Anco and Trico used to be two competing names in the windshield wiper industry until they became the same in 2019. The Trico Group acquired Anco wiper blades from its previous owner, The Tenneco Group.
So, when you are getting into the Anco vs. Trico wiper blades debate now, you are talking about products that are made by the same manufacturer. How do these two wiper blades fare in comparison to each other? I couldn’t resist putting my two cents in!
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Anco vs. Trico Wiper Blades
Truth be told, I never got to use either Anco or Trico wiper before getting the idea for this write-up. I knew them by reputation, of course! But since my hands-on experience with both of these wipers was zero, I had to dig deep to pinpoint the two models I should use for my research.
So, after eyeballing hundreds of posts in respective forums, I decided on the Anco 31 series and the Trico Platinum. Which one came out on top? Let’s find out!
Ease Of Installation
Anco 31
I love the fancy names many wiper blade brands come up with to describe their installation process. Anco calls it the “KwikConnect’’. You have the option for J-hook, bayonet, and side-pin connections. The tutorials are available on YouTube. You would not need long to mount the blades on your wiper arms.
Trico Platinum
Trico Platinum comes with an even larger set of options. If you pick the right size, the wiper arm structure of your vehicle should not be a cause for concern. Again, the company provides easy-to-understand tutorial videos online. You should not have any problem following the steps.
I found the Trico Platinum more versatile and slightly more convenient to install. So, Trico Platinum scores the first point in this comparison.
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Wiper Style
Anco 31
The Anco 31 comes in a traditional wiper design. Okay, I know that this information will raise some eyebrows. “Aren’t conventional wipers outdated?’’ I was never convinced that it was a settled dispute, and after seeing what Anco engineers did with the Anco 31, I am now even more inclined to keep an open mind!
The Anco 31 features a metal flexor and a vented bridge, making custom fitting far easier. The finite number of contact points is one of the biggest criticism we hear for conventional wiper designs. To address this particular issue, Anco has come up with this unique design that makes them relatively easier to install. It’s still not as easy to install as a regular beam blade, but the price is significantly lower! You have to take that into consideration.
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Trico Platinum
Trico Platinum has gone with the beam design that has become the norm in modern-day wipers. The contoured shape makes it easier to install and expands its compatibility range. This is a tested formula. It’s nothing interesting, but the Trico Platinum shape delivers the efficiency most car owners would look for.
This is going to be a hot take, but I must express my admiration for the Anco 31 design. Yes, I know I found it “slightly’’ more difficult to install, but I can’t avoid the sizable price difference between a beam and a non-beam wiper blade. It was not much of a hassle to put on. So, all things considered, I would say the Anco 31 has a better design!
Performance
Anco 31
Anco 31’s proprietary DuraKlear rubber coating provides a streak-free wiping experience. This is a pretty big deal for a conventional wiper because conventional wipers are notorious for leaving streaks on the windshield. That’s not gonna happen with this sleek pair of blades.
It’s excellent for removing rainwater. Against snow, it does an okay job. The aerodynamics are better than I had expected, as the wipers maintained full functionality when the speedometer was going crazy!
Trico Platinum
In the Trico Platinum, Trico used a specially treated rubber coating. The company calls it Highglide Rubber. I couldn’t find the exact chemical details, but I can say one thing for sure! This is no-nonsense material!
I was amazed to see how effective it was at removing rainwater. I tried hosing down some water at moderate pressure on the windshield. The wipers did pretty well to retain windshield visibility. Users say the wipers don’t back away from facing the challenge of frosty winter weather. They are quite good at removing snow.
I must also give a shoutout to the Vortec Aerofoil technology and the dual-point coupler build that make the blades nearly invincible against strong wind. Because of even pressure distribution, strong gusts of wind find it difficult to bite on the blades. So, you can expect your Trico Platinum windshields to work fine when driving at high speed.
Needless to say, the Trico Platinum is the undisputed winner in this department.
Are Anco and Trico the same company?
No, Anco and Trico are not the same company. They are separate companies. Anco is a brand that specializes in the manufacturing of wiper blades for automotive use, while Trico is another brand that also offers wiper blade products for vehicles.
Are Trico wiper blades good?
Trico wiper blades are generally considered to be of good quality by many customers and automotive experts. They offer a wide range of products for different types of vehicles and are known for their durability, efficient performance, and ease of installation. However, it is always advisable to do proper research and read reviews from multiple sources before making a purchase to determine if the product is a good fit for your specific needs.
How long do Trico wiper blades last?
The lifespan of Trico wiper blades depends on various factors such as frequency of use, weather conditions, and maintenance. On average, Trico wiper blades can last for up to a year or more under normal usage. However, it is recommended to inspect your wiper blades regularly and replace them if you notice any signs of wear or damage, to ensure optimal visibility and safety while driving.
Final Opinion
Trico wins my Anco vs. Trico wiper blades experiment, but I must say that the Anco 31 was always the underdog going into this battle. It might seem to be an unfair pairing considering the price difference, but I chose Anco 31 because of its rave reviews.
After giving both of these two wipers a shot, I was left impressed by both but felt Trico is the better deal, even if you factor in the price. Anco 31 punches way above its belt, but the technical nuances handed Trico the win here.
