Your windshield wipers are among the most important parts of your vehicle. Without them, you would be functionally unable to drive in the rain or snow. During the winter, when the weather is often more troublesome, it is especially important to have good wipers. However, a lot of drivers are left wondering: what windshield wipers do I need for the winter?
Should I Replace My Wiper Blades Before Winter?
You should ideally replace your windshield wiper blades every six to 12 months. Since you will be needing them during the winter, you may want to consider replacing them before the harsher weather sets in. However, it is also worth noting that snow and ice can be harsh on wiper blades. So, if you think your windshield wipers are likely to continue performing until spring, you could consider waiting.
That being said, at the end of the day, you don’t want to be outside in bad weather without properly functioning wipers. Therefore, if you are at all concerned, it is probably better to invest a little money into replacing them sooner rather than later. Ultimately, the cost of some new wiper blades is much less than the cost of a crash caused by not being able to see well. Read more about Car Paint Protection Coatings: Which One to Choose?
Best Wiper Blades for Ice, Snow & Sleet
Typically, the best wiper blades for winter are the beam style. These have more consistent contact with the windshield than conventional wiper blades, meaning that they push water, dirt, and snow away more easily. Furthermore, the spined design is less likely to be damaged by freezing than a hinged design (like conventional blades).
Of course, the best option is always to get wipers that properly fit your vehicle. If you are unsure what windshield wipers do I need, you can check a website such as AutoZone. There, simply input your vehicle make, model and year into the filter to find parts that fit your vehicle. Then, you can check out prices and reviews from other drivers.
Most windshield wipers will perform well in the winter. However, the following are a few stand-out options:
- Duralast Flex
- Rain X AdvantEdge
- Bosch Icon
- Bosch Evolution
- Duralast Aero
- Rain X Quantum
These wipers are designed for all-season performance but are some of the most popular and best-rated by drivers. A handful of wipers are designed specifically for winter weather; however, these often provide at most a modest boost (at best) compared to good-quality all-season wipers. Plus, in most places, you may also have to deal with rain and other “non-winter” weather even during the coldest months, depending on the day.
Get New Wiper Blades This Winter:
Do you want to make sure your vehicle is ready to take on the winter weather this year? Replacing your windshield wipers may be a good idea. Pick up a set of good-quality beam or hybrid wiper blades to get the best performance in the cold weather. Installing new wiper blades is easy. Anyone can learn how in a matter of minutes. It is a very modest undertaking to keep your vehicle safe this year.
