Wiper Blades?

JShorr · 04-17-2005, 05:55 PM

My "change your wiper blades" status message is popping up.

I've always assumed that, barring total junk, all wiper blades are essentially the same. Is this assumption correct, or has anyone found a blade (like the Rain-X blades for example) that really are *that much better*?

Jeremy

TucsonPrius · 04-17-2005, 06:42 PM

I have always found the manufacturer's inserts to be the best choice. Always fits. No chatter. Long lasting.

For my 2004 Prius, the total for all three inserts were under $20 at the dealer.

Thanks,
Shawn

Areometer · 04-17-2005, 07:13 PM

Quote:

My "change your wiper blades" status message is popping up. I've always assumed that, barring total junk, all wiper blades are essentially the same. Is this assumption correct, or has anyone found a blade (like the Rain-X blades for example) that really are *that much better*?

In terms of lifespan, I rate the 3 types of wipers that I have used from shortest to longest: Bosch Microedge, Toyota OEM, PIAA Silicone.

Bosch Microedge is absolute junk, avoid at all cost. Toyota OEM is the most cost effective. PIAA Silicone lasts the ultimate longest, the pair on my SUV lasted like 2 years before they start to streak (but are still acceptable). And I reside in the northeast with lots of rain, snow, intense temperature fluctuation, etc.

Frank Hudon · 04-17-2005, 07:14 PM

I'm currently using Bosch wiper blades on my Classic as they have proven to be cost effective and they work. It drizzle's here a bit and you need good wiper blades, average annual rain fall is about 6' and with out good blades your toast.

jayman · 04-17-2005, 07:39 PM

I never try to get more than 2 years out of wiper blades, I usually change the inserts every fall. I refuse to put of with poor wiper performance especially streaks/smears.

I've followed cars in rain and their windshields looked opaque. I really don't understand how somebody can "afford" to put on expensive rims or a stereo system that can be used to bust up concrete, but can't afford new wiper inserts.

rookie · 04-17-2005, 10:08 PM

Here in TX, the sun will kill your wiper blades prematurely.

I ran 2 years though with PIAA silicones. Was very happy with them. At close to $50 a par though...

I recently got Silblades - just wanted to see if they will live up to my expectations. I can get those for about $15 a pop.

This is all on my current vehicle, 02 Altima (ordering a Prius tomorrow for my wife)

To me - silicone blades are a must. I am a bit anal about my windshield being clean though.

JShorr · 04-17-2005, 10:45 PM

Two years, huh? The manual says to replace every 6 months (and this is what the dealer had programmed into the service reminder screen of the MFD).

Blades seem to be perfectly fine, so I think I can at least go until winter.

What is the benefit of silicone blades over the rest?

JShorr · 04-17-2005, 10:51 PM

Also -- if I do decide to purchase, what three sizes do I need to order for an 05? The wife took the car out of town, so I don't have the existing blades or the manuals handy for the order.

Thanks!

Areometer · 04-18-2005, 03:32 PM

About why PIAA Silicone blades last so darn long:

Blades last this long are undoubtedly good for the environment.

mikepaul · 04-18-2005, 04:01 PM

I like the RainX windshield fluid from Wal-Mart. Just enough rain repellant to lessen the need for the wipers in the first place, so my lowly Anco wipers are just fine for the job. OK, I did just replace the OEM ones a few weeks ago when there was a rebate available, but the new ones clean nicely...

04-17-2005, 05:55 PM	#1
JShorr Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 45 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Wiper Blades? My "change your wiper blades" status message is popping up. I've always assumed that, barring total junk, all wiper blades are essentially the same. Is this assumption correct, or has anyone found a blade (like the Rain-X blades for example) that really are that much better? Jeremy

04-17-2005, 07:39 PM	#5
jayman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Posts: 6,437 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	Re: Wiper Blades? I never try to get more than 2 years out of wiper blades, I usually change the inserts every fall. I refuse to put of with poor wiper performance especially streaks/smears. I've followed cars in rain and their windshields looked opaque. I really don't understand how somebody can "afford" to put on expensive rims or a stereo system that can be used to bust up concrete, but can't afford new wiper inserts.

04-17-2005, 10:08 PM	#6
rookie Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 61 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Wiper Blades? Here in TX, the sun will kill your wiper blades prematurely. I ran 2 years though with PIAA silicones. Was very happy with them. At close to $50 a par though... I recently got Silblades - just wanted to see if they will live up to my expectations. I can get those for about $15 a pop. This is all on my current vehicle, 02 Altima (ordering a Prius tomorrow for my wife) To me - silicone blades are a must. I am a bit anal about my windshield being clean though.

04-18-2005, 03:32 PM	#9
Areometer Silver Business Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tyngsboro, MA Posts: 562 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Wiper Blades? About why PIAA Silicone blades last so darn long: Blades last this long are undoubtedly good for the environment.

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04-17-2005, 06:42 PM	#2
TucsonPrius Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 157 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I have always found the manufacturer's inserts to be the best choice. Always fits. No chatter. Long lasting. For my 2004 Prius, the total for all three inserts were under $20 at the dealer. Thanks, Shawn

04-17-2005, 07:14 PM	#4
Frank Hudon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,144 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I'm currently using Bosch wiper blades on my Classic as they have proven to be cost effective and they work. It drizzle's here a bit and you need good wiper blades, average annual rain fall is about 6' and with out good blades your toast.

04-17-2005, 10:45 PM	#7
JShorr Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 45 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Two years, huh? The manual says to replace every 6 months (and this is what the dealer had programmed into the service reminder screen of the MFD). Blades seem to be perfectly fine, so I think I can at least go until winter. What is the benefit of silicone blades over the rest?

04-17-2005, 10:51 PM	#8
JShorr Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 45 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Also -- if I do decide to purchase, what three sizes do I need to order for an 05? The wife took the car out of town, so I don't have the existing blades or the manuals handy for the order. Thanks!

04-18-2005, 04:01 PM	#10
mikepaul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,676 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I like the RainX windshield fluid from Wal-Mart. Just enough rain repellant to lessen the need for the wipers in the first place, so my lowly Anco wipers are just fine for the job. OK, I did just replace the OEM ones a few weeks ago when there was a rebate available, but the new ones clean nicely...