Winter has arrived in Chicago and I've already seen the first multi-inch accumulation.  I'm currently driving a loaner vehicle, which I will be more than happy to talk about in my next post, but for now, I want to discuss wiper blades.

 

Wiper blades can either be your enemy or your hero in the cold winter months; and I would like to share some wisdom about them.  I know you may be thinking, how much can this guy talk about regarding wiper blades?  Well, when you've installed more than a thousand sets like I have, you find things to talk about.

 

Lets start with how people leave their wiper blades up in the air, off their windshield when it's snowing out.  I believe they think it will prevent them from getting frozen to the windshield or perhaps packed with snow.  These are reasons that make sense to keep the blades off the glass, but let me make one small observation.  The spring that holds the wipers tight to the windshield has enough force to slam a wiper blade against the glass so hard it could crack.  I know this because it has happened to me.  Now, lets add some some ice onto the wiper blade that is suspended in the air and one big gust of air can turn that wiper into a heaving ball of ice slamming down with big force.  Wouldn't that suck to come out and find not only your wiper blade covered in snow but your dashboard too?

 

Next, winter wiper blades.  These are typically covered in a rubber to prevent  ice build-up around the open slots of the wiper blade.  These work great in the snow, but after that snow melts and you pick up speed, those winter wipers have a tendency to slap around on your windshield because they have the aerodynamics of a brick.  Good in snow, bad all other times.

 

I recommend that you replace your wipers every six months, once in spring and once in fall.  This will keep the blades sharp and flush to the glass.  I would also recommend to try and replace just the rubber refill and avoid replace the OEM (Original Equipment) wiper with an aftermarket.  The original wiper was designed to work best with your car, but if you have already replaced them, you MUST spend the money and get the good/heavy wipers (the metal type) because they will last much longer than the plastic crap.

 

Ok, any thoughts?  Feel free to leave me your comments, if not, happy driving.