Winter wiper blades might not be the most attractive and functional car accessories, but they are a must for car owners who live in colder areas. You might be wondering why car owners need winter blades when the car models come equipped with these windshield wipers.
Well, automobile experts suggest the winter wiper blades of your car need to be replaced every 6-7 months. Despite being a safety tool, the pair of wind blades is the most neglected car accessory. Many drivers don’t even bother to switch them off when they are not in use.
You need clear and high-quality winter wiper blades to ensure safe driving. The robust windshield wipers provide you with a clear view of the road in front of you in all weather conditions, especially during winter.
What Are The Winter Wiper Blades?
Driving in the snow and fog can turn out to be the most challenging task for a driver. Nothing seems more frustrating than driving your vehicle in winter. Driving gets even worse when the temperature drops. Car owners do not invest in the winter wiper blades until they have to deal with a rough driving experience due to snowfall. With the snow getting stuck in your windshield, it gets super challenging to clear the glass and get a clear view of the road ahead of you.
The old-school winter wipers that come equipped in your vehicle will not endure the snow and freezing temperature. They will rather freeze. The next thing you know the wiper blades have accumulated a significant amount of snow and they are jammed.
Getting the rainwater and dirt off the windshield isn’t that difficult. Your traditional windshield wipers will do the job. However, the thick snow needs heavy and sturdy winter wiper blades. Not only are these blades capable of removing the ice buildup on your windshield, but these rubber-made blades offer you a clear view of the road. Winter wipers are designed for ice and freezing temperatures. Unlike the traditional wipers, the heavy pair of winter wiper blades do not bend easily.
1. Bosch ICON Winter Wiper Blade
Bosch ICON windshield wipers are available in a variety of sizes. This modern pair of wiper blades outperform the standard and traditional windshield wipers in terms of durability and cleaning. Bosch ICON Winter Wiper Blade happens to be the Bracketless blades that offer deep windshield cleaning. With this pair of wipers installed on the front window of your car, you can rest assured that it can wipe away the thick as well as de-frosted snow efficiently. Overall, it can help you navigate even the narrow roads during winter.
The dual-rubber technology of these wiper blades guarantees high durability. The rubber frame of the blades is covered with the sturdy silicone. The wiper moves smoothly across the windscreen, cleaning all kinds of dirt and snow.
Construction And Quality
Unlike traditional windshield wipers, Bosch ICON Winter Wiper Blade produces no noise when cleaning the windscreen. Thanks to its aerodynamic design. The joint does not have to endure the whole pressure with this pair of blades. Compatibility is another great quality of these winter wipers.
The company sells the product in varying length ranging from 13 to 26 inches. The rubber frame preserves the windshield from weather and water damages. These flexible wipers are also famous for their corrosion-proof blades. The best part is that you can keep using these blades even after winter. The blades work wonders for your car’s front window.
Coming to the drawback, its curved design makes it incompatible with some types of windscreens. The Bosch ICON Winter Wiper Blades are available for both passenger and driver side windows.
Features
- Heat and corrosion-resistant blades
- Patented Bracketless and aerodynamic design
- Spring arcing technology
- Asymmetric spoiler
- Hook adapter included in the package
- Made of rubber and silicone
The Pros
- Available in different lengths
- Offer great visibility in extreme weather
- Flexible yet sturdy blades
- Covered with silicone
- Noise-free operation
- Offer advanced cleaning
The Cons
- It is expensive than the traditional wipers
- Not compatible with the flat windscreens
2. TRICO Extreme Weather Windshield Wipers
This is one of the most economical pairs of winter wiper blades on this list. While its price is quite low, the quality of the material does not disappoint. It comes packed with some exciting features and advanced tools that offer a smooth and clean wipe.
One of the best qualities of this product that makes it stand out from the standard wipers is The Teflon infused blades. Its flexible design makes it possible for the wiper to glide across the windscreen smoothly. The model features solid construction. The synthetic blended armor guarantees the safety of the blades against ice.
Durability And Installation
TRICO Extreme Weather Windshield Wipers perform quite well in terms of durability. It offers a SWIFT One-click connection option that streamlines the installation process. No need to struggle with the worn and streaking windshield wipers. This premium pair of winter wiper blades allows you to get great visibility in all weather conditions.
Even if you are driving in heavy snow, rest assured that TRICO Extreme Weather Windshield Wipers will not accumulate the snow on the hinges joints. The flexible design of the blades fit the windscreen perfectly. Besides that, the installation is quite simple with these blades. The company sells the necessary adapters and other tools required for smooth installation. You only need to take a look at the instruction manual that is shipped with the product. There you go!
Features
- Armor shields
- Teflon infused blades
- Rugged construction
- Adapters and installation tools included in the package
- SWIFT One-click installation
The Pros
- Sleek and rugged design
- Wipes away thick snow
- Protect the windshield from weather and dust
- Easy to install
- Offers a smooth and clean wipe
- Durable
- Great visibility in all weather conditions
The Cons
- Not a chatter-free wiper
3. Michelin 8522 Stealth Ultra Winter Wiper Blades
Manufactured by Michelin, this pair of winter wiper blades do a lot more than wiping the rain and dust away from your car’s front window. It comes covered with a premium material that keeps the hinges joints from the buildup of thick snow. The blades are made of the basic rubber, but they offer durable and great performance in winter. In fact, the wiper blades of this brand are tested for their durability.
One interesting feature in the Michelin Stealth Ultra Winter Wiper Blades is its suspension rail. This advanced technology ensures smooth and secure contact between the windshield and the wiper blades for easy and fast wiping action. Rest assured that Michelin Stealth Ultra Winter Wiper Blades can remove ice and melted snow from all corners of the windshield efficiently.
The manufacturer supplies this pair of winter wiper blades with the Michelin EZ LOK connector that simplifies the installation process. The wipers fit more than 98% of the vehicles seamlessly. The blades can perform well in all seasons. They come covered to protect the inner framework from getting clogged with the snow. These anti-snow hybrid winter wiper blades offer noise-free wiping action. It can protect your windshield from snow, rain, and dust. Another quality of this pair of blades is the Smart Flex design. The blades are tested to wipe more than 500,000 times seamlessly.
Features
- Smart hinge joints
- Suspension rail
- Michelin EZ LOK connector
- Smart flex design
- Tested to perform over 500,000 cycles
The Pros
- Rugged construction
- Hugs the windshield perfectly
- Compatible with over 98% of vehicles
- Work in all seasons
- Offer great visibility
The Cons
- The installation is not easy
4. Michelin 3728 Stealth Hybrid Winter Wiper Blades
Michelin 3728 Stealth Hybrid Winter Wiper Blades is another great product from this manufacturer. The product is somewhat similar to the one mentioned above. However, it is quite cheap. It can perform more than 500,000 cycles. The product does last for a long time, but you will have to replace it in 6-8 months. The company ships it with its universal installation kit that includes the EZ LOK connector system and a manual. The product performs well in all seasons. Designed specifically for winter, it can protect the hinges from the buildup of ice.
Wiping Action
Michelin 3728 Stealth Hybrid Winter Wiper Blades features an aero vented design with the molded rubber that guarantees noise-free operations. Unlike traditional wiper blades, these windshield wipers do not leave cloudy marks on the windscreen after the wiping action. As mentioned before, the company ships this unit with all the connectors and adapters you will need for effective installation.
You will also find the video tutorials for installation. Michelin 3728 Stealth Hybrid Winter Wiper Blades feature a steel framework that allows the wipers to glide smoothly over the windscreen. It also fits the windshield effectively. If you still have those typical arm style blades, then it is time to get a replacement. Michelin 3728 Stealth Hybrid Winter Wiper Blades will offer you a clean and smooth wipe.
Features
- Aero vented design
- Heavy-duty steel framework
- Powder coat finish
- EZ LOK connector system
- Rubber blade
The Pros
- High durability
- Smooth performance
- Protection against all weather elements
- Resist the buildup of snow
- Quiet operation
The Cons
- Some users complained about the product leaving streaks on the windscreen
5. Anco 30-Series Wiper Blades
Anco 30-Series Wiper Blades is one of the cost-efficient and sturdy options for winter. The brand offers smooth and consistent cleaning in extreme weather. It features a robust Duraklear rubber compound that’s known for flexibility and smooth operations. Anco 30-Series Wiper Blades keeps the hinges joints from accumulating the thick ice. The size of these blades ranges from 11 inches to 24 inches.
Installation of the Anco 30-Series Wiper Blades is quite straightforward. You can replace the traditional wipers with these flexible wipers in less than 15 minutes. It offers a KwikConnect system that streamlines the installation process. Despite being a cheap pair of wipers, Anco 30-Series Wiper Blades is made to last longer than standard wipers. They can resist corrosion and natural wear and tear. One major problem is fitting.
Since these blades do not feature a curved design, they are compatible with only the older models with flat windscreen. The brand claims to offer a safe driving experience in all weather, especially winter. The downside of this product is its lack of durability. The wipers need to be replaced every 6 to 7 months after installation. The sturdy rubber covers keep the windscreen safe from the buildup of ice.
Features
- Rugged rubber framework
- KwikConnect Installation
- Available in 11-24 inches length
- Designed specifically for winter
- Compatible with flat windscreens
The Pros
- Streak-free cleaning
- Simple and quick installation
- Offers safe driving
- Good visibility
- Flexible blades
- It can survive the wear and damages from extreme weather
The Cons
- Not compatible with new cars featuring a curved windscreen
- Not a durable option
6. Windshield Wipers ASLAM Type-G All-season Wiper Blades
Enjoy a no-streak and noise-free wiping action with the Windshield Wipers ASLAM Type-G All-season Wiper Blades. It is an all-season pair of wiper blades. The product makes a seamless contact with the windscreen and guarantees no gaps when gliding across the window.
It features an aerodynamic design that can handle the air pressure quite well. The company ships this product with an additional pair of refills that can last another 6 months. Windshield Wipers ASLAM Type-G All-season Wiper Blades has universal compatibility, meaning the product fits almost all types of modern cars seamlessly.
Features
- Zinc alloy pedestal
- Graphite-treated rubber
- Extra refills
- No-streak and noise-free operation
- Galvanized single steel sheet
- Aerodynamic design
The Pros
- High durability
- Universal compatibility
- Replaceable refills
- Smooth and neat wiping action
- All-season wiper blades
- Easy and simple installation
The Cons
- Material quality is not good
7. Rain-X Latitude Winter Wiper Blade
Rain-X has become one of the leading brands in the wiper blades manufacturing industry. The company is known for introducing some of the well-constructed and durable wiper blades to the market. The wipers feature a sturdy granite coating as well as a rubber frame that offers a great level of flexibility. The wiper blades keep the windscreen clean and free from ice buildup in extreme weather.
Construction Quality And Wiping Action
It is a little expensive, but its quality and flexible design justify the price tag. The best part about the Rain-X Latitude Winter Wiper Blade is that the pressure is distributed across the entire blade. That being said, it doesn’t produce noise when the wipers are in motion.
Thanks to the granite coated rubber blade. This pair of winter wiper blades guarantee noise-free and smooth wiping operation in all driving and weather conditions. It features an aerodynamic design that resists the pressure of air. The manufacturer ships the Rain-X Latitude Winter Wiper Blade with the installation kit. The installation is simple. Whether you use it on a flat or curved windscreen, the Rain-X Latitude Winter Wiper Blade can fit any window seamlessly.
In addition to winter, Rain-X Latitude Winter Wiper Blade can be used in all weather conditions. It protects the windscreen of your car from rain and dust. The brand claims to offer universal compatibility as it can fit just about any vehicle seamlessly. It gives you a neat and smooth wipe when you are driving in snow. Moreover, the product is durable in winter and offers great visibility of the road in front of you.
Features
- Rubber-cased framework
- Granite coating
- J-hook adapter for easy installation
- Aerodynamic design
- Synthetic rubber squeegee
- Resist all weather elements
The Pros
- Easy and fast installation
- Durable
- Universal compatibility
- Smooth and neat wipe
- Flexible blades
- Strong grip
- Noise-free wiping
- Resist weather damages
The Cons
- It doesn’t offer consistent and streak-proof cleaning
8. OEM Quality Premium All-Seasons Windshield Wiper Blades
If you are looking for an easy-to-install and premium wipers for your car, then OEM Quality Premium All-Seasons Windshield Wiper Blades is your best option. The product features advanced technologies, such as a spring steel sheet and an asymmetrical wind spoiler. All parts of the wiper receive equal pressure.
They make perfect contact with the windshield. The manufacturer has introduced thicker and longer wipers to help drivers clean the entire windscreen in a few cycles. Available at a low price, OEM Quality Premium All-Seasons Windshield Wiper Blades is not only economical but a high-quality option for regular drivers.
The brand offers a good grip and fits the windscreen seamlessly. You don’t have to work with those awkward and inconvenient adapters during installation. The best qualities of this pair of wiper blades are its durability and all-season use. It can help keep the front window of your car clean in all seasons. The product lasts for up to 6 months and longer depending on how frequently you use it. The company ships the 22-inches driver side windshield blades as well as 18-inches passenger side wipers. The company also offers a 12 months warranty.
Features
- Dual spring steel sheet
- Long and thick wipers
- Asymmetrical wind spoiler
- Beam design
- 1-year warranty
The Pros
- Rugged construction
- Durable and high-quality materials
- Noise-free operation
- All-season wiper blades
- Solid quality
- Easy to install
The Cons
- No cons that we know of
9. Quality BEMOST Auto All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades
Featuring heavy-duty rubber, Quality BEMOST Auto All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades is known for its noise-free and smooth wiping action. It can go on performing several cleaning cycles without leaving any streaks on the windscreen. As the name suggests, Quality BEMOST Auto All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades is a pair of all-season windshield wiper blades.
It is a hybrid winter wiper. Universal compatibility makes it a perfect option for both traditional and modern vehicles. You could even use it on trucks, vans, and buses. Thanks to its hybrid design! The wipers need simple installation.
You just need to go over the manufacturer’s instruction manual to get a clear idea of its installation. Quality BEMOST Auto All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades make a perfect replacement option for the traditional wiper blades. It is especially recommended for drivers who drive their car in winter. The product is available in size ranging from 14 to 28 inches. Make sure you measure the size of the windscreen before making a purchase.
Features
- High-quality Malaysian natural rubber
- SPSN treatment
- Double steel sheet
- Hybrid design
- Available in 14-28 inches
The Pros
- Noise-free operation
- Solid construction
- Compatible with most vehicles
- All-season wipers
- Flexible blades
- Sturdy wipers
The Cons
- They are not durable
10. ASLAM 6mm Windshield Wiper Blades
Now, driving in the rain and snow is not going to be challenging for the car owners with these wiper blades. ASLAM 6mm Windshield Wiper Blades offer you great visibility on the rainy days. It can also be used to protect the windscreen from ice. The blades are designed in a way that they make perfect contact with the windshield. The company offers 2 pairs of wipers that can last for a year. So far, this is the most long-lasting wiper blade on this list.
ASLAM 6mm Windshield Wiper Blades guarantees noise-free and smooth wiping. The product comes packed with the installation gears, making it easy for the driver to DIY the installation. ASLAM 6mm Windshield Wiper Blades is the best option for those who are on the lookout for a cost-efficient and high-quality pair of wiper blades. The company offers a 6-months warranty on this product.
Features
- Made of graphite-treated rubber
- Two pairs of wipers included in the package
- Adjustable wipers
- Frameless wiper blades
The Pros
- Durable
- High-quality materials
- Great fit
- Resist rain and snow
- Easy to install
The Cons
- Not compatible with some models
Top Factors You Must Keep In Mind When Shopping For Winter Wiper Blades
Size
Wiper blades are available in a wide array of sizes, which can be measured in inches. The winter blades are available in pairs. You can get both passenger and driver side winter wipers if you plan on installing them on both sides. The front wipers are available in a large size.
Now that you are buying the wipers as a car accessory, make sure you check the size of the blades. Match the size with your vehicle to ensure that it will fit your windshield. You can check the manufacturer’s manual to find the size of the blades.
Budget
A pair of winter wiper blades is an affordable car accessory. The basic windshield wipers are available for as low as $10. It might not offer you advanced protection or durability, but these wipers feature high-quality hinge covers that protect them from the thick ice. If you live in an area that receives a moderate climate throughout the year, then the basic wipers will do.
If you are looking for something above decent, then the winter wiper blade that comes with the blade adjustment technology will make a perfect option. These wipers also offer a strong grip. They can cost up to $20. Fortunately, the most expensive windshield wipers will cost somewhere between $20 and $50. The special qualities of these wipers are their aerodynamic design and water-proof polymers. You don’t have to break your budget on the winter wiper blades, but choose a decent material that could last longer than the traditional wipers.
Design And Construction
The design of the winter blades determines their sturdiness and resilience. The standard wipers freeze in the snow because of their traditional design. If you want the best product, then choose the aerodynamic windshield wiper. Its unique design guarantees smooth and fast movement of the wipers across the windshield even in the below-freezing temperature. The aerodynamic design can resist heavy wind and storms.
Bracketless wind blade is another option for drivers. These blades come equipped with the steep springs that are responsible for adding equal pressure to the entire blade. Traditional wipers lack this design. In the standard wipers, the joints have to bear the entire pressure. That’s the reason why they don’t last. Another important thing to consider when checking the design and construction of the wiper blades is the curve and adjustability. Nowadays, manufacturers sell adjustable blades that offer the best operation.
Silent Operation
The standard windshield wipers do not produce noise when wiping the dirt and water off the windshield. However, they can get a little noisy when the heavy snow gets stuck on the front car window. Some winter blades are designed to offer noise-free operations. It is important to check the compatibility of the winter wiper blade before making a purchase. You don’t want to order a wrong-sized material that does not fit your vehicle’s windshield.
Even if you are driving in the below-freezing temperature, the windshield wipers won’t make a sound when cleaning the window. These wipers are made of high-quality rubber and silicone. If you live in an area that receives a considerable amount of snowfall, then invest in the silicone wind blades that guarantee silent operations.
Quality Of The Material
The wipers come with a rubber case that acts as the shield protecting the blades from weather and water damages. Now, the quality of the rubbers can vary from wiper to wiper. Some models feature a robust rubber sheath that guarantees protection from heat, corrosion, and harsh weather elements.
The higher the price of the wiper, the better the quality of rubber blades you get. It is better to spend a few extra bucks for a heat-resistant and corrosion-proof winter wiper blade than having to replace the low-quality blades every six months. The rubber blade determines the durability and strength of the product.
Hinge Joints
Hinge joints have a major impact on the strength as well as the grip of the winter wiper blades. It is important to invest in a pair of blades that offer a strong and good grip. That’s exactly what the hinge joints help you achieve. Winters last for 4-5 months.
In some areas, the temperature drops below freezing, making it super difficult for the wiper blades to offer a good grip. Usually, the frequent and heavy use of the wiper blades can loosen the joints. In order to avoid this, you must look for a product that comes with a strong cover.
Water-Proof Blades
It is not only the thick ice that loosens the joints, but the melted snow could detach the rubber covering from the wiper blades. As a result, the wiper does not clean the windshield efficiently. It is, therefore, important for car owners to look for a product that wipes the melted snow automatically.
Durability
The product’s durability depends on the material used for its construction. When it comes to windshield wipers, you must pay close attention to the cover and the blade material. Usually, the steel frames make a perfect option for the cars that are not driven in snow and freezing weather. Since we are talking about the winter wiper blades, then rubber and plastic are two of the best materials. The frames made of rubbers have proven to last longer than standard windshield wipers.
If you plan on using the windshield blades frequently, go for the silicone rubber frame. It is the most durable material for wipers
Cleaning Action
The main job of the windshield wiper blades is to wipe the dirt, dust, snow and melted ice off the front window. The cleaning action of this product depends on the compatibility of the blades with the car’s windshield.
If they fit the window properly, then rest assured that the wipers will offer the best cleaning. The blades must clean the windshield as closely as possible (so that it doesn’t leave any stains). The product must wipe away the water and snow effortlessly.
Type Of Windshield Wipers
The winter wiper blades can be categorized into three main types:
- Traditional wipers
- Hybrid blades
- And, beam wipers
You don’t necessarily have to go for the most expensive wiper. As mentioned above, the best and most suitable product for your vehicle depends on your specific requirements, driving conditions, how frequently you are going to use the windshield wiper, and the temperature in your area. Unfortunately, the older cars are not compatible with the modern winter wiper blades. So, you might have to stick to the traditional and standard wiper blades if you own an older model.
Traditional wipers work wonders as long as you live in an area that doesn’t receive too much snowfall. If you are not going to use the windshield wipers frequently, then traditional wiper blades are the best and economical option for your car.
Hybrid wipers make a good fit for the cars that are driven in an area that receives snowfall. Hybrid wiper blades are constructed using solid rubber. They are designed to last for years. Besides that, hybrid wipers do not accumulate the snow and melted ice on your windshield. They provide you with a clear picture of the road ahead of you. If you are looking for flexible and adjustable material, then a pair of hybrid wiper blades can be your ideal choice. The same wiper blades that can prevent the accumulation of snow on your windshield have proven to protect the window screen from UV rays.
Conclusion
A solid pair of windshield wipers is a must in winter. If you are someone who drives frequently in the below-freezing temperature, then consider a quality pair of winter wiper blades for your car. The products we have mentioned above are economical. They offer superior performance and last for several months. So, pick the best product from the list and enjoy a safe drive.
FAQs
- Are Bracketless Winter Wiper Blades a Good Option?
Commonly referred to as the beam wipers, the Bracketless windshield wiper blades are especially famous for their aerodynamic design and some advanced technology features. These are the most expensive and durable wipers. Bracketless wipers can be described as small, durable, and light blades. They are far better than those heavy traditional blades. The best quality of the beam wipers is their strength.
- How Do I Know if My Wiper Blade has Stopped Working?
You will notice streaking as well as bouncing signs when the windshield wiper blades are not working properly. Note that wiper streaking could cause unsightly stripes to appear on the windshield. If you don’t get the blades replaced soon, there is a good chance these stripes will become a permanent stain on the front window.
Mostly, noticing the malfunctioning wipers isn’t rocket science. If you notice the blade losing their accuracy and smoothness, then that’s probably a sign you need to invest in a new pair of winter wiper blades for your vehicle. - Is it Important to Purchase the Wipers Featuring a Covered Framework?
Yes, it is absolutely important to invest in the covered wiper blades as they are more durable and sturdy as compared to the wiper with uncovered frames. The open wipers are highly likely to accumulate snow when they are not in use. For example, if you have parked your car in the snow, chances are the ice will be accumulated on the wipers sooner than you expect. That being said, it is important to purchase the wiper blades with a covered frame.
- Does the Wiper Need Cleaning and Maintenance?
Like other car accessories, the windshield wiper needs regular maintenance and washing. Even the sturdiest material needs to be cleaned regularly. Though the winter wipers do not need high maintenance, give them a wash once a week to remove the accumulated debris and snow. You could use a damp cloth to wipe the windshield wipers blade.
Never turn the wipers on until you have removed the accumulated snow. You could also pull the wiper away during winter to keep them from ice. - Do I need to Take My Vehicle to an Automobile Shop to Install the New Wipers?
Fortunately, no! The installation process is quite simple. You can check the manufacturer’s manual to get proper instructions on the windshield wiper installation. If you still face issues, contact the supplier.