Where to Buy Windshield Wipers: Everything You Need to Know

So, your windshield wiper breaks, and you’re stuck in the middle of the road – what now? Can you get it delivered to your car? Can you go on without one? When your wiper blade breaks for the first time, it can be pretty frustrating, especially while you are driving. Luckily, you don’t have to wonder where to buy windshield wipers because they’re everywhere.

Go to any auto repair shop, and you will find a replacement. However, I prefer to order them online through Amazon or Walmart. The most important thing is to know what to look for and when it’s time for a change.

Why Replace Your Windshield Wipers?

Wiper blades degrade over time. As a result, they can stop functioning or, worse, scratch your windshield. It’s best to change them every six months to a year and check up on them every time you go for an oil change. I recommend using silicone blades over rubber, as they are more durable, but both have similar signs of degradation.

Deteriorating Blade

Everything from the weather to age can cause your blade’s surface to look like it has been through a blender. Streaks and screeching are primary symptoms of your wiper’s deterioration, and these factors can cause a loss of visibility and, eventually, a damaged windshield, which won’t be suitable for anyone. If you notice wear and tear on your blade’s surface, it’s time for a replacement.

Weather

Not every wiper is made equal, especially in the winter. Some blades are designed specifically for the cold season, and they’re stronger and more durable than your summer wipers. So, if you find that Christmas is approaching and you are left without a winter wiper blade, maybe snag one while you still have time.

Improved Functions

Sometimes, your blade works just fine, but you might want something with a little more punch. There are windshield wiper replacements that have excellent functions and features. In my opinion, if you have had the same old wiper for a while, it might be worth considering something better – even if your old one works perfectly fine. For that, you’ll need to know what exactly to look for.

What to Look for in Windshield Wipers?

Choosing a windshield wiper is easy, but choosing one that’s high quality is not. With so many options, sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the good and bad apples. You not only have to decide between the material of your blade but also if you are getting an OEM or aftermarket product – both of which have high-quality wipers and ones that are not. So, when choosing your wiper blade, there are some factors to consider that will make your life easier.

Brand

Buying from a large brand is the best way to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. Established OEM and aftermarket manufacturers adhere to a strict quality standard for all of their products. Brands like PIAA, Bosch, and Rain-X are known for quality that surpasses even most OEM designers.

PIAA wiper blades are made solely from silicone, and they even offer a one-year warranty. Bosch wiper blades are as abundant as the cars on the street. They are the most well-known auto parts manufacturer, and their wipers do not disappoint. No matter the make or model of your vehicle, you can probably find a Bosch blade for it. Finally, Rain-X wiper blades are available in every type and for every condition. These brands are top of the line, but more on that later. The important part is to know what kind of windshield wiper you need.

Type

I already have an article going more in-depth, but to summarize, silicone wiper blades are slightly more expensive than rubber ones. They are also more durable and leave a water-repellant layer on the windshield. Then again, rubber wipers are more available, and most OEM manufacturers still prefer to use them over silicone. At the end of the day, the type you need will depend on your lifestyle.

Budget

Apart from the material of your blade, there are a few other factors that will affect the cost. For rubber wipers, that is graphite coating. It increases the blade’s durability and performance. The frame of a wiper blade can also influence the overall price. Traditional frames are less expensive, but their performance is not as good. On the other hand, beam wipers are slightly pricey but are more aerodynamic and provide a streak-free windshield wipe. Hybrid frames are the third option. They are considered to be the best of both worlds – affordable and with streak-free performance.

Where to Buy Windshield Wipers?

Have you ever asked yourself where to buy new windshield wipers? Apart from your local auto shop, there are a ton of online retailers that sell high-quality products.

1. Amazon

Everyone knows Amazon. It’s a place where you can find anything from windshield wipers to window breakers and even stuff that’s not related to your car. However, because anyone can sell on Amazon, among the established brands, there are cheap knockoffs as well. Still, it’s not hard to find your PIAA or Bosch wiper blades.

2. Walmart

Walmart is America’s favorite supermarket. You can find anything from truck tires to hoverboards and, yes, even the best windshield wipers. What I love about this store, apart from the affordable prices, is that you can order anything online or go in person. This is even better when you consider that Walmart has stores all around the country. If you have ever typed “windshield wipers near me” in Google, chances are this is one of the spots that popped up.

3. Autozone

Unlike the previous two stores, this retailer deals strictly with car parts. They have an incredible selection of wipers, from Bosch to Valeo and Michelin. If you are a car fanatic, you already know all this – the store is a paradise of auto parts. They even have promotions; for example, if you snag two AutoZone windshield wipers, you will receive a gift card.

4. Wipers123

Wipers123 makes finding the best windshield wipers as easy as pie. Just enter your car model and year of manufacture, and the website will give you the best option for your car. They even have windshield wipers for school buses, RVs, and trucks. Wipers123 claims to have products for 99% of the vehicles on the road, although there is no way to verify that.

5. Rain-X

Of course, there is no better place to buy a product than directly from the manufacturer. If you have settled on Rain-X windshield wipers, then it’s worth checking out their website. They even sell glass cleaners and water repellents for a smoother windshield. On top of everything, they have instructions on how to install a wiper.

6. Bosch

This manufacturer uses a model for their website that is similar to Wipers123. Just enter your vehicle’s model, make, and year as the search engine redirects you to the perfect Bosch windshield wiper for your car. Like Rain-X, they also have instructions for every one of their products. My favorite part has to be the llama, and no, I’m not going to explain that.

7. Costco

Like Walmart, Costco is a giant conglomerate of a corporation. They have stores all around the country, and they sell everything from tablets to jackets and so much more. Of course, you can order online or visit one of their many, many locations. If you are buying in person, you can enter your ZIP code on their website to see any available wipers.

8. Michelin

This manufacturer has everything you need, from beam wipers to traditional and rear. If you don’t feel like going through their large catalog, you can enter your vehicle’s make, model, and year to find the perfect product. Michelin wiper blades are not the only thing sold on their website – you also have jump starters, tire inflators, and even keychains.

9. Valeo

Valeo’s products are stylish and high quality. They use OE parts for their products, and the manufacturer is partnered with all major car producers. The Valeo windshield wiper blades have even won an award for the best original equipment product. The best part about this manufacturer has to be their mission for carbon neutrality. Valeo aims to achieve that goal by 2050, and while that is a little way down the road, you still have to respect the effort.

10. PIAA

PIAA sells auto parts for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even ATVs. Their main products are bulbs and lamps, and their selection of wipers is limited. However, the PIAA wiper blades are some of the best on the market. They use silicone, and you have the option of three frame styles. All of their windshield wipers go through rigorous testing for unmatched quality.

Conclusion

If you ask me where to buy windshield wipers, I would answer that you can find them everywhere. There are a ton of online and physical retailers that have some of the best wiper blades on the market, not to mention the manufacturers and your local auto shop. Whether you’re searching for wiper blades closest to your home, the best windshield wipers, or simply trying to figure out the different types, you have tons of options to choose from. We live in a time where a car fanatic can rest easy knowing that if something breaks, it can be replaced almost immediately.