Winter Blades: Still popular?

[tom p.]

Well, winter is just around the corner and we have our first "event" scheduled for this coming Sunday. I need to get some fresh wiper blades on the car. I don't think I've ever tried "winter" blades. Are they worthwhile? What's the direct benefit?

Somebody told me Michelin has a new product that's considered "all season". I may look at those, too.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[velobard]

The winter blades I've seen have a plastic "sock" over the wiper frame to help push snow off the glass. I avoid those because I don't believe the wiper mechanism was designed for the extra strain. Years ago I have a wiper problem when a cheap plastic component in the linkage snapped, but to replace it you had to buy a whole new linkage, so I'm wary of that sort of thing.

[audicoupej]

Bosch Icons, there is no exposed metal to freeze and prevent loss of contact.

There are other wipers like the Icons but they are a bit more $$$.

[tom p.]

Originally Posted by velobard

The winter blades I've seen have a plastic "sock" over the wiper frame to help push snow off the glass.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about...that rubber "boot" over the assembly. I thought it was there so less snow built up in the "parking area" when the car was off (this is a real problem on my GM car - that recessed area builds up tremendous snow and ice over a couple of days and I have to make it a point to remove it). I hadn't thought about the ability for it to push heavier snow loads...makes sense. Thx.

[jshillin]

My dad uses them and swears by them, I usually buy the middle of the line bosch blades and just run them year around.

[velobard]

Originally Posted by tom p.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about...that rubber "boot" over the assembly. I thought it was there so less snow built up in the "parking area" when the car was off (this is a real problem on my GM car - that recessed area builds up tremendous snow and ice over a couple of days and I have to make it a point to remove it). I hadn't thought about the ability for it to push heavier snow loads...makes sense. Thx.

If that's your concern, just go for one of the newer frameless blades. I have Valeo on my car and Bosch Icons on my wife's.

[steelwind101]

Bosch blades and 303 wiper treatment!

[jshillin]

Never used 303 wiper treatment, never heard of it actually... What exactly does it do?? I'll have to check into it

[itb76]

I run Bosch Icons year round. Work very well in all weather, though on my GTI they have a little too much downforce at >80mph.

[NYV6Coupe]

You\'ll be out-of-pocket about $12 - $15 and it\'s the only way to go when the snow starts flyin\'. The thin rubber boot the encases everything between the wiperarm on the car and the wiperblade on the windshield and this will prevent snow & ice from building up which will eventually make the wiperblade lose contact with the glass.

Ever see someone at a traffic light reaching out the window & trying to catch the blade to snap it against the glass, hoping to remove snow & ice buildup on the non-winter blade?

It\'s just one less thing to worry about when the weather gets krappy.

[Lowejackson]

I have the frameless blades on my Alfa and they are very effective in the rain. The wiper motor and mechanism is only really designed to move lubricated blades. Light snow would be easy but anything else would probably put an undue stress on the system. However, I do not live in a country with weather extremes so maybe the engineering is different

[KnuckleBuckett]

I have Valeo on my minivan and the frameless concept works well in lots of snow and ice.