Winter Visibility: See & Be Seen

Ah, winter. The beauty of the first snowfall is something many folks look forward to and enjoy. That is, until it comes time to brave the frigid temperatures in the wee hours of the morning to go out and scrape ice, and brush all the annoying stuff off your car.

Proper visibility is vital when it comes to driving safely in winter conditions. Maintaining that visibility usually involves a lot more effort than just waking up early to scrape a small portion of your windshield.

Making sure your head and taillights are clean and bright, upgrading your windshield wipers so they can efficiently clear off slush, snow, and salt, and even swapping out your washer fluid for a more heavy-duty solution are all ways to ensure you can see and be seen while navigating treacherous winter roads.

If you’re looking to make winter driving less stressful and get to your destination without having to use a tow truck or pay your insurance deductible, there are some key items that help keep you safe and maximize your visibility while you’re out and about.

Wiper Blades

When it comes to keeping your windshield clear in winter, your wiper blades may have the equivalent of a union-backed, 60-hour workweek to contend with. And not just any bargain basement wiper will do. You’ll need something more heavy-duty. Look for features like reinforced rubber, bracketless blades, durable, rust-resistant hinges, and a curve that’s compatible with your windshield.

Here are a few recommendations to help with your search for a wintertime replacement or upgrade.

Trico Ice

Affordable and durable, the Trico line of extreme weather blades make short work of annoying snow, slush, and sleet accumulation on your windshield.

They feature a robust, rugged outer armor that helps shield the blade from jumping or bouncing over debris. Plus, the heavy gauge wiper element is constructed from a durable synthetic blend that resists tearing in freezing temps.

Bosch ICON

Bosch is well known for providing premium quality aftermarket products. The company’s solution to keeping your windshield free and clear all winter is the Bosch ICON wiper blade.

It features a bracketless design, also known as a beam blade, which keeps the wiper tightly in line with your glass. The asymmetrical flexible spoiler design also adds grip. Exclusive rubber technology ensures blade durability that allows these wipers to last up to 40% longer than some competing brands.

PIAA Si-Tech

Shorthand for “Silicone Technology,” the Si-Tech blade from PIAA takes its winter wiping duties very seriously.

Like Bosch, it uses a frameless design to create more pressure points across the entire length of the blade for more consistent, streak-free wiping. Plus, that curved shape hugs the windshield nice and tight, eliminating snow and ice build-up.

PIAA’s real seasonal offering here though is the patented silicone-infused rubber insert. In addition to being a more durable and long-lasting material, it actually applies an invisible water repellent barrier on the windshield so water beads up and rolls away while you drive. Silicone technology, indeed.

Snow Brushes and Scrapers

If you’re in the market for a new snow brush or scraper, consider getting something that allows you to access all parts of your vehicle.

Remember: Keeping your ride free of snow and ice in the winter isn’t only about keeping your windshield and windows clear. In most states, it’s actually illegal to drive around with a mountain of snow on top of your car or covering your hood or trunk.

Snow and ice that can fly off your vehicle at high speeds put other drivers in danger, so be diligent about your snow removal duties. Here are some quality tools that can help.

Hopkins

The Hopkins SubZero Ice Crusher (16619) is aptly named and will make short work of ice and snow on all areas of your vehicle. This snow broom is equipped with a ton of great features.

It extends up to an impressive 51 inches with the push of a button, making it easy to access virtually any part of your car. Soft bristles and a wide, pivoting head allow you to remove snow without scratching your precious paint. And, the durable plastic ice scraper and serrated ice chipper are great at breaking up tough ice build-up. It even has a handy squeegee to leave your glass pristine and streak-free! Heads up, though, as it is a little on the pricey side.

Birdrock

The Birdrock Home Snow MOOver is designed to push or pull heavy and wet snow from all over your car or truck. It extends up to 55 inches and features a 270-degree pivoting head and a removable, rugged ice scraper, so it can be used by two people at once.

Substantial foam grips let you hold the broom securely and confidently while in use. This snow broom also comes with a hefty price tag, unfortunately, but if you live in a brutally snowy climate, it’s a great investment.

Snow Joe

The Snow Joe Original 2-in-1 Telescoping Snowbroom and Ice Scraper is a much more budget-conscious item that will still do the trick. This broom extends up to a respectable 52 inches, and features an 18-inch wide foam head for damage-free snow removal as well as a durable plastic ice scraper.

While it lacks a lot of the bells and whistles and heavy-duty construction that some of the competing models offer, it’s tough to argue with the super low and refreshing price point.

Consider this…

For those who just aren’t into scraping snow and ice off their windshields, check out the cleverly-designed Frost Shield Protector from Coverking. It covers your windshield, side mirrors, and cowl vents to completely guard against ice and snow buildup when you’re not using your vehicle. Custom fit to your car’s specific make and model, you just walk outside and remove the cover like a magician pulling out a tablecloth, and voila! You have a clean windshield that’s ready to roll. What a time saver.

Cleaners and Restorers

You can have the most durable wipers on the planet, but none of them are going to be able to actually clean grime, salt, slush, and mud completely from your windshield or headlights. That’s where you need serious liquid assistance. Winter cleaners and deicers are specially formulated to remove stubborn gunk so you can see clearly in all kinds of extreme weather.

Rain-X

Rain-X De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid is specially formulated for heavy-duty streak-free cleaning in temps as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This fluid melts precipitation to decrease the adherence of snow, frost, and ice to your windshield. It also applies the famous water beading technology that Rain-X is known for to make precipitation slide off and save your wipers from doing all the work.

Prestone

Prestone De-Icer Winter Windshield Washer Fluid is made to quickly melt frost and ice in temperatures as low as negative 34 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t mess around and is a good option for folks who live in those extra cold and harsh climates. It’s also safe for rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Turtle Wax

It’s not just about keeping your windshield in tip-top shape. Your headlights need to be clear and powerful, but they take a serious beating in the winter. Turtle Wax comes to the rescue with its newly-released Hybrid Solutions Headlight Restoration Kit. With no tools required, this specially designed kit will restore the new-looking appearance and clarity you desire. It quickly removes yellowing and oxidation from headlights and adds layers of durable UV protection to prevent further damage.

These are just a few of the products available to make winter driving not only safer, but far less annoying. And yes, while it takes regular maintenance and attention, you can maximize your safety and that of your fellow motorists when conditions are less than ideal.