Table of Contents
- View The Best Winter Wiper Blades Below
- 1. AERO OEM Quality Premium All-Season Beam Windshield Wiper Blades
- 2. Bosch Automotive ICON Wiper Blades
- 3. Trico Ice Extreme Winter Wiper Blade
- 4. Rain-X 5079275-2 Latitude 2-in-1 Water Repellency Wiper Blade
- 5. METO Wiper Blade
- 6. ANCO 30-20 Winter Wiper Blade
- 7. Spearhead Beam Force XTREME Wiper Blades
- 8. Trico 37-160 Chill Winter Wiper Blade
- 9. Motorcraft WW-2201-P Conventional
- 10. Michelin 8522 Stealth Ultra Windshield Wiper Blade
- Winter Wiper Blades Buyer’s Guide
It’s common knowledge, to those who live in areas that get hit with winter weather, that you should switch to winter tires when the snow starts to come. However, not everyone knows they should be changing their wiper blades, too.
Windshield wipers that aren’t designed for wintertime can handle warm weather precipitation just fine. But, when it comes to snow, freezing rain, and ice-they just can’t stand up to it. It’s not easy to determine what blades will work best for you, so we researched brands’ websites, watched YouTube videos, and read customer reviews to be able to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision.
View The Best Winter Wiper Blades Below
The best-rated windshield wiper blades are from Aero. These ones specifically are made for winter. They are built with a flexible plastic material that is resistant to heat and damage from UV rays. Thanks to this resistance, they can stay flexible, no matter the weather.
They are also designed with aerodynamics in mind, which will help to reduce wind lift, noise, and drag. A special coating made of dual rubber and Teflon allows for a uniquely smooth, quiet, and effective wipe. Size are available from 12″ to 28″, in increments of 2″. You can expect them to last you 12 months or more.
Pros:
+Stand up to winter weather
+6-month warranty
+Reputable company
Why We Like It – Customers want to make sure others know that there is a protective piece on the blade that you are supposed to remove before use. If you forget to remove it, you’ll think you got ripped off with wipers that don’t work. Don’t forget to team them up with a good windshield washer fluid.
2. Bosch Automotive ICON Wiper Blades
Bosch ICON features a protective shield where the wiper connects to the arm. This shield will prevent snow and ice buildup. The Bosch ICON is built with an aerodynamic design for more down-force, creating a smoother, more effective wipe. The blended rubber compound used in the construction of this wiper blade will protect it from ozone deterioration and heat so that it can stay flexible. There is also a tension spring built into the Bosch ICON to help the blades contour to the curve of the windshield.
Pros:
+Conveniently packaged in pairs
+Sizes 16″ to 26″
+Best quality blades
Why We Like It – Some customers claim that when they installed the Bosch ICON wipers, they noticed an improvement in the effectiveness of the blades. Thanks to the tension spring, there weren’t any missed spots or pesky streaks.
3. Trico Ice Extreme Winter Wiper Blade
This winter wiper blade is constructed with a rugged design that seals the blade from extreme weather. It is flexible enough to conform to the curve of most windshields but sturdy enough to stand up to snow and ice. The wiper is resistant to tearing when temperatures are below zero. Installation is quick and easy, just one simple piece that snaps onto the arm. Trico has been around since 1917 when they came out with the windshield wiper blade invention.
Pros:
+Company with experience
+Easy installation
+Stands up to extreme weather
Why We Like It – Because Trico is the oldest wiper blade manufacturer, they have built a solid reputation for themselves. They’ve been operating since 1917 and have always worked to improve their design to the customers’ satisfaction.
4. Rain-X 5079275-2 Latitude 2-in-1 Water Repellency Wiper Blade
Rainx wipers are rated one of the best winter wiper blades because, not only do they clear precipitation, they repel it. The wiper blades leave a coating on the windshield with every wipe. The beam style blade perfectly contours to the curve of the windshield. This delivers a quiet, streak-free, smooth wipe every time. Installation is quick and easy. The rubber wiper can stand up to winter weather conditions much longer than regular wiper blades.
Pros:
+Aerodynamin design
+Clears and repels precipitation
+Easy installation
Why We Like It – Some customers do say that they have had trouble with ice building up under the connector of the rain x wipers. Make sure that you have them installed correctly and that you check for ice buildup before driving, especially if you plan to encounter extreme weather conditions.
5. METO Wiper Blade
These wiper blades are one of the best for repelling water. The blades coat the windshield with repellant every time they swipe—aerodynamics help to minimize dragging so that you can experience a more smooth, complete wipe. The material used to create the shell (elastomer material) can withstand both low and high temperatures. The wiper itself is corrosion and wear-resistant silicone.
Pros:
+Silent wiper
+Company has 15 years experience
+1 year warranty, lifetime service
Why We Like It – Consumers were pleased with the fact that these wiper blades don’t leave annoying streaks behind. They stand up to the weather well and also aren’t noisy when they’re used.
6. ANCO 30-20 Winter Wiper Blade
Stand up to weather conditions like ice and snow with one of the best wiper blades available. These are specially designed for winter weather. The blended rubber compound used to make this blade is solid enough to deliver a streak-free experience while still being able to be flexible for cold temperatures. No need to worry about ice building up and causing a delay; there is a protective rubber cover over the frame.
Pros:
+Easy installation
+Available in 11,13,15,16,18,20,22, and 24″ lengths
+Built for winter
Why We Like It – Don’t be afraid to use these wiper blades all year long. They don’t only work well in winter weather; they’re perfect for summer weather as well. They can last 12 months or more.
7. Spearhead Beam Force XTREME Wiper Blades
This wiper blade is designed to provide a quiet, balanced, and smooth stroke, using a Teflon blend on the rubber of the wiper. Beam blades have fewer parts that move compared to conventional blades. Beam blades also have tension springs in them that allow them to hug more closely to the windshield’s contour. Installation is easy, and when done correctly, the adapter won’t come loose with time.
Pros:
+6 month warranty
+Family run business
+Easy to install
Why We Like It – Most customers agree that you can’t beat the quality for the price with these winter wiper blades. If you’re looking for the best beam blade, it’s worth giving this one a try.
8. Trico 37-160 Chill Winter Wiper Blade
Ice and snow are no match for the Trico Chill wiper blades. These windshield wipers are designed for optimal performance in snow and other weather conditions. The frame is metal and is protected by dual rubber casing to prevent ice and snow buildup. These winter wiper blades are a breeze to install and also come with instructions and the necessary parts. Trico is the oldest company to make windshield wiper blades; they did invent them.
Pros:
+Reputable company
+Enhanced for winter performance
+Easy to install
Why We Like It – Customers are impressed by how long these windshield wiper blades can stand up against winter weather. They often find themselves replacing other blades at the end of the season, but can leave the Trico Chill on all year.
9. Motorcraft WW-2201-P Conventional
These wiper blades feature original manufacturer paint and a vertebra of stainless steel. It has been updated with a new rubber design to improve performance and durability. They are easy to install and also have a joint designed to provide corrosion resistance. The length of the skirt has been increased to provide more strength. The primary lever has been lowered to improve the arm clearance.
Pros:
+Istallation system is easy
+Redesigned blades
+Durable wipers
Why We Like It – Customers say that, for how long these wiper blades last, they are more than worth the cost. They do exactly what they are designed to do, and the installation system is easy to understand.
10. Michelin 8522 Stealth Ultra Windshield Wiper Blade
There are many reasons why these are the best winter wiper blades for some consumers. These wiper blades feature a smart hinge joint, which allows the wiper to have a better grip on the windshield, allowing it to have more smooth and effective swipes. It’s easy to install and replace these wiper blades. There have also been studies done that show Michelin Stealth Ultra wiper blades outlast their competitors, even after 300,000 wipes.
Pros:
+Well know, reputable brand
+Smart Hinge for better grip
+Blade doesn’t get clogged
Why We Like It – Customers have confirmed that the studies were correct in claiming that Michelin outperformed its competitors when they are put to the test. These are the best windshield wiper blades for the price.
Winter Wiper Blades Buyer’s Guide
If you don’t live in an area that sees a lot of snow, you may not understand the reasoning behind researching the best windshield wipers for winter. Winter blades have many benefits, the most important of which being that they keep you safe. Because they are stronger, they can clear the windshield of rain, dust, snow, and ice. They can withstand the cold temperatures. The hinges on winter windshield wipers are constructed with more high-grade material so that a buildup of ice doesn’t happen. Winter blades are designed to stand up to more intense weather, which means they’re also built to last longer.
Regular vs. Winter Wipers
Regular windshield wipers may last a season or two before you begin to notice that they need to be changed. They do their job just fine in the summer months when the worst weather is heavy rain. When it comes to the cold months, though, most regular blades can’t stand up to the snow, ice, and cold. Winter blades have an entire additional layer on the blades, a protective layer of rubber. This rubber is what allows them to get the job done when it is cold, snowy, and icy. Summer wipers would freeze over and be useless in cold winter conditions.
A major difference between the best winter windshield wipers and regular summer wipers is their weight. Summer wipers don’t need to be very heavy because they’re only going to be pushing around some rain. However, winter wiper blades need to be much heavier so that they can stay up close to the windshield, even when dealing with wind, ice, snow, etc.
If you live in a region that gets any kind of winter conditions, you should be changing over to winter wiper blades every year. Not only could you be putting yourself in danger, but you could also be putting others in danger. If you can’t see clearly while you’re driving, you’re going to put you, and everyone around you, in danger. If you need to do some browsing before deciding on wiper blades, Canadian tire has an online selection.
Beam Blades
Windshield wipers have come a long way since they were first invented in the early 1900s. Within the last decade, a new style of wipers called beam blades has become popular, and for a good reason. Beam blades are built with more of a curve to them, whereas regular windshield wipers are not. Regular blades utilize hinges to shape the curve of the windshield. Beam blades naturally conform to the shape of the windshield.
Because regular wiper blades use hinges, they don’t hold up to hard conditions well. Wind can cause dirt and debris to get stuck in the hinges, resulting in clogs that render the wiper useless. Another reason you don’t want to use hinged blades is that they cause more trouble with streaks, noisy wipes, gaps, and chattering. Beam blades make for a much more smooth and quiet swipe every time.
Beam blades are also designed without a frame, leaving no space for dirt or debris to clog anything up. The wipers can better withstand weather conditions because of their ability to conform to the shape of your windshield. Most beam blades are still designed with a universal installation system so that the process is as painless as possible for any wanting to make the switch.
Spoiler
When you hear “spoiler,” you probably imagine the piece on the back of the car that makes it look more sporty. You aren’t wrong. However, there is also a piece called a spoiler on windshield wipers. Spoilers are found on beam blades, and they are designed to provide protection to the blade, prevent wind-lift/drag, increase the pressure against the windshield, and keep debris from building up.
A proper spoiler will not be entirely smooth along the length of the blade. It will have a concave surface on the side that faces the wind. It is this design that will catch the wind to push the wiper against the windshield for more efficient wiping. In addition to being concave, the material should be thicker in the middle and thinner on the outer edges. This design will allow more pressure to build up in the middle of the wiper, where it is needed the most. This is part of the reason that beam blades can conform to the shape of windshields much more naturally.
One important factor to watch out for when shopping for spoilers is aerodynamics. Bulky spoilers may look like they’d work the best and be the most durable, but they are not. They result in wind drag and cause debris buildup.
Rubber
Rubber is, believe it or not, the most important part of a wiper. Rubber is best for the job because it is durable, yet gentle on the glass, and it isn’t absorbent. The only downfall to rubber, as with most anything, is that it will break down over time. When it comes to windshield wipers, that time comes sooner when exposed to a lot of sunlight.
Windshield wiper companies have combated the breakdown issue by using synthetic rubber in their wipers. Synthetic rubber won’t wear down as quickly or become worn from the sun. Synthetic rubber is the desirable material when searching for beam blade windshield wipers; they’ll proudly advertise their synthetic rubber to let you know they are going to be worth the money.
The rubber itself is pretty durable, but synthetic rubber is even more durable against cold, heat, mildew, stains, etc. Just because it’s durable, doesn’t mean it’s not flexible. Synthetic rubber is the most flexible in extreme conditions, even more so than silicone.
Considerations
There are many factors to consider when shopping for windshield wipers. First, you need to know what is compatible with your vehicle’s wiper arms. Many connections are universally designed, but you need to be sure anyway. Determine what length you need and decide whether or not you’re opting for the better quality and durability of beam blades or winter blades. If you choose to get more bang for your buck and go for winter blades, you’ll need to consider a few things before choosing your buy.
One of the most important things to look for is an aerodynamic design. When designed correctly, the blade should be able to stand up to the wind. It should be able to stay on the windshield and keep a smooth swipe, no matter the conditions. A wiper without the proper aerodynamics would fail you in a heavy rainstorm or when you’re going 70 mph on the highway. Make sure that your wipers can go anywhere with you without letting you down.
You’ll also want to consider whether the wipers you choose will stay silent in the extreme conditions. The better quality the rubber, the better the wiper blade will remain silent. Studies have shown that silicone blades and synthetic rubber blades prove to be the quietest winter wipers.
Deciding to use beam blades should be the most straightforward decision of them all. Why not use them? They are more able to conform to the shape of your windshield, which means they’ll be able to clear water everywhere they can reach. Regular wiper blades are too stiff to provide full coverage like that. Beam blades utilize a tension spring that keeps it snug to the windshield, even over the curve. This design will help keep your field of vision clear and keep you safer.
Brands
According to research, the most sought after brands are included on this list. The number one brand today is Bosch. They’re simply designed, easy to install, and durable. In second place on the list is Rain-x; they have the most compatibility with sizes. Anco blades are desirable because they’re affordable and easy to install. The Aero OEM is a great wiper because it’s made of high-quality, sturdy material and is easy to install. Trico is one of the most sought after brands because they are dependable, easy to replace, and suitable for all conditions.
