The Best Windshield Wiper Blades in Canada
When driving, no sense is important as your vision. Seeing the road ahead and your surroundings is essential. As a Canadian driver, you are no stranger to the worst driving conditions known to humankind. From blizzards in the winter to torrential downpour in the summer, you’ve driven in them all. You know a lot goes into keeping you, the driver, safe from the conditions and the maniacs around you. With that being said, how are your wiper blades looking these days?
Conventional wisdom suggests that you should change your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. However, they can be forgotten about until you need them most. If you have not changed your wipers in a while or forgot about when the last time you changed them was, you might need a new set of wiper blades to keep your vision clear.
Our top picks
What to look for in windshield wipers
The Material: One of the main factors you should consider when shopping for a Windshield wiper is the material of the wiper blade’s edge, which will either be a form of rubber or silicone. These materials have some significant differences that exhibit different qualities once installed.
Rubber was traditionally used before the advent of silicone wipers, and is still the most common choice. It is fairly durable, and cheap to produce. However, rubber can easily be damaged by use in extreme temperatures, but most windshield wiper companies will develop their own rubber formulation that improve some of the lesser properties of rubber.
Rubber typically features a graphite-based lubricant to aid the movement of the blades and improve the movement of water and dirt that can accumulate on your windshield. This graphite lubricant is known to last only short periods of time, since water or high speeds will be enough to remove the layer.
Silicone on the other hand is perhaps a stronger material for wiper blades. It is arguably a more durable material, that can resist heat better than its rubber counterpart. Silicone wipers leaves a silicone-based lubricant that improves the waterproofness when they are in use as well. However, silicone wiper blades are generally more expensive.
Construction: There are two main different constructions of wiper blades. First, there’s “traditional,” or “conventional” wiper blades, that feature a durable steel frame that connects to your vehicle’s wiper arm. Along this frame are several points of contact that hold the wiper blade snugly against the window. The central flaw is with several fixed points connecting the wipers to this steel arm, the wipers will press against the window with uneven force since pressure is applied on specific parts of the blade, which can lead to streaking if something is wrong. The second style of wiper blades are beam wiper blades, which include a sturdy beam which directly attaches to the wiper blade edge, and provides a more constant application of pressure up and down the wiper. Hybrid blades also exist, however these types of wiper blades just share some design principles of the latter two, mainly borrowing the frame-like construction of the traditional with the sleek, beam-like appearance of the beam wiper blades.
Price: Obviously, price is a factor with anything you are looking to buy. However, it rarely is as simple as buying the cheapest product available. When it comes to wiper blades, spending more can save you money. Conventional wisdom suggests you should change your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. If you can double your wiper’s lifespan without doubling the price, you will save money.
Best beam-style wiper blade
Bosch Icon
Sizes: 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28
Named by many publications as one of the strongest wiper blades on the market, the Bosch Icon series is a strong choice for many drivers due to its all-weather performance and ease of installation. If you don’t mind paying a premium price for strong performance and lifespan, the Bosch Icon is a good place to start looking.
The Bosch Icon wiper blade series is a beam-style wiper blade that is constructed with “exclusive fx dual rubber compound”. This rubber compound is stated to last 40% longer than competitor’s blades, as well as resist the natural deterioration from the elements, like from heat and ozone.
The Bosch Icon series is designed to work with J-hook type installation, with no type of universal adaptor to make this accessible for other types of wiper arms. The connector features a protective cover to ensure this point of contact is defended against harsh weather conditions and ice build up.
Due to the construction, the Bosch Icon works excellently throughout all types of weather conditions. The beam-style wiper blades handle snow and ice build-up well, and the formulated rubber handles all weather conditions decently.
Users find these wipers have strong performance and durability, and easily attach to compatible vehicles. However, for these feats, the price is predictably on the higher end. Some users still found the wiper blades to streak, however due to lack of information these users provided, we cannot state why with confidence. Overall, the Bosch Icon series has a strong reputation as being a premium wiper blade.
Pros
- Beam structure make this a strong wiper blade regardless of the weather conditions.
- Regarded for strong durability.
Cons
- Only connect with J-hook type installation, limiting the number of vehicles it can connect to.
- Expensively priced.
Best wiper blades for wet conditions
Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency Wiper
Sizes: 14″, 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″
The Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency Wiper is an excellent wiper blade for rainy weather. Combining wiper blades with Rain-X’s water repellent formula results in clear windows even during downpour and blizzard conditions.
The Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blade is a beam-style wiper blade made from a “synthetic blend rubber”. When in use, the Rain-X wipers will transfer the water repellent onto the windshield, improving the water proofness while driving, aiding the wipers physically moving the water out of the windshield. Unfortunately, the Rain-X formulation may wear off before the wipers need replacing, making the early-life and later-life effectiveness of this wiper blade noticeably different for some users. Some users also do not seem to like the appearance of the Rain-X formulation on the windshield either.
The installation is overall simple due to the universal adaptor pre-installed onto the wipers that easily connects to an estimated 96-percent of vehicle’s wiper arms that use small or large J-hooks, I & L tabs, pin arms or both small and regular pinch tab buttons. Users noted that some forms of application require considerate force to snap into place, but overall installation was quick.
Unfortunately, these wiper blades come individually – that “2-in-1” on the top refers to the wiper and the waterproof formula, so consider that before going through the checkout. While these are not generally high priced, some marketplaces mark these blades up considerably (looking at you Amazon), so be careful you are not spending too much on these wiper blades.
Users generally found these wiper blades easy to install and work well for rainy conditions of all severities. However, some users have had issues with the blades staying attached to the beam of these wipers in extremely windy conditions. This is in part to the plastic clips that attach the components together underperforming. We recommend regularly checking the state of these wipers if you feel uncomfortable with this prospect happening when you need your wipers most.
Pros
- Applies water-proofing Rain-X formula continually to windshield, improving performance in rain and wet conditions.
- Simple installation.
Cons
- Durability issues with the plastic clips that connect the wiper blade to the beam, and the duration the waterproof formula lasts.
- Each blade comes individually.
Best budget wiper blades
ANCO 31 Series
For reliable wipers at a budget price, look into these wipers from Anco. The OEM quality fit of these blades prove an easy solution for the problem of needing good wipers without spending too much.
The Anco 31 series is a traditional style wiper blade, made from a DuraKlear rubber compound and a sturdy yet vented metal flexor. The design of these Anco wiper blades are similar to the fit of OE (original equipment) wiper blades, making them a strong pick for many vehicles, with a reliable performance and minimum streaking.
The Anco 31 series features the company’s KwikConnect compatible with hook-style wiper arms. User experienced range from easy installation to more difficulty trying to snap in place, especially on the larger 9×4” J-hooks. Once connected, the Anco 31 wipers will clip in sturdily.
Overall, users like the fit and quality of these wiper blades at an inexpensive price. However, at a budget price, there are some trade offs. While these wiper blades can last the generally recommended time frame of six months, they rarely lasted longer aside from a few examples. Another flaw was adverse reaction to extreme weather: they do not deal with heavy snow very well and can dry out in high heat. However, you can get extra longevity by replacing the wipers with N-##R refills.
If you are expecting more mild weather, like replacing your wipers after the winter season, these Anco wipers are a strong choice.
Pros
- Strong performance and fit for a traditional-framed wiper blade
- Budget price.
Cons
- Not renown for their longevity.
- Not ideal for use in extreme temperatures.
best silicone wiper blades
PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blade
Sizes: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 28, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26
Silicone wiper blades are highly regarded among auto journalists and car hobbyists due to a unique set of qualities that set them apart from their rubber counterparts. If you want durability and waterproof performance that lasts – even in hot conditions, it might be worthwhile spending a little extra for a quality set of silicone wiper blades like the PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blades.
Silicone has hype behind it due to some distinct advantages it has over rubber. It resists heat better than rubber, not drying out in the process. Wipers made from silicone typically feature a silicone-based lubricant that lasts much longer than the graphite lubricant rubber blades use. These blades do not squeak and can be extremely quiet when in use. If damaged or worn down, refills are available.
The PIAA Super Silicone blades are a traditional wiper blade style, yet users maintain these blades contact the windshield with even pressure, without smudging. The waterproof silicone lubricant that applies might leave a slight fog briefly after each pass, however overall, the clarity in rain due to this treatment is worthwhile.
While the performance in heat and rain are strong points, for people who live in Canada’s prairies or in Northern Canada, these wipers may not handle how harsh Canadian winters can be. It seems that freezing conditions or ice may cause some of Silicone’s benefits to be diminished, with users finding streaking or squeaking after being exposed to winter conditions.
Overall, users seemed overall very happy with these wiper blades. They install easily, they can last a long time if taken care of, and offer strong performance and clear windows. One tip: keeping the blade clean and applying a silicone spray can increase the lifespan of a silicone wiper blade considerably. However, with what users have suggested about the winter performance of these blades, we recommend installing these during spring, and maybe consider other options if long, cold winters are the norm where you live.
Pros
- Strong performance in clearing water off your windshield and making the windshield water repellent.
- Easy installation.
Cons
- Less than ideal performance and longevity during cold, winter conditions.
Best all-season wiper blades
Bosch Evolution All-Season Wiper blades
Across Canada, the range of weather and climate varies. If you need a wiper blade for winter weather, we suggest a blade like the Bosch Evolution All-Season wiper blades.
The Bosch Evolution is a beam-style wiper blade constructed out of a blended natural rubber. With a bracketless design, the Bosch Evolution is designed to resist snow and ice build-up and provide a clean, clear window in winter conditions. Many wiper blades consist mostly of metal components with some plastic, but the shell of the Bosch Evolution is mostly plastic to protect the inner components from the elements. Unfortunately, this plastic is not as durable as metal components.
Installation of the Evolution All-Season is easy for many vehicles, due to its double locking DirectConnect installation system that is compatible with many different type of wiper arms, including small and large J-hooks, small and large pins, side lock, top lock large, pinch tab and Valeo top locks.
Overall, these wiper blades are generally well regarded by most users. Some users who felt the Bosch Evolution were unsatisfactory often were associated with problems with the wiper clasps, which are prone to damage or becoming detached from the wiper blade, leading to occasional issues like noise and streaking. These wiper blades are also similarly priced to the other Bosch Wipers on this list and are quite expensive overall.
Pros
- Bracketless design with plastic cover protects these wipers from snow, ice, and moisture.
- Easy installation.
Cons
- Wiper claps are a spot of failure, leading to damage or streaking.
- Expensive.
Best wiper blades for snow and ice
Reflex Ice Defense Wiper Blade
Sizes: 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28
Living in Canada, the lowest lows of winter’s weather can be a challenge to get through. They can be a challenge for your vehicle and all its components as well. If you want a wiper blade to get you through winters, the Reflex Ice Defense wipers are made for the colder months.
The Reflex Ice Defense Wiper Blades are a traditional-framed wiper with a blade itself made from a natural rubber formulation. The wiper is infused with graphite technology for a clean, close wipe without noise. The dual tension spring improve how evenly pressure is applied to the windshield, producing close wipes without streaking. With a hydrophobic water-repellent spoiler to prevent snow and ice build up, these wipers work well in any weather, but are designed with snow and ice in mind. These wipers are tested to perform as low as -40 C!
The Ice Defence wipers feature a J-hook adapter for easy installation, while sizes designated with “OE” are designated for other style of wiper arms, such as pin style, top lock, and pinch tab. Users find installation very simple, and happy with the range of sizes available. However, before purchasing, you should ensure that these wipers will work for your make and model, just like any time you shop for wiper blades.
Users found that these wipers are generally very strong for winter use and in wet weather. However, there are some downsides we felt we need to talk about in regards to these wiper blades. One downside is that these wipers are not the most quiet, with some users reporting squeaks or rattling. They also are on the more expensive side of wipers on this list, just a few dollars cheaper than the top rated Bosch Icon wipers per blade. However, if you want a more dependable wiper for winter weather, it’s easy to rationalize paying a little more.
Pros
- Strong performance in winter weather, snowy conditions, and low temperatures.
- Easy installation.
Cons
- Noisy.
- Expensive.
Our methodology
When looking for wiper blades, we found that users are concerned with four primary things: visibility when using the wiper, durability of the wipers, ease of installation, and price.
We put over six hours of research finding the best wiper blades, looking at these four qualities. We referred to online reviews from verified buyer as well as buying guides from peer websites. We prioritized products with an average score of 4 stars or higher.
Frequently asked questions
How do wiper blades work?
Wiper blades work by creating a watertight seal between the windshield and wiper blade, and pushing any water, snow, or dirt off to the side. A combination of flexible material and water-resistant lubricant improves the degree that the seal between the wipers and the windshield is watertight and improves clarity of the windshield. Nicks or cracks in the blade, uneven blade pressure, and ice or dirt buildup on the blade can result in streaky windows.
How do I know my wiper blade size?
Information about what wiper blade size you need is easily found in your owner’s manual. However, many stores that sell windshield wipers – like Canadian Tire – include look up systems that let you know what wipers you need for your vehicle by filling out the make, model and year in-store. Some websites also exist just for the purpose of helping you find what windshield wiper blades you need.
Are silicone wiper blades better than rubber?
Publications and auto-enthusiasts online seem to favour silicone blades, as they improve the water resistance of the windshield, and are more durable. However, modern high-end rubber blades are no slouches, and when installed well and treated properly, can be of comparable quality.
How much does wiper blades cost?
Wiper blades vary in price but can be as low as $8-10 CAD and as high as $25-30 CAD for a single blade. Before purchasing, make sure that you are looking at the right size and the right amount of blades required – some blades are sold in packages of 2, and some are individually sold.
What is a wiper blade refill?
Wiper blade refills are a quick-fix solution to a damaged or aging wiper blade. Refills are essentially just the rubber or silicone edge of the wiped blade that you can swap out to get more longevity of your blades.
How to clean wiper blades?
Wiper blades are prone to collecting dust and dirt, which may impact the extent that the wiper blade can clear snow and rain from your windshield. However, cleaning your wiper blades is remarkably easy. Just take a clean microfibre towel or paper towel, and with some water mixed with either some soap, vinegar, or a denatured alcohol, wiped down the edges of the blades until no more dirt comes off. You do not need to even go out of your way to wash your wiper blades – just give them some attention any time you wash your vehicle.
What are the best places to buy wiper blades in Canada?
Canadian Tire is a strong place to buy wiper blades, due to wide selection and a system that finds the right windshield wipers for you, as well as its omnipresence across Canada. However, any store with a dedicated automotive section will carry wiper blades, including Walmart and Costco. Online, there are a range of sites that sell wiper blades –Rock Auto or Auto Parts Way.
Is it worth it buying cheap wiper blades?
Like buying anything with a limited lifetime, the cheapest option will likely need replacement quickest. In certain situations, it will be cheaper to buy premium wipers and maintain them than it will be to buy the cheapest wipers and replace them when they wear out. However, depending on your use, you can save money buying cheaper wiper blades too.
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