Mar 18, 2024
The three main types of wiper blades are conventional, flat, and hybrid. If your car comes with conventional windscreen wipers, they can be replaced with flat or hybrid wipers for a performance and visual upgrade. However, it should be noted that cars that come with flat windscreen wipers cannot be fitted with conventional ones.
1
Conventional windscreen wipers
(Metal wiper blade)
Conventional windscreen wipers have a metal or metal plastic composite structure comprising a central bridge and articulated links that provide between 4 and 8 pressure points, depending on the length of the blade. Spring flexors distribute the force generated by the wiper arm spring via the wiper bridge and link flexors to the rubber element for uniform pressure on the glass.
2
Flat windscreen wipers
Flat windscreen wipers feature tensioned metal flexors supporting the rubber element with a full-length integrated spoiler to use the pressure generated by the airflow. This allows for a flatter aerodynamic shape that reduces wind noise. The flexors form the blade profile that exactly matches the windscreen, and guarantee uniform pressure all along the contact edge. It is also more discreet than a conventional windscreen wiper, so blocks less of the driver’s field of vision.
3
Hybrid windscreen wipers
As the name suggests, hybrid windscreen wipers are a combination of conventional and flat windscreen wipers.
The integrated spoiler runs along the full length of the blade, reducing wind lift to maintain constant downforce. This keeps the rubber blade on the windscreen, for a smooth and quiet movement, especially at high speeds.