Improve visibility, performance with heated blades

Ever scraped snow and ice off a windshield only to see a new layer coat the glass minutes later? A set of heated wiper blades keeps the frost from reforming and improves visibility.

“If you’ve driven in snowy weather you’ve probably seen some guy with his arm out the window trying to shake ice off his wiper blade while he’s driving,” said John Giummara, marketing director for Thermalblade, a Pennsylvania-based company that produces a patented heated wiper blade. “You don’t want to ever have to do that.”

A standard wiper brushes snow aside, while a heated blade actually melts the flakes and ice away. The device includes a heating element powered by an electrical current.

Such blades can be installed on any vehicle and there are a plethora of brands to choose from. They don’t come standard on automobiles, but heated blades shouldn’t be dismissed as luxury since they help drivers see their way through foul weather.

In the early 1990s the first patent for a heated windshield wiper became official, making the invention the most significant development in the field since 1917, when electric wipers came into existence. Prior to that, drivers used a knob to manually operate wiper blades. See related story.

Consumers should study their options before investing in a set of heated blades, Giummara said. Look at the installation steps, replacement costs and durability of the devices before purchasing, he said.

Some blades are thermostatically controlled. Sensors detect when the temperature nears freezing and only turn the blades on then.

To minimize the impact on your vehicle’s electrical system, the device should be wired so that it only runs when the key has turned on the ignition, he said.

Giummarra offers the following tips for getting the most out of your heated wiper blades:

• Buy efficient materials: A set that has replaceable squeegees and a reusable frame reduces waste going into the landfill and keeps replacement costs down.
• Look for thermostatically controlled blades: Purchase blades that automatically turn on when it is just above freezing outside. This will give you the right amount of heat exactly when you need it.
• Install it wisely: Look for a way to install it that won’t put undue strain on your electrical system. Look to attach it to a fuse that only works if the engine is running.
• Pay attention to materials: Blades made from silicone are resistant to cracking from freezing temperatures and summer’s scorching rays.