blades in the market. But before we get to that, let’s tackle a few issues you might want to know about the silicone blades.
Contents
- Are Silicone Wiper Blades Better than Rubber?
- How Long Do Silicone Wiper Blades Last
- How to Clean Silicone Wiper Blades
- Are Silicone Wiper Blades Good in Winter?
- What Are the Different Types of Silicone Wiper Blades?
- How To Choose the Best Silicone Wiper Blades
- Top 7 Best Silicone Wipers
- Final Recommendations for the Best Silicone Wiper Blades
- Frequently Asked Questions on Silicone Wiper Blades
- Best Selling Silicone Wiper Blades
Are Silicone Wiper Blades Better than Rubber?
Silicone wipers are not perfect blades that get rid of all flaws of rubber blades. There are pros and cons of each type. Silicone wiper blades are better than rubber in many aspects of wipe performance. They extend the life of wiper blades by twice the life of rubber blades. Silicone wipers are also more efficient in driving at a higher speed during heavy rain. In slow driving during a drizzle where there is a lack of moisture on the windscreen, hazing is a common issue on windshields with minor cracks or chips where dirt has collected. Silicone usually brings the dirt out, leaving behind a film of haze in every wipe.
There are also other areas where rubber blades prevail. It’s no wonder most automakers today still use rubber wipers as a standard in their manufacturing lines. In the aftermarket automotive replacement parts industry, rubber blades maintain overwhelming dominance over silicone, with the top brands still using only rubber in their product lines. Cost and lack of demand are the usual main factors that placed silicone behind the limelight. However, the increasing demand for the longest-lasting wiper blades keeps silicone in the headlines.
How Long Do Silicone Wiper Blades Last
Standard rubber blades are only good for six months, especially in areas with extreme annual environmental changes. As early as three months of use, minor water streaks will start to appear, and a wiper replacement is mandatory at the end of six months for safety purposes. Luckily, some brands have infused advanced technology into their rubber blades, extending the life to a year or more.
On the other hand, silicone blades outlast most standard rubber blades. Since silicone is more durable and highly resistant to temperature and moisture compared to rubber, they provide more life to wiper blades, extending the life by twice or even more. Generally, silicone wipers require replacement every year or every two years. Other silicone wiper brands claim to last more than two years.
However, you will hear some feedback or read reviews on silicone wipers with almost the same durability as rubber blades. There are possible reasons for these negative reviews. Some brands are actually using rubber blades coated with silicone strips and market them as silicone wiper blades at higher prices. Thus, watch out for these products, and make sure to buy silicone blades only from trusted brands.
If you want to know more, check out our article on the longest-lasting wiper blades.
How to Clean Silicone Wiper Blades
Most silicone wiper blades come with a prep-pack that contains cleaning materials like a grease cleaning solution and a sponge. They are purposely added to the kit because cleaning is critical during the first use of silicone blades for the best performance. Thus, if you have these cleaning materials, you can use them for regular cleaning of the silicone wipers.
The process is quite easy and straightforward. Apply the cleaning paste to the sponge or lint-free cloth, and wipe the silicone rubber edge of the wiper blade to remove dirt and unwanted accumulated coating that cause water streaks and noise. If the product comes with no prep-pack, you can also use dish soap and water for cleaning. Alternatively, use household isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball for cleaning during winter. To achieve better results, rub the wiper blades several times to effectively remove microscopic dirt.
Are Silicone Wiper Blades Good in Winter?
One of the significant advantages of silicone is that they remain soft and pliable during the cold weather conditions of winter, while some standard rubber blades freeze and stick to the glass. This also allows it to conform to the glass curves without scratching the windscreen surface.
What Are the Different Types of Silicone Wiper Blades?
There are three main types of silicone wiper blades, similar to rubber blades. These windshield wipers are classified according to design or frame construction, and you can quickly identify which type a wiper blade belongs to with a quick glance at the exterior aesthetics of the wiper.
Conventional Silicone Blades
If you’ve been driving for more than two decades, then the type of wiper blade you’ve been accustomed to is the conventional bracket-type wiper blade. These wipers have steel frame construction with three or four blade claws that provide the pressure points to tightly attach the blade to the windshield. Also called frame-type wipers, they are more efficient in handling mudded windscreens and are perfect for off-road vehicles regularly exposed to heavy dirt that turns to mud during rain. Despite the old-fashioned style and design, conventional blades remain popular today and are commonly used by most automakers for their standard models.
Beam Silicone Wiper Blades
In contrast to the traditional bracket-type wipers, another type is the frameless beam blades made of rigid silicone rubber. Since they have no metal claws, beam blades are more flexible and easily adhere to the curvature of the windshield, thereby resulting in more efficient wipes. Beam-type wipers started in the early 2000s and were first introduced in luxury cars. Since then, luxury brands and most automakers use beam blades for their high-end models due to more expensive costs. Beam wipers are better at handling all weather conditions, even in snow time during winter.
Hybrid Silicone Wipers
Hybrid wipers combine the best of two worlds with metal brackets to provide sturdier support added with aerodynamic beam cover for an extra layer of protection during bad weather and from road contaminants during the daily drives. They are generally more expensive compared to the other types. Just like beam blades, hybrid wipers are common in luxury cars and superior models.
How To Choose the Best Silicone Wiper Blades
It can be quite daunting at times to choose which silicone wiper blade best suits your vehicle’s windshield. There’s a learning curve that allows you to spot the perfect one for your car. Just keep in mind a few things during shopping.
Budget
Price remains a factor in buying, and your choices are limited by your budget. Obviously, the pricey ones have the best promises in performance and durability. They can justify the high price because intensive research was conducted to develop the technology for their products. If you want nothing but the best for your car, be ready to shell out more. However, some brands let you experience premium performance for a fraction of the cost of the most expensive products.
Technology
Most silicone wipers have similar marketing hypes on durability, promising twice the lifespan of rubber blades. What sets one apart from the other? Frankly, it is the technology they are using to improve the performance. Rain-X has the Climate Defense Technology for Silicone Endura, METO utilizes the Optimal Proportioning Rubber Strip technology for T6, while SilBlade has patented the combination of PTFE and graphite for its silicone rubber blades. How the technology translates to your benefits in performance can help you in your choices.
Warranty
Not all silicone wipers come with a warranty. However, there are brands aggressive enough to offer a five-year warranty. They are confident their blades can last that long, and they are willing to replace them with a new pair for valid disputes and claims. Other brands are offering a one-year warranty, while some have only a six-month warranty. Still, they are better than those with none at all.
Color
While purely an aesthetic feature, you do have a choice of wipers in a multitude of colors.
Top 7 Best Silicone Wipers
While there are only a few offers from big manufacturers for silicone wiper blades, you can still find the best silicone wipers from trusted and popular brands. We’ve reviewed several products enjoying popularity and trust in the marketplace and have narrowed our list to the seven best silicone blades brands.
1. PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blades
The PIAA wiper blades feature a high-quality silicone rubber compound that is highly resistant to harsh environmental changes. They claim to be the benchmark for wiper performance for almost a decade. PIAA super silicone delivers ultra-quiet wiper movements, twice the longer life than standard rubber blades, and unrivaled vision. PIAA uses activated silicone coating to make the windshield water-resistant for the rain to slip off and bead up.
PIAA wiper frames have aerodynamic designs to keep the rubber firmly gripped on the windscreen at highway speeds while protecting the wiper against corrosion. The frames are also zinc-plated and further coated with powder for added protection. The patented silicone technology of PIAA keeps the wiper blades sharp with a clean edge for extended life while offering enhanced resistance to ozone, extreme temperatures, and other environmental elements.
All PIAA super silicone wiper blades have undergone extreme durability and temperature testings, accelerated ozone resistance testings, and five hundred thousand wipe tests to ensure that the wiper blades can deliver the most advanced and durable products on the market.
- The frames are zinc-plated for added protection.
- They are tested to maintain performance after five hundred thousand wipes.
- There were some signs of water streaking during the first use, but cleaning with soap and water should solve the issue.
- Patented Silicone Rubber Resists Wear & Damage from UV and Sunlight Exposure
- Silicone Wipers Last Up to 2x Longer than Premium Wipers
- Aerodynamic Frame has Equal Pressure Points for Quiet and Streak Free Wiping
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. SilBlade Premium Wiper Blades
SilBlade utilizes an excellent combination of high-gauge steel and a long-lasting paint with powder coating to make the wiper blades resistant against corrosion and extreme climate conditions. SilBlade has a patented silicone rubber blade with graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic fluoropolymer tetrafluoroethylene, to warrant superior visibility, superb performance, and smooth operation that last more than a year. That’s why they are the only one, so far, that offers a five-year limited warranty on their silicone wiper blades.
The highly advanced patented silicone rubber formulation of SilBlade leaves behind an invisible hydrophobic coating to repel water within the first 90 days of use for smoother wipes. With every use, the hydrophobic layer recharges throughout the life of the wiper blades. The result is clearer visibility during rain with improved performance for several years.
- It comes with a five-year limited warranty excluding damages from acts of nature, alteration, misuse, neglect, modification, abuse, and improper installation.
- The patented PTFE coating provides SilBlade Silicone Wiper Blades the ability to effortlessly glide across your windshield in every wipe.
- Some observed squeak noise during the first use, but washing the windscreen using water and soap can help minimize or eliminateit.
- Patented formula is unaffected by UV, sunlight, ozone, oil and grimefrom road spray and Silbalde can withstand extreme temperatures as low as...
- Patented PTFE coating gives our silicone wiper its ability to effortlessly glide smoothly across your windshield
- Silicon formulation leaves an invisible hydrophobic (water repellent) coating, which forms within 90 days from the first use
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. PIAA Aero Vogue Wiper Blades
PIAA has been around since 1984 and is a trusted brand in the automotive aftermarket industry. With more than three decades of experience in providing aftermarket automotive replacement parts, it has perfected its technology in providing the right combination of high-quality components and design to ensure superior performance in all weather conditions.
PIAA Aero Vogue wiper blades were designed with functionality and performance in mind. It features an advanced PIAA Silicone Technology for the significant reduction of surface tension to repel water from the windshield and prevent streaks while giving ultra-quiet operation. The “Pass Through” technology of the new Aero-style cover minimizes chatter and prevents wind lift at higher speeds. In every wipe, PIAA wiper blades leave behind water-repellent silicone solution coating to the windscreen to reduce the surface tension between the windshield and water. This allows rain to bead up while eliminating chatter or noise for streak-free wipes.
Every PIAA Aero Vogue wiper blade pack comes with a prep-pad consisting of the same silicone solution embedded in the rubber blades to prepare the windshield for the first use of the product. This promotes water beading for streak-free operations.
- Every purchase comes with a prep-pack with silicone pads for the cleaning of the windscreen prior to the first use of the wiper blades.
- PIAA infused the advanced PIAA Silicone Technology into its wiper blades to reduce surface tension and minimize chatter and wind lift at higher speeds.
- Adapters are not included. You have to ensure it fits your vehicle wiper blades prior to purchase.
- Patented Silicone Rubber Resists Wear & Damage from UV and Sunlight Exposure
- Silicone Wipers Last Up to 2x Longer than Premium Wipers
- Aerodynamic Hybrid Cover Ensures Quiet and Streak Free Wiping at All Speeds
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Rain-X Silicone Endura Wiper Blade
The Rain-X Silicone Endura wiper blades are precision-engineered to provide superior silicone rubber squeegee infused with specially formulated proprietary graphite coating for ultimate durability amidst extreme weather conditions. These wiper blades were also tested to last twice longer than conventional rubber blades. The silicone rubber of the Rain-X Endura wiper blades is extremely resistant to road solvents, fluid, and motor oils that cause most rubber blades to deteriorate faster. The silicone squeegee will neither crack and dry out during intense summer heat nor break and freeze during the extreme cold of winter.
The advanced spring beam technology of Rain-X Silicone Endura wipers is flexible enough to provide uniform pressure point distribution across the entire length of the blade, allowing it to perfectly fit to any windshield curvature. It further utilizes a symmetrical pyramid-shaped spoiler design specially engineered for function, form, and fit to provide the most superior wipe performance.
The Silicone Endura by Rain-X also features the UNICLICK Adapter System for a secure and quick installation on most vehicle wiper arms, with a preinstalled hook adapter to provide utmost convenience during the installation. There is also an easy switch-out option for special adapters, in case you have another fit on your wiper blades. More importantly, Rain-X Silicone Endura was voted Product of the Year during the Consumer Survey of Product Innovation in 2020.
- Easy and quick installation using the UNICLICK Adapter System technology of Rain-X.
- Rain-X Silicone Endura was voted in 2020 as Product of the Year, giving you added assurance on quality.
- Water streaks were observed after installation and during the first use. Just wash the windscreen with soap and water to remove streaking.
- Resilient Silicone Rubber - The Rain-X Silicone Endura Squeegee Is Proven To Last Two Times Longer Than Traditional Natural Rubber Squeegees,...
- Superior Wipe Quality - Consistent All-Weather Performance In The Most Extreme Temperatures And Inclement Weather Conditions, Tested To -20°F...
- Advanced Beam Wiper Blade Technology - Provides Uniform Pressure Points Along The Length Of The Blade, Allowing It To Hug The Curvature Of The...
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Beigaon Silicone Windshield Wiper Blade
The innovative beam design of Beigaon silicone wiper blades features a frameless structure with a self-adaptive spring steel plate that provides uniform distribution of pressure points all throughout the length of the blade to minimize and prevent water streaks while providing smooth and clean operation. It further features an asymmetrical wind spoiler to enhance windshield contact.
Beigaon wiper blades are fitted with an integral mold to provide stability during operation while preventing the beading action of rainwater. This creates clearer visuals during bad weather conditions. The silicone properties also extend the life of the wiper blades to ensure you won’t have to replace the blades more often than you should.
- A Beigaon silicone wiper blade pack comes with a windshield grease cleaning paste and sponge for cleaning the wiper area coverage prior to first use.
- Every wipe of the Beigaon wiper blade creates a water-repellent coating on the windshield to deflect rainwater for clearer road visibility during heavy rains.
- Signs of water streaks start to appear after six months of use. It is best to observe regular replacement every six months.
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. SILICAR Silicone Wiper Blades
SILICAR utilizes the Water Repellency Technology to its silicone wiper blades to provide water-resistance coating during the operation, which causes rainwater to bead off the windshield glass. This provides a clearer view of the road ahead during a heavy downpour. The beam blade’s corrosion-resistant and aerodynamic frame greatly reduces wind drag to minimize noise for ultra-quiet operation.
The high-quality silicone rubber wiper strip of SILICAR can endure the rugged climate conditions and outlast most standard rubber blades in durability. Whether you are driving under the intense heat of summer or safely cruising during the cold winter, the silicone wiper blades will not deteriorate quickly and can still perform well. SILICAR uses the Water Repellency Coating Technology to provide a clearer view during rain for safe driving. If you encounter some problems with your products during the first few months of use, you are covered under the six-month warranty.
- The wiper blades feature a Water Repellency Coating Technology to provide clearer vision during heavy rain.
- SILICAR silicone wiper blades come with a six-month warranty with after-sales service support.
- Some complained that the wiper did not last longer than six months for a wiper blade made of silicone. Thus, regular wiper blade replacement every six months is encouraged.
- High Quality Silicone Rubber Wiper Strip: It is softer and more suitable for windshield compared to nature rubber. What's more important,...
- Water Repellency Technology: The standout feature of our wipers is the silicone strip that treat your windshield with water-resistant coating...
- Aerodynamic & Corrosion-resistant Frame: The design of wiper blade is beam and aerodynamic, significantly reduces wind-related drag, noise and...
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. METO T6 Silicone Wiper Blade
If there’s something about METO T6 silicone wiper blades, then it’s probably the secret to its success, hidden in the steel blade. It took METO six years of painstaking research across two thousand models of windshield curvatures to develop the steel sheet technology infused to its silicone wiper blades to ensure the best suitable fit to any windshield curve. This avoids over-tightening that results in noise while circumventing gaps that could result in water streaks due to loose grips. You will also find the exclusive streamline design more beautiful than ever, utilizing aerodynamic principles for the effective reduction of wind noise by as much as 90%, even at high speeds.
METO also has the exclusive development of the Optimal Proportioning Rubber Strip that added TEFONT coating to its blades, in partnership with DuPont, to ensure a more stable wipe performance during snow without causing harm to the windshield glass. Because METO also believes that world-class products deserve better packaging, each METO T6 silicone wiper blade comes with a sturdy PVC package to ensure the blade strip is well-protected from deformation during storage and handling, unlike competitor brands packing them in colored plastic or rigid paper boxes.
- METO wiper blades are coated with TEFONT, a codevelopment with DuPont, to improve wipe performance during the snow.
- It comes in rigid PVC packaging with a unique design to protect the blade during storage and handling.
- Each pack contains six attachments, but sometimes there is a missing piece like the F33 adapter for some models. Be sure to check the contents.
- Unlike any other traditional blade, METO T6 offers 2x durability with its silicon wiper blades.
- The silicon rubber wiper blades coat the windshields with silicone that help promote water beading in harsh weather conditions, ultimately...
- METO T6 wiper blades are ideal for those living in colder regions, as they are manufactured to protect the windshield from snow and ice buildup.
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Recommendations for the Best Silicone Wiper Blades
The magic seven is still too many to choose from. Thus, we came up with winners for the best silicone wiper blades in every category. The winners are as follows:
Best Silicone Wiper Blade for Winter
Whether it’s summer or winter, Rain-X Silicone Endura Wiper Blades can endure the grueling demands of different weather conditions. The Climate Defense Technology of Rain-X provides the necessary defense against the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays and the damaging consequences of ozone exposure. The precision-engineered silicone squeegee coated with proprietary graphite of Rain-X Endura makes the wipers ice- and snow-resistant, making it the perfect wiper blade for winter. Thus, you won’t have to change wipers as the season changes, as other drivers do with their standard rubber wiper blades. It would be an added convenience to have peace of mind knowing that your wipers will last through winter, with par performance during summer. It’s no surprise why it was awarded the 2020 Product of the Year.
Best-Value Silicone Blades for Wipers
If you are looking for the best value for your money, then the METO T6 Silicone Blade would fit perfectly with your budget. It has a touch of luxury and style without compromising quality and durability. The Optimal Proportioning Rubber Strip with TEFONT coating allows METO T6 wipers to endure extreme variables in temperature, while its secret steel sheet formula provides stability in performance through the years. As an added bonus, a solid PVC casing protects the rubber strips from deformation during storage and shipping, unrivaled by other brands—not even close to the more pricey ones. At the price point, you will already have a pair of silicone blades for almost the same amount as the more expensive products sold in singles. Thus, if you are short on budget but still want to have a premium experience, look no further than METO T6 wipers. It’s no wonder some people called it, through the review comments, the Bosch ICON equivalent.
Best Longest-Lasting Silicone Wiper Blade
There is no other silicone wiper blade brand that comes with a five-year warranty on the product other than SilBlade Premium Silicone Wipers. There is a good reason for such an offer, and that’s because they have tested their products to last for the life of the warranty period. They also stood by their warranty claim, with several actual buyers getting a new pair of wiper blades after submitting a valid claim—they only paid for the shipping. The excellent combination of PTFE and graphite creates a solid layer of protection to preserve the condition of the wiper blades under harsh weather. This maintains the wipe performance through the years and after more than a million wipe cycles. Thus, if you want to replace your wiper blades less often than the regular ones, go for the longest-lasting silicone wiper blades like SilBlade Premium wipers.
Frequently Asked Questions on Silicone Wiper Blades
What Companies Make Silicone Wiper Blades?
Unlike rubber blades, where you can enjoy flexibility in your choices with the most popular brand offers, only a few companies venture into the silicone wiper blade market. The good news is there are also popular names to choose from. Among the best companies are Rain-X, PIAA, SILICAR, Beigaon, SilBlade, Michelin, AVA, and METO. For more details about their silicone product offers for wiper blades, read the full article.
Where to Buy PIAA Silicone Wiper Blades
Some brick-and-mortar stores in the USA also carry PIAA silicone wiper blades on their shelves. The best places to buy wiper blades are popular and trusted online shops like Amazon and Walmart. You can also buy PIAA wiper blades at the PIAA official website. Amazon is highly recommended because you can take advantage of seasonal product offers. There is also a one-day delivery service for Amazon Prime members if you need the wiper blades immediately.
How Do Car Washes Affect PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blades
PIAA super silicone wiper blades are highly resistant to water and heat. Thus, car washes do not affect the performance of the wiper blades, as long as they are handled with care and lifted up during washing.
Can I Use Silicone Spray on Wiper Blades?
Silicone sprays have a variety of uses. For wiper blades, they are generally used to enhance lubrication during the cold days of winter where wipers tend to streak and cause noise. During summer when there is a sudden drizzle, lack of lubrication will also cause the wipers to produce annoying screeching sounds and leave behind watermarks. In these cases, the silicone wiper spray provides the solution to the problems. To use silicone spray on wiper blades, wash the blade edges first with dish soap and water. Wipe off the moisture with a clean cloth. Then apply the silicone spray on the cloth to wipe clean the wiper blade while simultaneously creating a silicone coating in every wipe for smooth and streak-free performance. During extreme cold conditions, you may have to repeat the same process several times to achieve the best results.
Is Silicone Spray Bad for Rubber?
While silicone spray is commonly used in silicone wiper blades, you can also use silicone spray on rubber wiper blades for cleaning. It may even preserve the rubber due to the temporary silicone coating it provides.
How Do I Know What Kind of Windshield Wipers I Need?
Knowing what kind of wiper blades you need is a matter of preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind to help you with your choices. First of all, know your driving habit. If you regularly drive at normal speed, or if your regular routes are on dirt roads, then you need the standard rubber blade. However, if you are a speedy driver cruising highways and interstates, the ideal wiper blade is silicone, which performs better at higher speeds. They are also ideal for areas with winter seasons since there’s no need to change into snow wipers.
Best Selling Silicone Wiper Blades
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API