
Winter driving can be incredibly dangerous and when your windscreen blades aren’t working properly, the danger only increases. In blizzards and other snowy conditions, it is vital to have windscreen blades that can clear away the ice and snow. Otherwise, you cannot see and you become a hazard to other drivers. Because of the additional precipitation in the winter, it is vital to have winter wiper blades.
If you live in a climate that has a distinctly cold winter, you should change your blades from the summer version to the winter version.
1. Winter blades have protective rubber shells
Winter blades are tougher than the ones used in the other seasons. Because they have to move heavy snow, they have a blade that is encased in a rubber shell. This keeps the blade from sticking to the windscreen and increases the longevity of the wiper.
Winter windscreen blades are not attractive, but they work hard and move snow. The shell blocks all of the little openings that can collect snow and ice, while typical blades have holes and openings that get snow stuck in them.
2. They prevent streaks
Windscreen blades that are not designed for winter precipitation can leave big streaks. These streaks build up when it snows and make it difficult to see through the window. With winter blades, streaks are less likely to occur because the casing is inside of the rubber shell. The solid shell does not have openings that collect snow and ice that cause streaks and reduce visibility.
3. They stay in contact with the windscreen
Traditional blades have challenges in the winter. They scrape over snow and ice rather than staying in contact with the windscreen. With winter blades, the rubber casing keeps in contact with the windscreen so the snow and ice move with the blade.
Some of the better winter windscreen blades are designed with a curve to keep them on the windscreen. Without the rubber casing and the slight curve, snow might move, but it catches on what is left on the windscreen.
4. The frame is less likely to bend
Because winter blades are made with more strength than typical blades, the frames are less likely to bend. When you are driving in a winter squall and your blades have to move snow and ice, having a tough frame means your windscreen is less likely to trouble getting the job done. Weak frames can make it dangerous to drive in snowy conditions, especially if the frame bends and can’t efficiently move snow.
5. The blades won’t break down in cold conditions
When the weather becomes cold, the rubber can break down. Winter blades often have slightly different chemistry to make them more weather resistant than blades used in spring, summer, and autumn months. This subtle chemistry difference keeps the blades from breaking down under freeze-thaw cycles. Some also have Teflon to keep them from breaking down and sticking to windscreens. The price might be a bit higher than regular blades, but the price is worth the safety and convenience they bring.