2025 Ford Bronco Sport: Wiper Tech to Combat Ice Buildup

The Ford Bronco Sport arrives with sophisticated technology specifically designed to tackle one of winter driving's most persistent challenges: ice buildup on windshield wipers. Built for adventure in all weather conditions, the latest Bronco Sport incorporates several innovative systems that ensure clear visibility even in the harshest winter environments.

Heated WindShield Base System

The cornerstone of the Bronco Sport ice prevention technology is the advanced Heated WindShield Base System (HWBS). This system features embedded heating elements at the lower portion of the windshield where wipers rest in their parked position. Operating at temperatures below 5°C, these elements maintain a temperature just above freezing to prevent ice from forming on parked wipers and to melt any accumulation that occurs while driving.

The intelligent temperature sensing technology that adjusts heating intensity based on exterior conditions sets the latest model apart. The system draws minimal power—approximately 40 watts during operation, making it energy-efficient even during extended winter journeys. For models equipped with the hybrid powertrain, the system can operate for limited periods even when the vehicle is off, preventing that frustrating morning scenario of frozen wipers.

ThermoWipe Blade Technology

The Bronco Sport new ThermoWipe technology represents a significant advancement in wiper design. Unlike traditional heated wipers that warm the rubber blade, ThermoWipe incorporates a multi-zone heating system throughout the entire wiper assembly. The system distributes heat more evenly from the arm connection point through to the blade edge.

The wiper blades feature a special hydrophobic coating that repels water and prevents ice crystals from adhering to the surface. This dual-action approach—actively heating while passively repelling—significantly reduces ice accumulation during operation. Testing in extreme conditions showed the system maintained effective wiping performance in temperatures as low as -30°C with heavy freezing precipitation.

Intelligent Wiper Control System

The Bronco Sport wipers have an Intelligent Wiper Control System that adapts to changing weather conditions. Using data from temperature sensors, precipitation detectors, and windshield cameras, the system automatically adjusts wiper speed, pressure, and heating intensity.

When the system detects conditions favourable for ice formation, it automatically activates a special "ice prevention mode" that periodically runs the wipers through a quick cleaning cycle, preventing snow and ice from accumulating while parked. This feature is handy during snowfall when the vehicle is stationary for extended periods.

The system optimizes performance in extreme conditions by using a "winter flush" feature that dispenses heated washer fluid to clear ice buildup during operation. It insulates the washer fluid system against freezing and uses heating elements to maintain optimal fluid temperature down to -40°C.

WinterSense Monitoring Technology

The Bronco Sport advanced WinterSense monitoring system continuously evaluates wiper performance and detects early signs of ice accumulation. If resistance increases during wiper operation—indicating potential ice buildup—the system automatically increases heating element intensity and adjusts wiper pressure to break through forming ice.

The technology includes a user-alert system that notifies drivers when conditions might lead to reduced wiper effectiveness, suggesting appropriate countermeasures through the central information display. Drivers can also manually activate maximum heating mode when anticipating extreme weather conditions.

User Interface and Controls

Ford engineers have designed an intuitive interface for controlling these winter-focused features. The Bronco Sport SYNC system includes a dedicated "Winter Driving" menu with simplified controls for all ice prevention technologies. Voice commands allow drivers to activate these features without taking their hands off the steering wheel, which is particularly valuable in challenging winter driving conditions.

The system also incorporates smart learning capabilities that remember driver preferences based on specific temperature ranges and weather conditions. After several driving cycles in winter conditions, the system adapts to provide personalized ice prevention settings without requiring manual adjustments.

Facts About the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Wiper Ice Prevention Technology

• The ThermoWipe system underwent over 1,000 hours of testing in climate chambers that simulated blizzard conditions with temperatures cycling between -40°C and 0°C to ensure reliability in rapid temperature fluctuations.

• Engineers designed the wiper heating elements using technology initially developed for aerospace applications, where ice prevention is critical for flight safety.

• The wiper blades feature a hydrophobic coating inspired by the microscopic structures of a lotus leaf. These tiny surface patterns naturally repel water by minimizing contact area.

• Ford built a special ice-formation chamber during development and tested 50 different wiper designs against 12 types of frozen precipitation.

• The entire wiper system in the Bronco Sport contains over 20 sensors that continuously monitor performance and environmental conditions to optimize ice prevention.

Common Questions About the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Wiper Ice Prevention System

How long does it take for the heated wiper system to clear ice that has already formed?

• The system can clear light ice accumulation in approximately 90 seconds. Heavier ice formations may require 3-4 minutes of heating before wipers can operate effectively.

Does using the heated wiper system significantly impact fuel economy or battery range?

• The system is efficient and typically reduces fuel economy by less than 1% when operating. In hybrid models, the impact on electric range is minimal at approximately 0.5 km per hour of continuous use.

Can the wiper heating system be used while the vehicle is off?

• Yes, models equipped with the hybrid powertrain allow the wiper heating system to operate for up to 15 minutes while the vehicle is off, provided a sufficient battery charge.

How does the system prevent damage to wipers when they're frozen to the windshield?

• The Intelligent Wiper Control System detects resistance and will not force wiper operation if they're frozen to the glass. Instead, it activates the heating elements and alerts the driver via the instrument cluster.

Are the heated wipers standard on all Bronco Sport trim levels?

• The basic Heated WindShield Base System comes standard on all trims. The advanced ThermoWipe technology with multi-zone heating is standard on Badlands and Outer Banks trims, and optional on other models.

How often do the specialized winter wiper blades need to be replaced?

• The ThermoWipe blades are designed for extended durability with a recommended replacement interval of 18 months, compared to 12 months for standard wipers.

Can the wiper heating system be used in moderate temperatures for removing debris?

• Yes, you can manually activate the system at any temperature to help remove sticky debris like tree sap or insects that may accumulate on the wipers.

Does the system work with aftermarket wiper blades?

• While the system will function with aftermarket blades, optimal performance is achieved with Ford ThermoWipe blades that work with the heating elements and control system.

How does the WinterSense system determine when ice is forming on the wipers?

• The system uses resistance sensors in the wiper motor, temperature sensors on the blade assembly, and windshield cameras that detect changes in wiper performance and appearance.

Is there a manual override if the automatic ice prevention system fails?

• Yes, drivers can manually control all aspects of the heating system through the SYNC interface or by using physical buttons on the climate control panel as a backup.