When your Honda’s windshield wiper blades are leaving streaks of rain behind as they swoosh back and forth across the windshield, you know it’s time to replace them. So you go to the store, if you’re a DIY kind of person, and look at the array of wipers on display. There’s a wide variety of blades and prices. So what is the best way to go? Are the high-end wiper blades actually worth the extra dollars that they cost? Or will the cheapies do just as well?
At one time or another, we’ve all discovered certain items for which the less expensive brands are just as good as the more expensive ones. Occasionally, the cheaper versions are even better. However, is this true with wiper blades?
Get to Know the Wiper Blade Styles
Wiper blades come in three basic styles. The least expensive style is the frame type. It uses a metal frame to hold the wiper blade. The midgrade is called the winter wiper. It has a rubber casing that covers the metal framework. The purpose of the rubber casing is to keep it free from ice and snow that might hinder the wipers from doing their job. Some manufacturers of winter wipers use a special compound that allegedly keeps the blades flexible even when it’s very cold.
The high-end blades are referred to as beam-style wipers. A one-piece design lets the blades conform to the shape of the windshield, giving them a better, closer sweep over the windshield. It is claimed that these wipers are resistant to ice and snow, and they will last longer. Besides this, they are good-looking blades.
Wiper Blades Price Differences
Within these three basic types of wiper blades, the price differences depend on the brand name. A set of wipers of a national brand will cost more than will a set of wipers carrying the store brand. Which type of wiper blade and what brand you choose is really up to your preference. The beam-style blades look fancier than do the other styles. But are you paying for looks or performance? A decent-quality blade of any of the three types will clean your windshield throughout its life. Depending on how much you have to use them, a set of wiper blades should be changed out once or twice a year. If you change them that often, the brand name doesn’t make much difference.
For assistance in choosing the right wiper blades for your Honda, drive over to Brannon Honda in Birmingham, Alabama.
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