Are OEM Windshield Wipers Better Than Aftermarket?
Are OEM windshield wipers better than aftermarket? This question is often asked by Subaru owners who are considering buying new wipers. If you ask us, OEM wipers are far superior to aftermarket wipers.
What Are OEM Windshield Wipers?
OEM windshield wiper parts come from the same manufacturer who made the wipers that came with your car. This means OEM wipers are designed for your Subaru model. They should fit perfectly, have a good sweep on the windshield, and last a long time.
What Are Aftermarket Windshield Wipers?
These kinds of blades are made by companies other than the manufacturer of your car. They might not fit well or perform as advertised. Aftermarket wipers are usually less expensive than OEM windshield wiper blades, but beware. You often get what you pay for!
Why Are OEM Windshield Wipers Better Than Aftermarket Wipers?
Windshield wipers are an important maintenance part for any Subaru model. Whether you have a Legacy or Forester or another Subaru model, you need the best kind of wipers for your vehicle.
It's easy to think that you're getting a great deal with aftermarket wipers because they cost less. But the truth is, you're getting much more value for your money with OEM wipers. Here's why:
Quality
OEM wiper blades are always made with high quality materials. That's why OEM wiper blades last a long time. These blades can handle all kinds of weather, as well as dirt, ice, and other kinds of debris that can end up on the windshield. If you drive through areas with lots of snow or rain, you definitely need OEM windshield wiper blades.
Aftermarket wipers might not be made from the same quality materials. It's common for aftermarket wipers to:
- Fail to clear the windshield as well as they should
- Wear out or fail early
You may have to buy two sets of aftermarket wipers during the same lifespan of one set of OEM wipers. In this scenario, aftermarket wipers would end up costing you more money than OEM wipers.
Design
Windshield wipers should fit snugly against your windshield. They also should be the right size and thickness to be able to sweep cleanly across it. Many aftermarket wiper blades have a universal design. That's a problem because every windshield is different. It's common for aftermarket wipers to not fit well, which could be a safety concern.
- Wiper blades need to be the right length and thickness to clear the windshield in any type of weather.
- Wiper blades need to fit snugly into the wiper arms. If they don't, the blades can fly off while in use.
When it's raining outside, it's essential for you to have clear visibility while driving. That means your windshield wipers need to work effectively and reliably. Aftermarket blades may not be a good choice when the going gets tough. They can fail in some situations due to poor design.
OEM wipers are designed to fit well on their respective car models. You never have to worry about OEM wiper blades falling off while you're driving or not clearing the windshield well enough. The design of OEM blades is effective for reliability and safety.
Warranty
OEM blades are backed by the manufacturer's warranty. This means they'll be replaced for free, or the cost of replacement will be refunded, if there is ever an issue with them. In Subaru's case, OEM wipers should always perform well. Yet, Subaru will pay to replace any OEM wipers that are defective in material or factory workmanship. The Subaru Parts Warranty is good for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Most (if not all) aftermarket wipers don't come with a warranty. You'll have to pay for any replacements yourself. These costs can add up over time.
Summing Up
Image Credit: Christopher Dungeon
If you want better value and more performance for your money when it comes to windshield wiper blades, choose OEM parts. When it's time to replace your current wipers, order OEM wiper blades from us.
At Subaru Parts Plus, we carry many different OEM parts, including windshield wipers, at rock bottom prices. You can find a variety of wiper parts, including blade refills, wiper arms, windshield washer pumps, and more.
Please contact us if you need help finding the right wiper part(s) for your Subaru model!