Heated windshield wiper blades are one of those things that you never really think about until it’s raining or snowing or when something nasty obstructs your vision, like bird poop. However, they’re an absolute must when it comes to safety. While we depend on our windshield wipers year round, we lean on them more heavily during the winter, when snow, slush, and rain freeze on the windshield. In these situations heated windshield wiper blades are an excellent solution.
How Heated Windshield Wiper Blades Work?
Heated windshield wiper blades have different elements and there are varieties available on the market. Generally, the blades have heating elements that speed defrost time and keep the wipers from freezing to the glass. They usually mount like ordinary windshield wiper blades but have a wire that connects to a fuse that’s linked to the ignition switch. In most cases, a certain temperature level, usually thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit / 1.6 degrees Celsius automatically activates most varieties. On average, heated windshield wiper blades clear away light snow and ice in roughly ten minutes even, when temperatures are as low as minus eighteen degrees Fahrenheit / minus twenty-seven degrees Celsius.
How Do You Get Heated Windshield Wiper Blades?
Heated windshield wiper bladesmay come as a standard or as an additional option for some automobile companies manufacture. You can also purchase heated windshield wipers and manually install them on most cars, trucks, and SUVs. They are readily available at auto shops as well as online stores.
Which Ones Should You Choose?
Heated windshield wiper blades should be made with firm rubber surfaces and heavy steel gauge bodies as such mechanisms better guard against severe weather situations. Some manufacturers are now using silicone instead of rubber as it holds up better to heat and offers greater cleaning potential. Some blades also vibrate, which provide additional ice and snow removing ability. The blades come in different sizes and shapes, so be careful to get the right ones for your particular vehicle. Most come with instructions and/or links to video instruction manuals. If unsure, a mechanic can perform the installation.
How Much Do Manual Heated Windshield Wiper Blades Cost?
Heated windshield wiper systems could range from around $50 to $170 depending on what kind they are and some other specifics. Replacement blades cost much less (around $10 – $30).
How Long Do Heated Windshield Wiper Blades Last?
Heated windshield wiper blades last as long as regular blades, around one-two years. For optimal results, and depending on the environment, you should replace the blades every six-nine months.
How Do You Know When to Replace the Blades?
Heated windshield wiper blades should be replaced when you see streaks, skips, or spots or the windshield. Oftentimes, people wait until they can barely see anything, but that’s not a good practice. Keeping a replacement set handy is always optimal.
How effective are Heated Windshield Wiper Blades?
Heated windshield wiper blades have become a popular commodity for drivers living in colder weather conditions. So far, most reviews are positive. Consumers are mostly happy with how the heated windshield wiper blades function, be it in the rain and snow. They were also satisfied with their ability to install them. Dissatisfaction with directions, as some only included a few arrows, was really the only complaint.
