I worked for a large auto parts retailer as a sales manager, store manager, and eventually district manager for a number of years prior to becoming an educator. I have literally installed thousands of wiper blades in my lifetime. I have tried all the major brands and a few generics. Nothing cleans your windshield better and lasts longer than the Bosch Icon. They are pricey compared to the knock-offs, but visibility in inclement weather is not something I’m willing to compromise on.
Beam-style wiper blades have been around since the mid-2000s. Traditional wiper blades have a frame and several hinges. These exposed hinges are prone to freezing in low temperatures, resulting in poor performance. Beam-style blades hold continuous and equal pressure along the length of the blade instead of just at a few points. There are no joints to freeze up because the wiper blade is one solid piece.
I prefer the clips on these over those found on a traditional blade. They lock in solidly with a reassuring ‘click’ and eliminate play between the wiper arm and the blade. The Icons also have a flip down cover the hides the attachment point, resulting in a cleaner appearance.
Yes, you will spend almost twice as much per blade for these compared to a traditional unit, but they tend to last at least three times as long and give you far superior cleaning over their life. I have gotten two to three years of service from some of my Bosch Icons before noticing any degradation in the blade’s wiping edge. Keep your windshield clean and wipe down the contact edge of the blade from time to time to make them last longer.
While wiper blades are an afterthought to most drivers, beam-style blades look sleeker and sportier than traditional hinged blades. They are also more aerodynamic, which minimizes blade lift at higher speeds. For this reason, all performance and luxury cars come equipped with them from the factory. On this note, I can’t think of any manufacturers who still use the old hinged blades, although you still see these available as replacements in automotive and department stores.
Amazon is usually significantly cheaper than your local parts store for these blades. Be careful to pay attention to the part numbers on Icon blades, as a 22A is the blade for the driver side and a 22B is for the passenger side. Both are 22″ blades, but they aren’t interchangeable. You can find the part numbers you need on Bosch’s website.
