The performance, longevity, and overall quality of your windshield wipers are tied to the material from which the blades are made. Wiper elements must stand up to the harshest seasonal climates and environmental conditions to provide acceptable wipe performance.

Historically, standard natural rubber was the go-to material utilized for wiper blade elements. It's flexible, reasonably durable, and offers a good balance of durability, performance, and resistance to UV and ozone in most normal environmental conditions.

Over the years as technology progressed, manufacturers offered blades that utilized a natural rubber and synthetic material blend for their wiper blade elements. These blends targeted improved performance in one climate or performance area, but often, there were tradeoffs in other areas of performance. For example, they might provide good performance in summer months and heat but poor performance in winter months or extreme cold.

However, with the evolution of material science technology, silicone materials have been introduced into wiper blade elements. Silicone blades boast superior resilience against environmental extremes and can endure both scorching and freezing temperatures, while maintaining performance over time. Despite these advantages, silicone blades can leave a residual film on the windshield, which can reduce visibility in certain conditions.

Now, let us introduce the latest innovation: TRICO's exclusive Silicone Ceramic blades designed for superior performance with no drawbacks. Stay with us as we take a closer look into the key differences between standard rubber, pure silicone, and silicone ceramic blades.

Design and Durability

Traditional rubber blades have been the industry standard for a long time. However, rubber blades can wear out fast in hot or cold weather and under strong sun. Sunlight and ozone can make them to dry or crack. As the rubber element wears, you need to consider replacement.

Silicone blades entered the market as a solution to the shortcomings of standard rubber. Silicone materials have superior resistance to temperature variations and UV radiation. This makes silicone blades more durable with an enhanced service life compared to standard rubber blades.

To make silicone blades more durable and to extend product life, TRICO has developed an exclusive ceramic coating. Because ceramics are very hard and don't wear out easily, these new blades last even longer. To put this into perspective, TRICO Silicone Ceramic™ is engineered to last three times longer than other average blades, providing premium protection while reducing friction and drag. Simply put, TRICO Silicone Ceramic™ Blades have increased longevity vs. other silicone blade in the market.

Performance and Efficiency

There is nothing worse than a blade that leaves streaks or doesn't clear the windshield in the rain. Natural rubber blades, while effective to an extent, can sometimes falter in their efficiency, especially as they age. On the other hand, silicone blades operate more smoothly to ensure streak-free cleaning of the windshield. They also have a natural water-repelling property that makes rainwater bead on the windshield. As the water beads, it allows the wiper blade to remove water from the windshield quicker than traditional rubber wiper blades.

Even with improved performance, silicone wiper blades are not without flaws and not all Silicone wiper blades are created equal. The very nature of the material means that it can leave behind a thin film of residue on the windshield during its operation. Over time, this can result in slight smearing or reduced visibility under certain lighting conditions.

TRICO Silicone Ceramic™ blades are a game-changer. Infused with an exclusive ceramic coating, they guarantee a clear view without leaving residue on the windshield. The ceramic particles, due to their sealing properties, allow for an optimized transfer coating for improved visibility as the wiper blade moves across the windshield.

Weather Resistance

A wiper blade should work well in all types of weather. Regular rubber blade material can become stiff in the cold and easily deform and become set in the heat. But silicone ceramic blades handle extreme weather conditions better. They also help water roll off, so there's less smearing. So, whether it's a sunny day or a snowy one, silicone ceramic blades will work well in all seasons.

Change Interval

Maintenance and change intervals matter to every vehicle owner. Rubber blades wear out faster, so you'll replace them more often. But silicone ceramic blades last longer between wiper blade purchases. This means you will have better performance over longer periods which can save you money over time.

While rubber blades have been the industry standard for years, the future of premium wiper blades seems to lean heavily towards advanced silicone ceramic blades. Check out TRICO Silicone Ceramic™ premium blades and experience the difference yourself. Drive safe!