Winter wiper blades

[Young04]

I never used winter wiper blades in the past, but thinking about trying them out this year. What recommendations do people have? I have looked some up on the Internet, but would like to hear from fellow Jeepers.

On a related note, how do the BFG KO2s (I have a stock Rubicon) do in the snow/ice? I imagine not as good as a dedicated winter tire, but they do have the mountain snowflake symbol so they must do ok?

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[GTOB521]

I don't know about winter wiper blades but I've been driving in the snow the past few days in my new Rubicon with the KO2's and they do great on snow and ice

 

[Queen]

I’ve run the Bosch Icon blades on my last three vehicles, they work great for Illinois winters and did really well in the monsoons in Florida.

 

[Rubi-Zero]

I’ve run the Bosch Icon blades on my last three vehicles, they work great for Illinois winters and did really well in the monsoons in Florida.

This is what I have had on several of my cars and they work very well when the weather is really coming down. I haven’t changed out the Rubis yet but when I do it will probably be to these again, plus maybe a glass coating too.

 

[Queen]

This is what I have had on several of my cars and they work very well when the weather is really coming down. I haven’t changed out the Rubis yet but when I do it will probably be to these again, plus maybe a glass coating too.

I switched to the RainX washer fluid, works as good as when I used to use the wipe on coating.

 

[ruskiroman]

This is the first time I'm hearing about winter specific wiper blades. In what way are they different from regular wiper blades?

 

[robaw]

This is the first time I'm hearing about winter specific wiper blades. In what way are they different from regular wiper blades?

Not sure exactly how it's accomplished, but winter blades stay softer than standard blades in cold temperatures. Basic cheap blades just turn to hard plastic and have no ability to remove ice/snow from windshield.

 

[viper88]

This is the first time I'm hearing about winter specific wiper blades. In what way are they different from regular wiper blades?

A lot of regular blades have exposed ribs that ice and snow get stuck in so they don't lay flat. Winter blades are designed without exposed ribs so snow and ice can't get lodged in. The ribs are either covered or the wipers are designed with out any ice at all. Winter blades are also made of different winter rubber compounds so the rubber is more pliable in freezing temps.

 

[ruskiroman]

Not sure exactly how it's accomplished, but winter blades stay softer than standard blades in cold temperatures. Basic cheap blades just turn to hard plastic and have no ability to remove ice/snow from windshield.

Huh, must be a softer rubber like on winter tires. I've never had any issues with regular wipers, but I guess our winters are pretty mild here in Nova Scotia due to being surrounded by the ocean and whatnot.

 

[ruskiroman]

A lot of regular blades have exposed ribs that ice and snow get stuck in so they don't lay flat. Winter blades are designed without exposed blades so snow and ice can't get lodged in. Winter blades are also made of different rubber compounds so the rubber is more pliable in freezing temps.

You beat me to it.

 

[Queen]

Huh, must be a softer rubber like on winter tires. I've never had any issues with regular wipers, but I guess our winters are pretty mild here in Nova Scotia due to being surrounded by the ocean and whatnot.

We get a lot of ice and wet snow here, regular blades get packed up with it and become useless. It’s a small thing but decent working blades are a treat!

 

[viper88]

Most winter blades work pretty good. Different style blades work better on different cars because of different aerodynamics. Some cars are more prone to wiper lift from air pressure. For Wranglers I have had great luck with the old ANCO winter blades, Bosch, and Michelin blades. Costco had the Michelin blades on so sale a couple of weeks ago. Costco also sold Goodyear blades that were not so good.

Some areas will have -25 to -27 degree fluid but it can be hard to find. I have seen -30 degrees in Canada when I was visiting. In Chicago most winter washer fluid is -20 degrees which sounds like it should do the job. Not really true though depending on where you live. The -20 degrees fluid might not freeze in the washer fluid tank and will spray but it can freeze on your windshield in 10 degree temps if your driving on the highway. The windchill freezes it and you can't see for a while. I try to find the lowest temp washer fluid possible or add in a couple of ounces of isopropyl alcohol or washer additive. I also use P-21S Washer Booster year round, it's great at washing away the oily film that can cause smearing or film at night. It's great at washing away salt spray.

 

[wheels082]

I have used the Trico winter blades for many years on my different Jeeps. Already bought some for my JLU but have not installed yet.

 

[cjaama]

I switched to the RainX washer fluid, works as good as when I used to use the wipe on coating.

Yeah, use RainX in some form or a similar product and you can basically stop using your wipers all together.

 

[unsavory]

I find it amazing that the manufacturer can't provide adequate blades when one is paying $50K for a vehicle.

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