by 3 reviews.
5 PLUS® Silicone Wiper Blades Review: A Game-Changer for Your Windshield?
When it comes to windshield wipers, most of us don’t think twice until they start streaking, squeaking, or failing to clear rainwater effectively. That’s where the 5 PLUS® Silicone Wiper Blades come in. Designed as a replacement for VOLVO models (and surprisingly, other vehicles like Rivian R1S and Honda HR-V), these wiper blades promise superior performance, durability, and ease of installation. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.
Key Features
- Water-Repellent Silicone Material
Forms a waterproof coating on the glass, ensuring rainwater rolls off effortlessly. - UV-Resistant and Weatherproof
Performs well in extreme temperatures, from -50°C to 200°C. - Upgraded Metal Base
Features double precision memory steel spring strips for a perfect fit on curved windshields. - Quick Installation
Designed for Top Lock wiper arms, these blades can be installed in just 10 seconds. - Compatibility
Fits a wide range of VOLVO models and other vehicles (though not for J-hook wiper arms).
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Quality and Performance
Pros:
- Streak-Free Cleaning
Many users, like the Honda HR-V owner, praised the blades for leaving their windshields crystal clear without streaks. One reviewer even switched from Rain-X to these and hasn’t looked back. - Water Repellency
The silicone material creates a hydrophobic effect, causing rainwater to bead up and roll away. This feature was a standout for several customers, especially during heavy rain. - Quiet Operation
Unlike cheaper alternatives, these blades operate silently, even at high speeds. A Rivian R1S owner noted that they were “super clean and quiet on the glass.”
Cons:
- Initial Break-In Period
Some users mentioned that the blades require a short break-in period (5-10 minutes of dry brushing) to form the protective coating. If skipped, the water-repellent effect might not be as effective.
Durability
Pros:
- Long-Lasting Silicone
The silicone material is resistant to UV rays and extreme temperatures, ensuring the blades don’t deform or harden over time. A Toyota Tundra owner, who had tried multiple brands, was thrilled with the longevity of these blades. - Sturdy Build
The upgraded metal base and precision steel springs provide a snug fit, preventing the blades from floating or skipping at high speeds.
Cons:
- Mixed Longevity Reports
While many users praised the durability, a few noted that the blades started showing wear after a few months. However, this might depend on usage and weather conditions.
Ease of Installation
Pros:
- Quick and Simple
The 10-second installation process was a hit among customers. A Honda Civic owner mentioned how easy it was to replace their old blades with these. - Perfect Fit
The blades are designed for specific vehicle models, ensuring a seamless fit. A Rivian R1S owner confirmed that they fit perfectly, despite not being listed as compatible.
Cons:
- Limited Compatibility
These blades are only compatible with Top Lock wiper arms, so they won’t work with J-hook systems. This limitation was a dealbreaker for some customers.
Value for Money
Pros:
- Affordable Premium Option
At a fraction of the cost of premium brands like Rain-X, these silicone blades offer excellent value. A Honda HR-V owner noted that they got a complete front set for the price of one Rain-X blade. - Paired Sizes
For vehicles requiring two different blade sizes, 5 PLUS offers pre-paired sets, saving customers the hassle of buying separately.
Cons:
- Price Variability
Some users felt that the price could fluctuate, making it less of a bargain during certain periods.
Real-World Testing Insights
The product description highlights several tests to demonstrate its effectiveness:
- Simulated Mud Water Test
The blades form an invisible coating that repels water, even at high speeds. - Heavy Rain Test
Rain beads up and rolls away, unlike traditional rubber blades that leave a water curtain. - Weather Resistance
The silicone material remains flexible in extreme temperatures, ensuring consistent performance.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
The 5 PLUS® Silicone Wiper Blades are a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their windshield wipers. They deliver on their promises of streak-free cleaning, water repellency, and quiet operation. The ease of installation and compatibility with a wide range of vehicles (even some not officially listed) make them a versatile option.
However, they do have a few drawbacks. The initial break-in period and limited compatibility with J-hook systems might be a turnoff for some. Additionally, while most users reported excellent durability, a few noted that the blades wore out faster than expected.
Final Recommendation
If you’re tired of subpar wiper blades and want a premium experience without breaking the bank, these are worth a try. Just make sure your vehicle uses Top Lock wiper arms, and don’t skip the break-in process for optimal performance.
Specification 5 PLUS® Silicone Wiper Blades 26 20 Inch Replacement For VOLVO XC60 2017-2010 XC70 2016-2008 S40 S60 S80 2018-2011 C30 C70 13-07,Automotive Replacement Windshield Wipers With Water Repellent:
Comments from Amazon:
Purchased for my 2010 Toyota Tundra. I have used quite a few different brands for my Tundra through out the years and all have been pretty jenkie. I pretty much had it with aftermarket blades and was going to go to the Toyota dealer and pay way too much for factory blades. Saw these here at a good price so I thought what the heck I'll try one more time, and I'm sure glad I did! PERFECT fit, very easy install and the best patr they work great!
I was a loyal rain-x customer until I took a chance on these. These have a silicone blade just like all the premium brands do too. For the price of one rain-x wiper I was able to get the complete front set in this brand. They thoroughly clean the glass and leave it streak free. They are super quiet, and I didn’t experience any skipping along the surface of the glass. Another thing to add, is that they are very easy to install(2021 Honda HR-V LX AWD). I can only speak for the present, saying that these are great wiper blades. Time will tell how durable they are. As for now, I’m very happy and would recommend these wiper blades.
Got for my 2017 honda civic. Works great. No streaks. Comes with 2 wipers to fit your front windshield. Easy to install. When costco wiper blades aren't on sale and you need wiper blades, these are a good affordable option
They are great buy for the right price. The curve fit my windshield very well. They look great on my car. Didn't add much bulk to my wipers. It pushes the rain off my windshield great. The build quality is great. Easy to install.
My wife's SUV need replacement blades. It was only about 7 months ago that I installed new, brand name, supposedly better quality blades I bought from the auto parts store, but they were streaking and shredding already. I turned to Amazon because I knew it offered me more options. I chose these 5 PLUS blades for a number of reasons after careful comparison. First, they were silicone that I understand perform better. Since it's a vehicle that requires 2 different sized blades, I loved that 5 PLUS had these paired correctly for the specific vehicle fit. Then I was able to get them at a very attractive price, especially considering that silicone blades are real expensive from the auto parts store. This is the first time I used Beam style blades on this vehicle, which also are more expensive. So far, I have to say they work GREAT! I was also impressed by the quality. Hopefully you can relate to this notion, that sometimes you look at a product and notice there was much consideration put into the materials, manufacturing and design of that product. 5 stars for all of this.
Quiet wipers, clean windshield with every wipe, easy install and they lay flat against the windshield. They don't float at hoghway speeds. Excellent product! Will definitely buy these again!
I am simply here to confirm that in spite of indications to the contrary, these wiper blades fit PERFECTLY on a 2022-2024 Rivian R1S. No issues at all, easy installation, and super clean and quiet on the glass. Regardless of how long they last, this much alone merits a 5 star score. Hopefully Amazon and the seller will add this to the verified items for Rivians. Nice to know there are lower cost, better quality options than the ones that we seem to be limited to.