Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.
We’ve reviewed the top winter wiper blades on the market to help guarantee your road safety before the season hits.
You’ll thank us later when you’re cruising around town with perfect visibility even on the iciest of days.
Best Winter Wiper Blades
Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blade | ANCO Winter Wiper Blade | Michelin Ultra Wiper Blade | |
---|---|---|---|
Material: | Graphite-coated rubber | DuraKlear Rubber | Rubber |
Sizes: | 16 - 28 Inches | 11 - 24 Inches | 16 - 28 Inches |
Installation: | J-hook adapter, multi adapter | KwikConnect | EZ-Lock Connector |
Special Features: | All-weather resistant | Freeze resistant | 'Smart Hinge' cover |
For more of my top gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Car & Truck Seat Covers, Car Battery Chargers, Tire Chains.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best-Rated Winter Wiper Blades
- Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blade
- ANCO Winter Wiper Blade
- Michelin Stealth Ultra Windshield Wiper Blade
- AERO All-Season Windshield Wiper Blade
- Rain-X Water Repellency Wiper Blade
- Bosh ICON Wiper Blade
- Trico Ice Extreme Winter Wiper Blade
Our reviews of the top rated winter wiper blades with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.
Winter Wiper Blade Reviews
#1 Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blade
- Material: Graphite-coated rubber
- Sizes: 16″ – 28″
- Installation Method: J-hook adapter, multi adapter
- Special Features: All-weather resistant
The Rain-X Latitude Blade contours to the unique curvature of your windshield to provide a full-coverage wipe every single time.
Designed with specially blended, graphite-coated rubber, these are all-weather resistant and offer ultimate visibility in rain, sleet, and snow.
A synthetic rubber squeegee resists cracking in extreme temperatures, and prevents ice build-up through the elimination of exposed metal components.
All features considered, the Rain-X Latitudes are some of the best winter wiper blades available today.
#2 ANCO Winter Wiper Blade
- Material: DuraKlear Rubber
- Sizes: 11″ – 24″
- Installation Method: Kwik Connect
- Special Features: Freeze resistant
The ANCO Winter Wiper Blade was designed specially for durability in the harshest winter conditions.
Made with premium DuraKlear rubber, it provides a consistent, streak-free wipe while remaining flexible even in the snow and ice.
The heavy duty frame is also covered with thick rubber, which prevents the joints from freezing.
These are beam blades, which mean they mold to the curves of your windshield and have infinite contact points to prevent lift or seperation in high-wind situations.
Better yet, installation is a breeze with their KwikConnect Installation System. A simple push and click allows the blades to lock into place.
Available in a range of sizes from 11 to 24 inches, these will fit virtually any vehicle and offer a consistently clean windshield, even in extreme winter weather.
They are definitely one of the best winter windshield wipers you can purchase, especially at their price point!
#3 Michelin Stealth Ultra Windshield Wiper Blade
- Material: Rubber
- Sizes: 16″ – 28″
- Installation Method: Michelin EZ-Lock Connector
- Special Features: Patented ‘Smart Hinge’ cover
Engineered for durable wiping in extreme weather conditions, Michelin offers some of the highest-performing winter wiper blades we’ve seen yet.
These feature a patented smart hinge and a covered wiper frame to protect the blades from clogging with ice and snow.
The blade ends feature an independent suspension system which adjusts to your windshields shape, ensuring a secure grip in all weather conditions.
With Michelin, you’ll also never have to worry about quality control.
This product was independently tested by a third party, and after 300,000 wipe cycles, results indicated that they outperform competing blades in terms of longevity and durability.
You’ll make quick work of setting these up too, with an EZ-Lok connector system that facilitates installation in under 5 minutes.
No wonder these are flying off the shelves!
#4 AERO All-Season Windshield Wiper Blade
- Material: Teflon coated rubber
- Sizes: 10″ – 28″
- Installation Method: J-Hook
- Special Features: All-weather resistant
The AERO All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades are another top contender on the market.
Made with specially blended, teflon-coated rubber, they deliver the ultimate chatter-free wipe.
A flexible, aerodynamic spine design allows these blades to fit perfectly against your windshield, reducing drag, noise and wind-lift.
These also feature bracketless construction, which helps prevent buildup of snow and ice. But these aren’t just great for winter – you can actually use them in all weather conditions!
A plastic flex element resists heat and ozone deterioration, allowing the rubber to remain healthy even in the sweltering heat of summer.
Available in every size imaginable (from 10 inches to 28 inches), these will not disappoint – but if you do run into any problems, AERO offers a 6-month warranty on their blades!
#5 Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency Wiper Blade
- Material: Rubber
- Sizes: 26″
- Installation Method: Universal adapter
- Special Features: Rain-X Water Repelling Coating
Next up, we have the Rain-X Water Repellency Wiper Blades.
These winter windshield wipers are quite special – in addition to offering a clean and powerful wipe, they also treat your glass with a water-repelling coating!
This causes the water to bead up and roll away while you drive, exponentially reducing the chances for snow and ice to clog the blades.
Featuring advanced, beam blade technology and a patented universal adapter, these will mold to any windshield perfectly with their infinite contact points.
Though these work like a charm in the winter, they fare well year-round, with a synthetic rubber squeegee that withstands heat and UV rays as well as freezing temperatures.
These Rain-X wipers might finally help you outsmart the elements!
#6 Bosch ICON Wiper Blade
- Material: FX Dual Rubber
- Sizes: 26″
- Installation Method: Hook adapter
- Special Features: Arc spring technology
The Bosch ICON Wipers are constructed without brackets or hinges, offering enhanced performance and durability.
Their patented beam design, featuring FX dual rubber, resists heat and ozone deterioration to remain flexible in no matter the season.
With enclosed tension springs and an integrated wind spoiler design, they cling to your windshield and distribute uniform pressure along the entire blade length for a powerful and even wipe
While these are extremely high tech, they don’t require much brainpower to assemble.
Included in the package is a quality hook adapter (Hook arm 9x3 & 9x4) which will make the set-up simple and clean.
Note that each package only contains one blade, so you will have to pick up 2 for your car.
Nevertheless, the Bosch winter wiper blades are certainly one of the highest performing wipers on the market today.
#7 Trico Ice Extreme Winter Wiper Blade
- Material: Teflon infused
- Sizes: 13″ – 28″
- Installation Method: Multiple adaptors
- Special Features: Shielding armor
Finishing our list off strong, the Trico Ice Wiper Blades offer unmatched winter performance combined with sleek styling.
These feature a flexible synthetic armor which works to protect critical wiper components from the perils of ice and snow – dramatically extending their lifetime amidst the winter chill.
A one-piece beam design with infinite contact points conforms snugly to the windshield, so you also won’t have to worry about lift during high winds.
With a Teflon-infused wiper element and a wedge shaped spoiler, these quickly clear away snow and ice, optimizing your visibility in seconds.
All necessary adapters and clear instructions are included with each blade to make installation a pain-free process.
Designed specially for top performance in harsh winter weather, these are the best wiper blades for snow and ice that you’ll find on the market today.
Winter Wiper Blade Comparison Table
Blade | Material | Sizes | Installation | Special Features | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blade | Graphite-coated rubber | 16" - 28" | J-hook adapter, multi adapter | All-weather resistant | 4.0 / 5.0 | |
Michelin Stealth Wiper Blade | Rubber | 16" - 28" | Michelin EZ-Lock Connector | Patented 'Smart Hinge' cover | 4.1 / 5.0 | |
AERO All-Season Wiper Blade | Teflon coated rubber | 10" - 28" | J-Hook | All-weather resistant | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
Rain-X Repellent Wiper Blade | Rubber | 26" | Universal adapter | Rain-X Water Repelling Coating | 4.4 / 5.0 | |
Bosh ICON Wiper Blade | FX Dual Rubber | 26" | Hook adapter | Arc spring technology | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
Trico Ice Extreme Winter Wiper Blade | Teflon infused | 13" - 28" | Multiple adaptors | Shielding armor | 4.2 / 5.0 | |
ANCO Winter Wiper Blade | DuraKlear Rubber | 11" - 24" | Kwik Connect | Freeze resistant | 4.2 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Winter Wiper Blades – Buying Guide
Having the right windshield wipers is essential for your safety when driving in the winter.
Navigating through the snow and ice is already a daunting task for many, so the last thing you need is reduced visibility.
That’s why you can’t just settle for any old wipers – you will need high quality, high-tech blades that can outlast the harsh weather conditions.
You’ll have to choose wisely – and that’s where we come in!
Now that we’ve gone through the best winter wipers available today, it’s time for you to bring a pair home!
This is the tricky part – how do you choose between so many great options?
We’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide which outlines the key factors to consider when picking out the ideal pair for you and your car.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have no doubts about which is the best option for you.
Wiper Blade Size
As you can tell, windshield wipers come in an abundance of different sizes, ranging from 10 to 28 inches.
With that said, you’ll have to get the size right, or the wipers will simply not fit your car.
Consult your car owner’s manual and measure your blades.
Shorter blades tend to be less expensive than longer ones, but a high price does not guarantee quality.
If you’re totally lost, ask your local auto-parts store for the proper fit.
Blade Types
There are 2 main kinds of windshield wiper blades : conventional and beam.
Conventional Blades
Conventional blades are constructed with 6 – 8 specific pressure points that touch the windshield.
They were designed to stick to the straight, flat surface of older windshields (a curved windshield is a relatively modern development in vehicles!)
Conventional wiper blades are also not ideal for high windspeed – strong wind resistance can force the wiper to lift away from the glass, which damages them in the long run.
Beam Blades
In contrast, beam blades were made with a modern vehicle design in mind.
They are constructed to mold to the curvature of your glass with infinite contact points.
The many pressure points allow the entire length of blade to stay in contact with the windshield, ultimately leading to better coverage and visibility.
That’s why all the models on our list are beam blades – the technology is simply better.
Wiper Blade Inspection
It’s better to solve problems before they arise rather than waiting until a malfunction pops up – so be sure to check your wipers periodically.
Simply run your fingers down the blade, feeling carefully for ridges and chips in the rubber.
Also look for metal corrosion at the joints and detachment of frame arms from the connection points.
Make sure you check the rubber squeegee for flexibility – aged or brittle squeegees will not conform well to your windshield and end up creating streaks.
Monthly inspections should be enough, though sharp weather fluctuations and extreme temperatures should warrant more check-ups than normal.
Below are a couple signs that indicate your blades need changing ASAP.
Skipping is when the blade skips over the glass rather than completing one smooth sweep.
Streaking occurs when streaks of dirt and debris are left behind, obstructing visibility.
Splitting refers to the blade’s inability to wipe the windshield evenly, leaving some areas clean and others opaque.
Squeaking is pretty self explanatory – if you can hear your wipers squeaking, it’s definitely time to change them.
Wiper Blade Maintenance
Investing in maintenance will extend the lifetime of your blade – here are a couple things you can do on this front.
Cleaning wipers regularly with rubbing alcohol removes dirt and debris that interfere with the integrity of the rubber. Consider doing this every time you fill up your gas tank.
Another great maintenance tip is to get a fluid heating system for your windshield washer.
Heated washer fluid removes hard, coarse debris like ice and frozen bugs, thus minimizing unnecessary wear on your wipers.
It can also help with de-clogging wiper spray nozzles (which are easily congested by snow and ice) to ensure maximum fluid volume and spray distance.
Best Wiper Blades Brands
- Anco
- Rain-X
- Bosch
- Trico
- Michelin
Wiper Blades Installation
Methods of installation vary depending on blade brands and car models, but most don’t involve tools.
Hook mounts are the most popular method by far – simply insert the arm through a slot in the wiper blade, line up the adapter with the hook, and click into place.
Generally speaking, it doesn’t get much harder than that.
In some cases, you might need to use a hammer to remove older, more stubborn wiper blades and avoid stabbed hands. Just tap it on the blade to loosen it up.
Check out the video below if you’re still feeling a little confused.
How to Replace Windshield Wipers on Your Car Easily
FAQs About Winter Wiper Blades
Q: What do you do with windshield wipers in snow?
A: Most people put their wipers up and away from the windshield during a snow.
This prevents them from freezing to your windshield and makes cleaning snow off the glass easier.
However, doing this can also put stress on the spring holding the wiper to the windshield, which will lead to malfunctions down the road.
In order to really protect your windshield wipers from the snow, your best bet is to sheath them in a plastic bag or covering and leave them in their normal position.
Q: How do I keep my windshield wipers from icing up?
A: There are a couple different ways to do this, but the easiest method by far is rubbing alcohol.
Simply wipe down your blades with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will stop them from freezing to the windshield and help prevent re-freezing.
Q: How long should wipers last?
A: Auto technicians recommend you change your wipers every 6- 12 months, depending on when you notice a change in visibility.
If you hear your wipers squeaking, skipping or streaking, it’s an indicator that their rubber coating is degrading – a definite sign that you should change them ASAP.
Q: How can I make my wipers last longer?
A: You can easily extend the lifetime of your wipers with some simple, common-sense rules.
First, don’t operate them dry! Their sole purpose is to clear moisture from the windshield (not to wipe away pesky bugs, as surprising as that sounds).
When you operate wipers on dry glass, the friction causes their rubber coating to wear.
Second, clean your wiper blades with washer fluid. Debris that can scratch your windshield tends to collect on the rubber blades, so wiping them clean is a must.
Parking your car in the shade can also do wonders for the longevity of your wipers.
Heat and UV damage can actually bake the rubber in your wipers, causing them to age and brittle – definitely not ideal for your windshield visibility.
Finally, don’t scrape your windshield with the blades down.
The hard metal of the scraper might gouge the rubber, causing your blades to stop functioning entirely.
Tips For Choosing Winter Wiper Blades
#1: Get the size right.
Buying wipers that don’t fit is pointless – make sure you take a minute to cross-check the dimensions you need. You’ll thank yourself later!
#2: Look for weather resistance features.
Keep an eye out for wipers with special weather resistance features like rain repellent or UV protection. This will increase your chances of getting to use them for multiple seasons.
#3: Periodically inspect them!
You will have to change your wipers every 6 to 12 months – there is no getting around this.
With that said, performing monthly inspections will save you from running into an unneccesary visibility emergency down the road (pun intended).
You’re going to want to know about damage to your blades before they impact your ability to drive, so don’t skip this tip.
Summary
Now that you know all about how to select a good winter wiper blade, it’s time for you to come to a decision.
No matter which product you select, know that you’ll be getting one of the best options on the market.
Thanks for reading & happy shopping!
How We Researched
To come up with the top winter wiper blades, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as 4x4 Magazine and Outside Online Magazine along with our own personal experience.
We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.
With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in offroading, motorcycling, and auto mechanics. They are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow auto-enthusiasts and industry experts.
After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.