Are OEM Windshield Wipers Better Than Aftermarket?
When you need a new set of windshield wipers, you want a quality set that will serve you well for 6-12 months.
So you may be torn between two options:
- OEM windshield wipers
- Aftermarket windshield wipers
This comparison guide draws the conclusion that OEM is always the better option. Here's why:
1. OEM Windshield Wipers Are An Exact Fit For Your Car
Image Credit: Cory Mondics
There is nothing better than using OEM wiper blades sold through an authorized parts dealer (like us). It’s because GM designs OEM wiper blades to work with your specific windshield.
Genuine OEM wipers come from the same manufacturer that supplies the original windshield wipers on your vehicle. That means you get wipers that fit your front windshield or rear window perfectly. OEM wipers:
- Are the correct length
- Have the right curvature
- Have the correct attachment design
- Will stay in contact with the windshield at all times
Many aftermarket wiper blades are universal design for the frame. Then they use adapters to fit different vehicles. This can be an issue. The adapters don't always work the way they should. You'll find loads of online reviews by GM owners. In these reviews, they're complaining about the incompatibility of their aftermarket wipers. We rounded up a couple:
- "Though my truck is in the description for compatible vehicles, [those aftermarket wipers] do not work with my 2015 Sierra."
- "[Those aftermarket wipers] do NOT fit my 2012 Buick Enclave. They also do NOT fit my GMC Acadia. Now to return. Waste of my time."
Different vehicles use different blade sizes. It's always better to get the right windshield wiper size for your GM model. You can't go wrong with OEM wiper blades made for your model. All you need to do is look up your GM model here. You'll get the right part numbers in a matter of seconds. This wiper blade for 2017-2020 Chevy Cruze and Buick Regal TourX is one of our best sellers.
2. GM Makes OEM Windshield Wipers With High Quality Materials
GM cares about the quality of its parts. It makes sure to use high quality rubber blades that ensure:
- Maximum performance during operation
- Streak-free wipes
GM also uses the following quality parts in its wipers:
- A quality spring mechanism that keeps the rubber edge pressed against the windshield
- A sturdy plastic backing that can withstand the elements
OEM wipers perform well and reliably in heavy weather. Aftermarket wipers? Not so much. Aftermarket manufacturers are notorious for using low quality materials. OEM wipers usually last twice as long as aftermarket wipers. The low quality materials used in aftermarket wipers don't always withstand heavy use in inclement weather.
You'll find lots of negative reviews on Amazon about aftermarket wipers. We found a few reviews from GMC owners who were dissatisfied with their aftermarket wipers:
- "Purchased these [aftermarket wipers] a month ago. These wipers are junk. Leaving streaks, making visibility limited especially during night time driving. The old wipers I had were better at their worst compared to these."
- “[These aftermarket wipers are] terrible. Extremely noisy. No good rubber. It was too hard. The wipers chatter across the windshield.”
- "[These aftermarket wipers] broke off during the first snow. And the clip broke while I was installing the wiper. These wipers held, but I’ll spend the money on a OEM replacement next time."
The obvious conclusion is that OEM wipers deliver a lot more value than aftermarket wipers.