The best windshield wipers in the UK 2023

Good visibility on the road, whatever the weather conditions, depends on good windshield wipers, effective during the rainy season and in snowy weather. Bosch, Valeo, Michelin, these brands design the best windshield wipers of the moment. How do you choose these essential accessories to drive safely in your car? Let's take stock of the situation in this guide.

Valeo - 574688 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Valeo - 574688

The best Valeo car wiper in 2021

This pair of Valeo windshield wipers is a testament to the efficiency for which the brand is known. The asymmetrical deflector and the aerodynamic design make these accessories the best car wipers of the year.

22,08 £ on Oscaro

The reason why leading automotive brands trust Valeo for their windshield wipers and other accessories is because it is a brand known for the efficiency and durability of its products. For proof of this, just look at how the asymmetrical deflector on these Valeo aerodynamic wipers provides a high quality wipe of the windshield. When you add to this the curved shape of the blades, the result does not disappoint.

Of course, car centers and garages will charge full price for such products, but you will soon see that the price of the original Valeo wipers on Oscaro will save you money. If you're worried about the installation, you should know that it's still quick and easy; and then, clear and illustrated instructions are at your disposal. Basically, all you have to do is enjoy the efficiency, even in the pouring rain, of these car wipers with visioRubber blades and a patented Valeo coating.

Michelin - 92438 2
7/10

Best Cheap

Michelin - 92438

The best cheap car wiper

In the category of cheap windshield wipers, let's find this Michelin model, an accessory sold by unit by this French tire specialist.

12,72 £ on Oscaro

Even though this Michelin wiper is sold individually and comes with a variety of adapters for easy installation, it can't claim to be universal. However, its effectiveness against rain, snow and ice makes you want to buy it. Indeed, the combination of the riveted steel frame, the molded natural rubber and the powder coating, guaranteeing an exceptional sliding quality, increase the pressure of the car wiper on the windshield for an optimal wiping.

In order for this wiper to be more durable, Michelin has chosen stainless steel flexors that are not likely to rust. However, some users report that the durability of this Michelin wiper leaves something to be desired. If the result is speechless when the accessory is new, the bad surprises come after a few months; which can be disturbing given the unit price of this accessory.

Bosch - Aerotwin 3 397 007 501 3
9/10

Best High End

Bosch - Aerotwin 3 397 007 501

The best premium car wiper

Bosch quality is found in this pair of flat blade windshield wipers for vehicles. Undeniably robust and efficient, these accessories guarantee good visibility on the road.

24,64 £ on Oscaro

Most vehicles with flat blades are compatible with these Bosch wipers: Citroën Berlingo B9, C3 III and later versions, FIAT cars since 2015, all versions after OPEL Adam, Peugeot 208 and 2008, etc. Nevertheless, pre-assembled adapters are already included in the set so that the car wipers fit well with the bracket. Also, the length of the pair (650/400 mm) is made to fit the usual car windshield sizes.

As always, with the pair of Bosch windshield wipers comes the Power Plus Protection technology that guarantees the durability of these accessories. As for the quality of the wiping, we always appreciate the result of the natural rubber blades, effective in all weather conditions and offering good visibility even at high speed.

Bosch - Aerotwin Retrofit 3 397 118 911 4
7/10

A great choice

Bosch - Aerotwin Retrofit 3 397 118 911

A very good alternative

Power Protection Plus technology gives these quiet Bosch wipers great durability, providing optimal in-car visibility, even in heavy rain.

19,28 £ on Oscaro

No need to go to the garage or car center to get good Bosch wipers. After successful tests on a Tucson tl, a Verso r2 and an Altima l32, the effectiveness of the pre-assembled adapter for quick and easy installation is no longer in doubt. In addition, users agree that these wipers are durable, thanks to the Power Protection technology that comes with these accessories.

For this attractive price, Bosch offers a pair of front wipers with a length of 65 cm on the driver's side and 40 cm on the passenger's side. What we like about these accessories is that, in addition to offering optimal wiping thanks to its natural rubber blades, they operate silently. With the combination of optimal visibility, quiet wiping and efficiency in rain and snow, it's hard to pass up the Aerotwin Retrofit.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best windshield wiper

Any specific needs?

The best Valeo car wiper in 2021

The best cheap car wiper

The best premium car wiper

A very good alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best windshield wipers

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Valeo - 574688 5
9/10
Michelin - 92438 6
7/10
Bosch - Aerotwin 3 397 007 501 7
9/10
Bosch - Aerotwin Retrofit 3 397 118 911 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Valeo - 574688
Michelin - 92438
Bosch - Aerotwin 3 397 007 501
Bosch - Aerotwin Retrofit 3 397 118 911
This pair of Valeo windshield wipers is a testament to the efficiency for which the brand is known. The asymmetrical deflector and the aerodynamic design make these accessories the best car wipers of the year.
In the category of cheap windshield wipers, let's find this Michelin model, an accessory sold by unit by this French tire specialist.
Bosch quality is found in this pair of flat blade windshield wipers for vehicles. Undeniably robust and efficient, these accessories guarantee good visibility on the road.
Power Protection Plus technology gives these quiet Bosch wipers great durability, providing optimal in-car visibility, even in heavy rain.
Number
Pair
Unit
Pair
Pair
Position
Frontal
Frontal
Frontal
Frontal
Material
Dual density rubber
Molded natural rubber
Natural rubber
Natural rubber
Installation
Easy
Medium
Easy
Easy
Sound level
Medium
Low
Very low
Very low

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - windshield wiper

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How to choose your windshield wiper

Windshield wipers are not chosen lightly and that is why a few criteria must be taken into consideration before deciding on a model. This ranges from the type of wiper to safety standards.

#1 - Type of wiper

The effectiveness of your wiper depends mainly on its compatibility with the vehicle. The mounting system and installation varies depending on the type. There are three main types of wipers: the conventional wiper which is less expensive, the flat wiper for dealing with bad weather and the hybrid wiper which is very efficient. The fourth type being the winter wiper.

#2 - The brooms

This second criterion is equally important, since it is the blade that supports the blade. There are three different types; starting with the standard blade found on almost every vehicle. The second type is the spoiler broom, which adheres perfectly to the windshield, and the third type is the flat-blade, which has a good performance.

#3 - The blade

The blade of the broom is the element that cleans the windshield. It is therefore important that it is of good quality. The rubber blade is the most standard and also the most affordable. The coated blade, on the other hand, is more resistant and ensures a perfect sweep. The last one being the silicone blade which is meant to be used in extreme condition.

#4 - Maintenance

The

maintenance of the wipers is also a factor that can influence the choice. Indeed, the easier they are to maintain, the more efficient they are. To do this, you should refer to the supplier's instructions. A well-maintained wiper can last for several years.

#5 - Safety standards

Windshield wipers must comply with current safety standards, which stipulate that a vehicle that does not have good wipers will be subject to a counter-inspection that can lead to a sanction against the owner and the car.

How to change your car wipers?

The quickest way to change your wipers is to read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. But sometimes, a wrong manipulation is enough to make them unusable. These few tips will help you adopt the right gestures and successfully install your new wipers:

  • The installation of a new wiper starts with cleaning the windshield. To do this, take a clean cloth and soak it in a windshield washer fluid. This will remove all dirt and impurities that could break the blade.
  • The second step is the most delicate and requires special attention. You must lift the wiper arm so that it is perpendicular to the glass, then tilt the blade, with the wiper blade up. Make sure the arm is stable throughout the process so it doesn't bounce off the windshield and damage it. Consider protecting your windshield with cardboard or real estate with a rigid object.
  • You can remove the worn broom once you have positioned the blade upwards. Simply unclip it to retrieve it.
  • Put the new broom in place by repeating all the steps, but in the opposite direction.
  • You just have to replace the broom and the metal structure in its initial position. Check that the blade is touching the windshield. And that's it, you just have to test your new wiper blade.

The different types of windshield wipers

There are several types of windshield wipers depending on the need and the vehicle you own.

U-shaped or classic wipers

This type of wiper is very economical and robust. It consists of an arm and a rubber blade, all mounted on a metal frame that matches the size of the windshield. It can be seen on almost all cars as suppliers equip them with this type of wiper. These devices have been used for a long time because they are very effective, both in the rain and during the winter season.

However, they are not as effective as the second type which is the "flat-blade".

Flexible windshield wipers or "flat-blade

All

recent car models are equipped with this type of wiper. It is made of shape memory wiper, which follows perfectly the lines of the windshields and a rubber directly glued on the wiper. It has the particularity of being less noisy than the other types and is very efficient in winter.

The aerodynamics being its main asset, because the blade does not retain the snow and evacuates them quickly as soon as it passes over the windshield.

Hybrid windshield wipers

Few

cars are equipped with this type of wiper since it is very recent. As its name suggests, the hybrid wiper is a mixture of the first two variants. It has perfect aerodynamics and a design borrowed from classic wipers. The blade is similar to that of the flat-blade.

Hybrid wipers are becoming more and more popular, especially with Asian car manufacturers, and are often used for new cars.

The clip

Make sure the fasteners fit the base mounting systems to avoid tinkering or buying an adapter for the installation.

Rubber or silicone wiper blades?

Rubber blade windshield wiper

All older models of windscreen wipers have a rubber blade. This is an inexpensive material that has a good resistance. All manufacturers use this type of wiper as original equipment. In addition, it is very easy to install on the armor and the blade.

If you opt for this model, remember to change it regularly, as the rubber blades are fragile and have a relatively limited life span.

Silicone wiper blade

Silicone blade wipers are extremely robust, flexible, and adaptable to all seasons. They are widely used by racing teams and professionals in motor sports. Silicone is a material that can be manipulated at will, and all recent sports cars are equipped with them.

However, silicone wipers are expensive and there are not many standard models.

Verdict

If you want to invest in a safe value and you don't want to change your wipers every month, the best is to choose silicone wipers. They are also recommended for those who live in cold areas. However, wipers with rubber blades are just as effective. They don't last as long, but they do their job well.

Why buy windshield wipers?

Improve your visibility

While you don't always have to deal with snow, everyone has to drive through dangerous rainy conditions. Your windshield wipers work hard to keep your windshield clear in these conditions. They are essential parts of your vehicle and by cleaning your windshield, they ensure good visibility in any weather.

Protect your windshield

Windshield wipers use rubber blades on metal arms to push snow and rain away from your windshield. They protect your windshield from dirt, rain and snow. They ensure you have good visibility and safe driving when you're out on the road, in the worst weather conditions.

Makes cleaning easier

You are used to always cleaning your windshield a bit, but with good quality windshield wipers, you can always have a clean windshield, as they can do this task for you. However, they need to be maintained often to ensure their durability. Windshield wipers are easy to clean, you just need to take a damp cloth to remove the dirt.

Easy to replace

Replacing wiper blades is so simple that you can do it yourself, even if you have no knowledge of the car. You'll want to measure your blades first to get a good size. When you are ready to choose your blades, you will discover a variety of options. The most common blades are the frame type wipers. However, you may also see beam type wipers that have a one-piece design and winter wiper blades with a protective rubber shell.

Relatively inexpensive

Depending on the type you get, the wipers usually cost between £10 and £50. That's very affordable too, you have plenty of choice on the market.

The best brands of windshield wipers

In our opinion, the best brands of windshield wipers in 2022 are :

Valéo
Bosh
Michelin
Otuayauto
Trico

This French brand specialises in the automotive industry and manufactures high quality cleaning and wiping equipment. Its models and ranges include Silencio, Hydroconnect, SWF and SWF connect, all of which are very popular with motorists.

Known for its robust and high-performance automotive parts, the Bosh brand also excels in the design of efficient and standard-compliant windshield wipers. Among the most popular references are the Twin, the Aerotwin and the Rar.

With many years of experience in tyres, the brand has also built up a solid reputation for designing windscreen wipers suitable for all models of vehicle and of various sizes. To mention only those that use the Michelin Total Performance blade.

Specializing in the design and sale of car window cleaning equipment, this brand has made a name for itself with its off-road car rear wipers. And it excels in this field, so much so that the major brands of utility cars and 4×4 have easily adopted it.

This brand is renowned for its ability to produce wipers adapted to winter periods and extreme conditions. We can mention the Trico Force, Trico Ice, Trico Flex models and other even more innovative ranges.

What is the price for a windshield wiper

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
5 £ to 20 £
Mid-range
20 £ to 40 £
High-end
more than 40 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Know when to change your wiper blades

In general, wiper blades should be replaced every six months or every year. But there are also certain criteria that can tell you it's time to replace your wiper blades. For example, you'll notice that the blade is starting to crack. You'll also notice that some areas will not be wiped, because the pressure of the blade is no longer sufficient.

Use alcohol to soften the rubber

The rubber on your wipers sometimes becomes hard from frequent exposure to the sun, and this causes unwanted squeaking sounds for the driver. To remedy this, you can soften the rubber with a little rubbing alcohol. To do this, take a paper towel soaked in the product and rub the rubber parts of your wipers.

Tighten the fasteners properly

When you install your new wiper blades, tightening the fasteners is a task that should be undertaken with care. This is because if the fasteners are too loose, the wipers may not work properly. However, if the fasteners are too tight, the system may squeak. So you need to find the right point of tightness.

Adjust your wiper blades properly

You need to adjust the position of your wiper blades properly so that they work optimally. To do this, test by engaging the mechanism and checking to see if all areas of the windshield are being cleaned properly. If not, don't hesitate to twist the arms of your wipers to get the right position.

Cover your windshield wipers with plastic bags

During the winter, the wipers are heavily attacked by ice and may also stick to the windshield. To avoid these problems, the solution is to cover the entire wipers with plastic bags. You can also replace the plastic bags with long stockings.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  8. , caaquebec.com
  9. , nytimes.com
  10. , instructables.com
  11. , toutpratique.com
  12. , dr-detailing.com
  13. , mon-garage-peugeot.fr
  14. , amazon.co.uk
  15. , feuvert.fr
  16. , norauto.fr
  17. , oscaro.com
  18. , m.piecesauto24.com
  19. , carter-cash.com
  20. , mister-auto.com
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  22. , oscaro.com
  23. , feuvert.fr
  24. , m.auto-doc.fr
  25. , m.youtube.com
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  27. , vos-promos.fr
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  37. , mister-auto.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Valeo - 574688 9
Valeo - 574688
Michelin - 92438 10
Michelin - 92438
Bosch - Aerotwin 3 397 007 501 11
Bosch - Aerotwin 3 397 007 501
Bosch - Aerotwin Retrofit 3 397 118 911 12
Bosch - Aerotwin Retrofit 3 397 118 911

Lecteurs

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