Good wipers are the best defence against poor visibility when driving in the rain and the snow. But if you think that all wipers are created equal, then you’re mistaken: there are some big differences.

The basic wiper is made of a soft, pliable rubber compound that flexes slightly as it wipes your window. In the past five years or so, a flat, plastic-type blade has hit the market. These units use a slightly cured plastic beam to make the rubber blade conform to the shape of the window instead of to the conventional metal girder. In tests these wipers worked about as effectively as the conventional units, though in many cases they cost a little more. The fact is, what really counts is the rubber blade section of the wiper: the ideal blade is one that stays firm enough in hot temperatures and pliable enough in cold temperatures.

Most manufacturers and aftermarket retailers choose the Teflon-coated rubber-compound blade. The Teflon coating allows the blade to glide easily across the windshield, moving the water away quickly. For the vast majority of use, these wipers work well if replaced about once a year, since exposure to the elements will gradually reduce their effectiveness.