Preparing Your Windshield Wiper Blades for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

As winter approaches, WindshieldWipers.com wants to make sure your vehicle is ready for cold, wet, and snowy conditions. One often-overlooked but essential task is preparing your windshield wiper blades. Here's a step-by-step guide to get them winter-ready.

1. Inspect your current wiper blades

• Visual check: Look for cracks, tears, or rubber that has gone hard or brittle.
• Operational test: Run the wipers. Do they sweep clean, or leave streaks and missed spots?

2. Clean the blades thoroughly

• Remove debris: Wipe the blades with a mild soapy-water solution to clear dirt, grime, and old salt residue.
• Inspect the frame: If the frame is corroded or bent, it's time for a replacement.

3. Check the washer fluid

• Type of fluid: Use a washer fluid rated for sub-zero temperatures so it won't freeze.
• Top up: Keep the reservoir full – you'll use more fluid clearing salt, snow, and ice.

4. Consider a blade replacement

• Age of blades: Blades should be replaced every six months to a year. If yours are due, now's the time.
• Type of blades: Our Silicone+ beam blade is built for extreme weather and has an embedded rain repellent – a strong winter choice.

5. Apply a de-icer or lubricant

• De-icer: A pre-storm spray on the blades helps prevent ice buildup, so you're not chipping ice off later.
• Lubricant: A silicone-based lubricant keeps the rubber flexible in the cold, reducing cracks.

6. Park smart

• Blade positioning: In snow, lift the blades off the glass (when safe) so they don't freeze to the windshield.
• Garage use: Parking inside protects the blades and cuts down on ice and snow to clear.

7. Do regular winter checks

• Weekly inspection: Check for ice buildup, snow accumulation, or new damage.
• Operational test: Test the wipers often and replace them right away if you notice a problem.

8. Keep an emergency kit

• Include: An ice scraper and a small brush – sometimes manual clearing is the only option.

Preparing your wiper blades for winter isn't just about comfort – it's about safety. Clear visibility is critical in bad weather. Follow these steps and your blades will be ready to keep your windshield clear all season. Not sure of your blade size? See what size wipers your car needs. Find your exact-fit Clix wipers and get them fast with free 1–2 day shipping nationwide on most products.