Each winter, more people are searching for ways to keep their windshield free of ice and frost. That leads drivers to wonder if heated windshield wipers might work for them. We’ve got the complete scoop on whether this technology is worthwhile, and we have gathered our opinions of the best heated windshield wipers available today.
Are Heated Windshield Wipers Effective?
If your goal is to keep your windshield wipers from freezing to your car, then the heated wipers work well. They can’t work magic if you’re in the middle of a high-altitude blizzard or a massive downpour. However, heated wipers will greatly improve your vision in all but the most extreme winter weather conditions, especially when paired with a good antifreeze washer fluid.
Because the entire windshield wiper isn’t heated, this technology doesn’t eliminate snow and ice from the whole wiper. Instead, it keeps your wipers from sticking to your windshield so you can continue to clear the ice and snow effectively. That bothersome frozen water layer won’t form while you’re driving along, and any new precipitation will melt almost instantaneously.
What’s more, you can run winter wiper blades year-round without any concerns. Wiring is minimal and non-intrusive – installation should only take an hour at most and requires only basic tools.
How Do Heated Windshield Wipers Work?
Heated windshield wipers work in conjunction with the defroster system and a good antifreeze wiper fluid to keep the windshield and blades free and clear of snow and ice. The calibrated heated elements are sealed within the wipers themselves. Then, heat radiates through the silicone blade and onto your windshield. There is typically a second heating element which keeps the pivot points of your wipers clear to help prevent them from freezing and binding.
The Benefits of Winter Windshield Wipers
The #1 reason to run heated wipers is safety. With heated windshield wipers, you increase your visibility during serious winter weather. In turn, this helps keep other drivers safer as well. Not only that, but you can also use them year round.
Here are a few other reasons to consider upgrading your existing set of wiper blades.
Reduce streaks from iced-up wiper blade
Endure extreme temperatures for increased durability
No more wiper tag – where your wipers are weighed down by ice and snow
No more banging your wiper blades on the windshield to remove the ice and snow
Stay warm inside your car while your wipers do the work
Qualities of the Best Heated Windshield Wipers
As you set out to find the best heated windshield wipers, there are some things you’ll want to consider.
Climate
These blades are designed for winter weather conditions. With that said, if you live in high-altitude extremes like the mountains of Alaska, they may not have the effect you hope for. Still, heated windshield wipers are a far superior option to standard all-purpose wiper blades.
Pricing
Most of us need to operate on a budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable heated windshield wipers to choose from that won’t break the bank. Simply do your research and find the set that best fits into your budget. This list features more premium options because they offer more…
Durability
It does you no good to save some money on winter wiper blades if they fall apart after a few uses. Instead, find a pair that’s known for its durable quality. This keeps you from getting stuck in the middle of nowhere when you can’t see during a snowstorm.
Best Heated Windshield Wipers Available Today
During our research, we’ve found four models to consider when looking for the best heated windshield wipers. Evaluate the features of each of these to determine which one might work best for you.
Everblades
Everblades are made in the United States. You can choose an all-inclusive heated windshield wiper kit to get things set up. These kits come complete with two blades that feature heated rubber plus a heated frame that comes with the fuse, wiring harness and switch.
You can also just purchase replacements blades when you need to swap them out. There are sizes and styles to fit any truck, car, SUV and RV.
Crystal Clear
Another leader in the industry is Crystal Clear. Their automatic, heated wiper blades keep your visibility clear. The system detects when your vehicle is running and the temperature outside reaches 41 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, then automatically adjusts the heating elements to counteract winter weather.
Crystal Clear offers the wiper blade and module system for easy setup. You can also purchase the module and wiper blades separately if you need them.
ThermalBlade
Another heated windshield wiper option to consider is the ThermalBlade. It’s priced slightly lower than the other alternatives, so it’s an ideal choice for someone operating on a budget. This set of wipers automatically heats up when freezing conditions are encountered.
In addition, the silicone blades last two to three times longer than standard rubber blades. The company’s universal wiper arm adapter is rated to fit more than 95 percent of vehicles, so it’s likely it will work for yours, too.
A newer version is available in addition to the version linked above.
Bosch ICON
These Bosch winter wiper blades aren’t heated, but their performance is far superior to standard wiper blades. One of our staffers, Justin, chose these instead of heated wiper blades to drive his Toyota Sequoia in blustery Missouri winters – and they work extremely well year-round.
While the Bosch ICON wipers aren’t heated, they are a good option if you want something better than what you have without spending as much on heated blades. Not only does the dual rubber design resist ozone and heat deterioration, but they are proven to last 40% longer than most premium blades.
Bosch ICONs utilize a patented beam design which allows for visibility even in extremes. Plus, the flexible asymmetric spoiler applies downforce on the entire blade to keep it firmly pressed against the windshield at all times.
Other Gear to Deal with Icy Windshields
While heated windshield wipers are a good start, there are some other pieces of equipment you might want to consider as you set out into the winter wilderness.
For example, nothing beats a high-quality ice scraper if you want to clear your windshield quickly. Many people skimp on this critical piece of gear, but with a premium ice scraper set, you won’t need to spend more time than necessary getting your windshield clean before work in the morning.
Another option is a windshield cover. Not only does this keep the snow and ice from ever touching your windshield in the first place, but it also provides protection from hail.
Finally, you must equip your vehicle with an emergency roadside kit as we discussed in our popular articles on winterizing your car. You don’t want to get trapped in an emergency without the help of a high-quality kit by your side. It could mean the difference between waiting comfortably and enduring frostbite! Don’t forget to pack an extra gallon of antifreeze windshield washer fluid just in case.
Get through the rest of winter with ease. Fight back against the ice and snow with the best heated windshield wipers and stop spending all your time keeping the front window clear. With the right choice, you can hop in your car and get on with your day with far less hassle.
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If your car will be sitting all winter, fill the fuel tank before parking it. No special steps are needed to winterize a vehicle that’s driven regularly. Make sure the oil is the correct spec and that the coolant mixture is sufficient to withstand freezing. Also, use windshield wiper fluid that is designed to withstand freezing.