Windshield Wiper Blades

jdjohn

Apologies if this has been discussed before (a search didn't turn-up anything), but does anyone have a good windshield wiper blade recommendation that doesn't turn hard after 90 days? Even buying the most expensive option, wiper blades for me always seem to turn hard, and become noisy and ineffective after 90 days or so.

Again, sorry if I missed a previous discussion...hard to believe this enlightened group hasn't solved the problem yet

Gardenstater

I just bought new ones. I am sure that the fact that my car gets afternoon sun (not garage kept) on it's windshield every sunny day and heats the car's interior up as well, doesn't help my blades to last long. And they don't

I wonder if they would last longer if I flipped them up away from the glass. But who has the discipline to do that?

Would treating them with a rubber protectant like Armor All make them last longer? JAT. Again, it takes discipline and repetitive work.

PS: What a throw away society it is that you can't seem to buy the rubber refills anymore (at least I don't see them in stores) and have to buy the whole darn blade now. More profits, more waste.

pitdogg2

I buy the Michelin silicone 2million wipe beam blades. They last about 6 months or I should say I change them about every 6 mo.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Michelin-Endurance-XT-Advanced-Silicone-Wiper-Blade-17-Last-2X-Longer/193804928?

My buddy swears by the Bosch Icon blades

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-24A-Wiper-Blade-Longer/dp/B005JU5VUK?tag=cnet-buy-button-20&ascsubtag=e1ce5159adc14e1598e744fba7a5cf85|ec4b83ff-1405-447f-ad38-12b1ca0b771e|mwb

Emlyn

I use Bosch Aerotwin. They can last a couple years for me even parked outdoors in the weather 24/7. All I do is wipe the rubber blades with residual washer fluid and a paper towel once in a while to keep them relatively clean and don't stress them by avoiding running them across a dry or icy windshield.

I usually keep a couple extra sets on hand because I sometimes forget when I last replaced mine and they can be out of stock for weeks.

treitz3

My preferred wiper is the Rain-Ex Latitude series. Both the wife and I have had them on for about a year. I have already replaced my driver's side wiper due to streaking (caused by running them over an iced up windshield once or twice) but I also drive about 10 times as much as my wife does.

If I do a Rain-Ex treatment on the windshield? They respond as if I had just bought a new set of wipers. No streaking whatsoever and they have never "made a noise" or did that annoying skipping thing across the windshield.

They may not be "the best" out there but I sure do like them. They are a good value and last much longer than the El Cheapo's.

Tom

pitdogg2

I'm a real believer in the rainX windshield treatment. Nothing like going down the highway in a rainstorm and not needing your wipers unless it becomes a heavy downpour.

jdjohn

Wow, that was quick! I've always wanted to think of wiper blades as lasting longer than 6 months, but maybe that's not realistic. Sounds like they are more of a commodity, with a shorter usable life.

Tom, I wondered how long it would take for someone to mention windshield treatments, like Rain-Ex, but it makes sense.

txcoastal1

Trico is my favorite...I drive in fog and salty air off the gulf, then blazing summer heat
Wipers are very important so I don't run into deer in west Texas

Company is now owned by Discount Tire

pitdogg2

Jody I could get more out of them I'm sure, Wally world will put them on sale from time to time and I just buy a set. I'll freely admit I've also used the set Tom does. Both are good. I also clean them like @Emlyn does. I like a clean windshield so my wear from using them to clean the grit and grime with the windshield washer fluid I'm sure takes a toll. They're cheap enough I do not run them down to the plastic like a few friends do. They seem to not be able to figure out why every vehicle they've ever owned has scratched windshields right where the wipers are 😉😉

jdjohn

I wonder if there is a low temperature threshold where, if the temp goes too low, the blades become hard to the point of no return.

Definitely thinking that some type of wax windshield treatment is beneficial, but again, if the rubber becomes hard, there is no fix for that.

OleBoot

+1 for Rain-Ex.

treitz3

jdjohn wrote: »

Tom, I wondered how long it would take for someone to mention windshield treatments, like Rain-Ex, but it makes sense.

To me, I think it should be mandatory for folks to do this.

It drives me Utt Buckin' Fonker's when people camp out in the fast lane, doing 20MPH less than the rated speed limit, blinkers on, windshield wipers going full blast, yet they can't see a damned thing. I can pass 2 semi's and see clearly without even using my windshield wipers. I can see perfectly fine!

It does kinda bite though because I go through Sam's Car Wash (about a mile away from the house) often, as both trucks are on the monthly unlimited plan. The chemical they use to clean the vehicle removes the Rain-Ex treatment, then I go through most of the wash and it applies some sort of treatment that does the same thing but it will only last about 4 hours, if it is raining the entire time after leaving the wash.

Rain-Ex treatments, on the other hand, last a very long time (provided I don't go through the wash) and it compliments the wipers greatly when in use. I treat all of the windows and mirrors on the truck whenever I do a treatment and let's say that it's raining but the windshield needs a refresh...I just pull into a covered gas station stall and use the trigger (hand pump) Rain-Ex while the wipers are on slow. I don't even bother to wipe/polish it.

As soon as I get back out on the road? I can see again. One of my pet peeves about driving is always being able to see everything at all times, no matter where anything is around the vehicle I'm driving.

Tom

pitdogg2

That RainX stuff from my understanding was invented for airplane/Jet windows. Good stuff.

Yes Tom it takes some getting used to using that stuff on your windows. I've a few friends that hate it because it make their wipers chatter during rain, I'm like turn you flipping wipers off !!
Jeesh your wipers are chattering because there's no water on the wind screen goofy....

jdjohn

Automated car washes use very strong detergents that absolutely strip protective treatments, including anything that has been applied to the windshield.

msg

pitdogg2 wrote: »

I'm a real believer in the rainX windshield treatment. Nothing like going down the highway in a rainstorm and not needing your wipers unless it becomes a heavy downpour.

Ivan - completely agree, and this should not be understated - I think this is probably the single best thing you can do to help extend your wiper blade life. Pretty simple really - aside from the improvement in visibility, it reduces friction for the wiper blades, and you use them less, too, like you said.

gudnoyez

I've always had luck with Bosch.

daddyjt

treitz3 wrote: »

My preferred wiper is the Rain-Ex Latitude series. Both the wife and I have had them on for about a year. I have already replaced my driver's side wiper due to streaking (caused by running them over an iced up windshield once or twice) but I also drive about 10 times as much as my wife does.

If I do a Rain-Ex treatment on the windshield? They respond as if I had just bought a new set of wipers. No streaking whatsoever and they have never "made a noise" or did that annoying skipping thing across the windshield.

They may not be "the best" out there but I sure do like them. They are a good value and last much longer than the El Cheapo's.

Tom

+1 on rainX - been using them for years with no issues.

Nesmith98

I have been buying the silicone refills from Amazon and they have been working great. They are only 8 bucks for two of them. Just have to dissect your blades to get out the old rubber and slide the new refill in. Some are easier to take apart than others. The Rain-X blades are the easiest to replace, the old rubber slides right out and the new silicone slide right in.


Here's a link to the silicone refills....

https://amazon.com/Windshield-Blades-Refills-Silicone-Frameless/dp/B08B5453Q4?pd_rd_w=2P9wN&content-id=amzn1.sym.deffa092-2e99-4e9f-b814-0d71c40b24af&pf_rd_p=deffa092-2e99-4e9f-b814-0d71c40b24af&pf_rd_r=SCGKBAS0H2VJ1DG114QS&pd_rd_wg=pToGN&pd_rd_r=a0f324be-bae5-41c5-99ae-76dc7397570b&pd_rd_i=B08B5453Q4&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_t

F1nut

I've tried most and found the best to be the Trico Onyx.

audioluvr

Unless your wipers are ripped you can refresh them by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol. You should also do this to your windshield to remove oil based residue. Then fill your washer bottle with the Rain-X washer fluid and apply it before it rains.

VR3

So I'm a Toyota guy and I absolutely love the stock wipers that come on the vehicles. They are life time wipers, you just buy the refill strips. They contour perfectly to the windshield of the vehicle and last a long time. The refill strips are very affordable.

Not sure if the vehicle in question is a Toyota but I would check the manufacture to see what they offer as you may very well be surprised

Just an example for my wife's avalon, https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~rubber~wiper~blade~85214-0t050.html?vin=&make=Toyota&model=Avalon&year=2013&submodel=&extra1=&extra2=&filter=()

The last time I ordered refill strips were 2019 out looks like... Still going strong, no lines or anything when it rains

The wiper blade assembly is from 2016 as I had it installed when we purchased used. The assembly looks brand new and functions perfectly

heiney9

I have always bought OEM replacements and they seem to work better than any other aftermarket brands out there. I've owned the same car for several generations - Volkswagen GTI and the OEM front and rear blades always seem to perform the best.

I get about 2 years in all 4 seasons of weather. They are about 25% more expensive from a dealer, but in my case it's worth it. They fit perfectly every time and I don't have to futz around with universal adapters. And they are made specifically to fit the windshield. My OEM blades have a specific contour that the aftermarket blades can't seem to get 100% correct.

H9

mhardy6647

VR3 wrote: »

So I'm a Toyota guy and I absolutely love the stock wipers that come on the vehicles. They are life time wipers, you just buy the refill strips. They contour perfectly to the windshield of the vehicle and last a long time. The refill strips are very affordable.

Not sure if the vehicle in question is a Toyota but I would check the manufacture to see what they offer as you may very well be surprised

Just an example for my wife's avalon, https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~rubber~wiper~blade~85214-0t050.html?vin=&make=Toyota&model=Avalon&year=2013&submodel=&extra1=&extra2=&filter=()

The last time I ordered refill strips were 2019 out looks like... Still going strong, no lines or anything when it rains

The wiper blade assembly is from 2016 as I had it installed when we purchased used. The assembly looks brand new and functions perfectly

Honda is similar. I was astonished how inexpensive the refills are from Honda. I've changed them myself a couple of times. It is a little tricky but not difficult. That said, when I go to the parts counter and buy them, most times the person working there offers to come outside and put them on for me (gratis). The three refills were less than $30 total last time I bought them. I wouldn't be surprised if the price's increased substantially since the last time I bought them, though.

We seem to get much longer blade life than all y'all. It may be because most of the time, our cars are in a garage, not out in the sun? Ours seem to last a couple of years. I think the Honda's have been changed 3 times since new (2016). They're starting to squeak a little when there is light, mixed precipitation (i.e., this past Tuesday!). Haven't changed the blades on the Soobie (Dec. 2018) yet, but I am planning to do them/get them done this spring.

RainX is fine from my chemistry perspective (FWIW). It's just a quickie siliconizing treatment.

Jstas

I usually get the Motorcraft replacements when I can find them. Rock Auto usually has them in stock so I grab them when I get stuff I need for regular maintenance that I can't get locally, like cabin air filters and stuff.

When I can't get the Motorcraft, I usually go for Trico. Even the cheap Tricos perform well for me. But I have to order them online anymore because none of the parts places near me carry them. Walmart used to have them but I try to avoid Walmarts at all costs anymore. Rock Auto has Trico as well but they also have Motorcraft so I end up buying the Motorcraft if I'm buying from Rock Auto.

BlueBirdMusic

I have found the Michelin blades do the best for me. I buy them at Costco when I need new ones.

I have tried several other brands and never went back to a second set of any of them.

Willow

I buy the Honda refills for both Acuras, Honda is closer to us and less expensive than Acura. Actually I get all our work done at Honda again because it's closer and cheaper ( same parts and oils). Early Jan I bought a refill blade for our RDX rear and it was $9.97. MDX going in Monday and I'll get refills all around for that vehicle. I don't switch over to winter blades OEM works just fine for us.

Dabutcher

I buy Sightline Toyota oem blades. Expensive but last about a year. I am going to try the inserts next time. I love Rain X too.
Bosch is a good brand too. Good luck. D

jdjohn

Thanks for all the comments. I've ordered some OEM blades from a Lexus dealership, and will probably do the Rain-X thing on the glass.

I think running the wipers on an icy windshield is what accelerated their demise. Even though our cars are kept covered under a carport, all it takes is going to a restaurant for a sit-down dinner while a little frozen mix is coming down, and then coming back out to the car after an hour or so. An ice scraper should be a must if there any possibility of frozen precip.

Jstas

If you park under trees (sometimes it's unavoidable) regularly, the funk that rain will wash off the trees, including bird poo, will degrade blades faster too. Especially in the spring when pollen hits. If you don't clean it off, it turns into this goo that will hold moisture and eventually solidify giving mold and mildew a place to grow. That kills wiper blades faster than any amount of ice or snow.

jdjohn

^^^ The acid in bird poo will also eat into the car's paint. The thing about pollen is that you don't even have to park directly under a tree. It blows around and just collects everywhere. Another tree 'product' is sap. It seems that at certain times of year, tiny drops of sap ooze and drip from the leaves or branches.

Windshield maintenance: the struggle is real!

Tony M

The pollen is like smoke here in Southeastern NC for the past week.

It started slow...now it's we rinse the cars off in the morning and they'll be heavily dusted again by the evening. We're definately haveing a early spring. Hundreds of robins were hanging around our yard for a week about 2 weeks ago or less. Robins know!

Benadryl and Flonase are now my close friends again.

I'll be wearing a mask when I go to vacuum the Live Oak tree leaves that are falling like snow too.