Windshield Wiper Blades

All right, so I picked up my Prius yesterday, and sure enough, we have a huge snowstorm that dumps 30cms of snow in the space of a day. Aside from all season tires simply not being up to the task, I had a number of issues with the windshield wiper blades, as they kept streaking, and generally made a mess of the snow on the windshield.

Luckily, when the car is driving faster than 20 km/h, it's not an issue since the car is so aerodynamic, but for those of you in colder climes, do you have any suggestions for good winter wiper blades?

I'd appreciate any info you could provide.

Thanks,

MAB

I'd recommend the new constant pressure blades. I think Michellin and Bosch both have blades. The use spring metal to keep constant pressure over the whole blade instead of the spring and bridge design. Plus no gaps for snow to collect. I believe the Bosch version go under the name Icon.

Bosch Ikon

The Bosch Ikons/Icons are great - I've got a set on my 2006 - you can slightly upsize the driver's side blade too, if you like, to 28" from the stock 26". The provide a very clean sweep and minimal noise, and they give the car a cleaner look to boot. There are two fitments - the Prius (I think, you should confirm) takes type 'A'.

Also, If you want to replace the rear wiper with anything than something from Toyota, you have to replace the entire arm. There are thereads in PC that tell you where to get a new arm. It's not cheap, but you can then put any standard blade on the arm, and a larger sized blade too!

That's good to know re the driver's side. Is there enough room to increase the passenger's side too from the stock size?

What's "Snow?"

I just installed Bosch Icon's about a week ago... Its always raining here in PR! ... They work great. Icons are also stock blades for Civics Si and some BMWs from what I've seen so far... So they must be good. My 2 cents

From previous posts, "winter blades" from Trico are:
26" -P/N 37-260 (drivers side)
18" -P/N 37-180 (passenger side)
These are the metal framed rubber covered types.

The dealer only had 24" and 18" in the "Toyota" part. In fact, he couldn't even find a listing for the Prius, and those he found were "substitutes". Not very impressive!
Canadian Tire didn't have 26" (though they did have 28"), so I walked away. OK, I ran away screaming, but that's just me and Canadian Tire!


So I haven't purchased any yet. I also haven't needed any yet as we don't usually get heavy snowfalls here. We just get a few cms. at a time, it just doesn't melt until April!

what's the inch size for the passenger side? I know the driver requires 26 inches

Have you tried Rain X or Aquapel? Aquapel IMO is much better than Rain X and lasts much longer and is easier to buff off. I get it from the following link.
http://www.tcpglobal.com/autobodydepot/aquapel.aspx?gclid=CPi88teetosCFQ-WbgodSGbK2g

What's 43 degrees?
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Hayward.html

18" Bosch Icon replacement is 418A. For driver side it's 426A although 428A will work as well.

Its a fluffy frozen form of water. Rarely if ever seen in Hayward. If you want to experience it first hand, I recommend you go to Tahoe this weekend.

lol you've read my mind

wow shipping and handling came to 60 bucks! but its the fastest express USPS shipping, totalling 100 bucks, oh man i hope these blades are worth it, since mine right now are leaving mad streaks and are making that creak noise


everything on top came to 70 bucks , werid

What is an inch?

That is a little pricey, but I do not think they will dissapoint and you should get what you want! AutoZone (well it's in the Southeast) has a sale on icons $18.99 a pop all sizes. Not bad. Any of the new fangled blades (rain-x latitude/bosch icons/some other brand I forget) are a great improvement over standard metal blades. They are all super quiet. Let us know how they work for ya!

It's the length of yer . . . never mind.

little toe?