Rubber Wiper Blades:

Pros:

• Cost: Rubber wiper blades are generally less expensive than silicone blades, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
• Effectiveness: They perform well in most weather conditions, particularly in moderate climates.
• Availability: Rubber blades are widely available and come in various sizes and styles.

Cons:

• Durability: Rubber blades tend to wear out faster than silicone, especially in extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) or when exposed to UV light.
• Performance Over Time: Over time, rubber can harden, crack, and lose effectiveness, leading to streaking and reduced visibility.

Silicone Wiper Blades:

Pros:

• Durability: Silicone wiper blades are more durable than rubber blades, often lasting twice as long. They are resistant to UV light, extreme temperatures, and ozone, making them a good choice for harsh environments.
• Performance: Silicone blades often provide a smoother wipe, reducing streaks and chatter. Some silicone blades also leave a thin layer of water-repellent coating on the windshield, which can improve visibility during rain.
• Temperature Resilience: They remain flexible in extreme cold, which helps maintain performance in winter conditions.

Cons:

• Cost: Silicone wiper blades are usually more expensive than rubber blades, which can be a consideration if you’re looking to save money.
• Availability: They may not be as widely available in all sizes and styles compared to rubber blades.

Conclusion:

• For Durability and Harsh Conditions: Silicone wiper blades are generally better because they last longer and perform better in extreme temperatures.
• For Cost and General Use: Rubber wiper blades are a good option if you are looking for something affordable and don’t face extreme weather conditions regularly.

If longevity and performance in varied conditions are important to you, silicone might be the better choice. If you’re looking for an affordable, everyday solution, rubber could be sufficient.

While silicone wiper blades have several advantages, they do come with a few potential disadvantages:

1. Higher Cost:
   • Price: Silicone wiper blades are generally more expensive than traditional rubber blades. This can be a drawback if you’re looking to save money, especially considering that wiper blades need to be replaced periodically.
2. Potential for Smearing:
   • Initial Smearing: Some users report that silicone blades can leave a slight smear on the windshield, especially during the initial uses. This is often due to the silicone leaving behind a thin layer of water-repellent coating. While this coating is designed to improve visibility over time, it can cause temporary smearing, which some drivers find distracting.
3. Less Availability:
   • Limited Options: Silicone wiper blades might not be as widely available in all sizes and styles compared to rubber blades. This could make it harder to find the exact match for your vehicle, especially if you drive a less common model.
4. Performance on Extremely Dry Windshields:
   • Dry Drag: On an extremely dry windshield, silicone blades can sometimes drag or chatter slightly, creating noise or reducing the smoothness of the wipe. This is less of an issue in wet conditions but can be noticeable when the windshield is only slightly misted.
5. Initial Application of Water-Repellent Coating:
   • Manual Application: While some silicone wiper blades automatically apply a water-repellent coating to the windshield, others require manual application of a similar product to achieve the best results. This adds an extra step in the installation or maintenance process.

These disadvantages are relatively minor compared to the benefits of durability and performance that silicone wiper blades offer, but they are worth considering depending on your specific needs and driving habits.