The Importance of Winter Windshield Wipers: Tips for Clear Visibility

January 13, 2025

Winter driving in Northeast Ohio presents unique challenges, from icy windshields to snow-covered roads. Clear visibility is critical for staying safe on the road, and your windshield wipers play a vital role in ensuring you can see clearly during harsh winter weather.

At Rad Air Complete Car Care, with convenient locations in Akron, Downtown Cleveland, Fairlawn, Garfield Heights, Medina, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Strongsville, Westlake, and Wickliffe, we’re here to help you maintain your windshield wipers and ensure you’re prepared for anything winter throws your way. Here’s why winter windshield wipers are essential and how to keep your windshield in top condition.

Windshield wipers caught in ice and snow

Why Winter Windshield Wipers Matter

Winter-specific windshield wipers are designed to handle the extreme conditions that standard wipers struggle with. They feature robust materials and construction to deal with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, ensuring consistent performance when you need it most.

  • Durability in Extreme Cold: Winter wipers are made from materials that resist cracking and stiffening in sub-zero temperatures. Standard wipers can become brittle and fail to clear the windshield effectively during freezing weather.
  • Improved Performance: The frames of winter wipers are often covered or reinforced to prevent ice buildup, allowing the blades to maintain contact with the windshield for a thorough clean.
  • Enhanced Safety: Clear visibility reduces the risk of accidents, especially when navigating snowy or icy roads in Northeast Ohio.

If you frequently drive in areas prone to heavy snow and ice, winter windshield wipers are an essential upgrade for your car.

Tips for Maintaining Your Windshield in Winter

In addition to installing winter-specific wipers, regular windshield maintenance ensures clear visibility and extends the life of your wipers.

  1. Keep Your Windshield Clean
    Salt, slush, and grime from winter roads can quickly accumulate on your windshield, making it harder for wipers to work effectively. Clean your windshield regularly with a winter-specific windshield washer fluid designed to resist freezing. If your washer fluid reservoir is low or your spray nozzles are clogged, Rad Air’s technicians can assist with refilling and repairs.
  2. Inspect Your Wiper Blades Frequently
    Even the best wiper blades can wear out, especially with heavy winter use. Check for signs of wear such as cracks, splits, or streaking on the windshield. Replace wiper blades as soon as you notice reduced performance. At Rad Air, we stock high-quality winter wiper blades and can replace them quickly to keep you safe on the road.
  3. Defrost Before Using Wipers
    Avoid using your wipers to clear heavy snow or ice from the windshield, as this can damage the blades and the wiper motor. Use your car’s defroster to melt ice and loosen snow before engaging the wipers. For stubborn ice, use an ice scraper, taking care not to scratch the glass.
  4. Protect Your Wipers When Not in Use
    If a snowstorm or freezing rain is expected, lift your wipers off the windshield to prevent them from freezing in place. Alternatively, place a cover or blanket over your windshield to protect it from snow and ice buildup.
  5. Replace Washer Fluid with Winter Formula
    Standard washer fluid can freeze in extreme temperatures, leaving you unable to clean your windshield. Winter washer fluid is formulated to resist freezing and improve cleaning performance, even in sub-zero weather. Our team at Rad Air can help you switch to a winter-ready washer fluid to avoid inconvenient freezes.

When to Replace Your Winter Windshield Wipers

Winter wipers are designed for durability, but they still require periodic replacement to ensure optimal performance. Replace your wiper blades if you notice:

  • Streaking or smearing on the windshield.
  • Noisy or skipping movement.
  • Cracks, tears, or visible damage on the rubber blades.

Most winter wiper blades last one to two seasons, depending on use and driving conditions.

Rad Air’s Windshield Wiper Services

At Rad Air Complete Car Care, we make it easy to maintain your windshield and wipers during winter. Our expert technicians can:

  • Inspect your wiper blades for wear and recommend high-quality replacements.
  • Refill your washer fluid reservoir with winter-specific formulas.
  • Clean and inspect your windshield for chips or cracks that could worsen in cold weather.

With Rad Air locations throughout Northeast Ohio, we’re always nearby to assist with your winter driving needs. Check out our coupons for savings on windshield wiper replacements and other winter maintenance services.

Stay Safe with Clear Visibility This Winter

Clear visibility is a cornerstone of safe winter driving, and well-maintained windshield wipers are a crucial part of your car’s winter readiness. If you haven’t checked your wipers recently or are experiencing reduced performance, don’t wait for the next snowstorm to address the issue.

Visit your nearest Rad Air location in Akron, Downtown Cleveland, Fairlawn, Garfield Heights, Medina, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Strongsville, Westlake, or Wickliffe. Use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment today, and let us help you stay safe on the road all winter long.