Question Regarding Wiper?

Not trying to "diss" your topic or anything. Wipers are an important safety feature, but having said that, even the worst wipers I have bought in the past 40 years of driving have been good enough. Not going to find any real MPG diff. I would guess....

So, the past couple of times I have replaced, I have went with the NAPA ACCUFIT. Work well and price is right. I have also tried a variety of Bosch wipers, all have worked fine, some have been pretty pricey, but have not seen enough performance difference to justify the added expense.

But, if you want to continue on this quest, my latest issue of a noted consumer publication rates the Valeo 600, RainX-Latitude, Anco 31 and Michelin RainForce, in that order as the best.

You can replace the rear wiper as an entire unit. Easier if you pull off the black cap at the base of the unit that covers the "workings" as that will allow the blade to pull further away from the glass.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Wiper-Blade-AccuFit-Rear-OE-Style/_/R-ACO60016A_0356238432

BTW, I live in Seattle also. WE KNOW RAIN. If you are talking about snow, well there are folks from Canada on here who post.

Also, many parts stores, including NAPA, will swap them out for you for free if you buy them there.

Oh, I may be wrong, but seems like the last time I bought wipers from NAPA (entire units, not just the rubber), they had the wrong lengths in their catalog....important to have the car with you at the time of purchase (at least at NAPA?) to assure proper fitment.

BTW, this is just a BIG WAG, but the Trico Exact Fit comes in at number 10 in a noted consumer review. For some reason, I suspect this may be a cousin to the NAPA?

The only Bosch on the list is the Icon at #8.

Again, I don't think there is that much difference, other than possibly blade life. That noted review place basically said a lot of blades needed very frequent replacement...and some of the less expensive were better than the much more pricey.

You can probably still glance at said publication on a local newsstand, or check your local library. I am happy with my $10 NAPAs.

 

The rear wiper is a Trico wiper, most shops have them for about $10.

All national brand wipers will work fairly well, just depends how much money you want to put into them. The silicone blades last much longer.

 

I buy only Toyota wipers. Just my preference. Last time I had all of them replaced on the Prius the service department told me to go to the parts department and buy them. They then replaced them for nothing. They put refills on the front and rear. I think I just lucked out on that trip. Next time they may charge me an installation fee.

 

The inserts for the front 2 wipers and the rear wiper was about $23.00 about 1 1/2 years ago. Just buy the inserts. That was at a Toyota parts department.

 

You waxed the windshield?

 

I would buy Toyota brand inserts from a Toyota dealer.

 

I heard Tom and Ray, Click & Clack -- CarTalk --, one day, several years ago, comment on something along this line about using various "coatings" on the windshield.

I don't remember their exact comments but it was something like, never, ever, never ever, dangerous, stupid, etc.

They even spoke against using the RainX type chemicals.

Not saying anyone is "right," just parroting....

 

Personally, I don't see how it would really be a problem....but then, I don't remember what Tom and Ray were whining about when they talked about it.

As I said, just sort of repeating what I heard, not what I necessarily agree with or not.

 

What leads you to believe that is a good thing to do ?
In general, it isn't because the wax wears off in a non-uniform fashion and cause bad streaking at some point.
And once that happens, it is a real (female dog) to get the remaining wax off.

P.S. The glass doesn't need any extra "protection".

 

I go at it with a spray can of automotive glass cleaner and a cloth, but that's it, done. Run the wet cloth along the wiper blades too.

 

Yeah I wax, spring and fall.

 

I might be late to the party, but I get a lot of stuff including rear wipers off Amazon.com

 

I put silicone blades on my car. These are the first squeak free blades I've found for the Prius. They work great in the rain and are no worse than stock in the snow. You get a packet of windshield wax with each blade. There are refills available.

PIAA 95065 Super Silicone Black Wiper Blade, 26" (Pack of 1)
PIAA 95045 Super Silicone Black Wiper Blade, 18" (Pack of 1)

There are few options for the rear blade.
Trico 16-A Exact Fit Rear Wiper Blade, 16" (Pack of 1)

 

I picked up the 26" and 19" refills from the dealer yesterday. They don't carry 16" refills, so I went to Advance Auto and picked up the Trico 16-A. I'll change all of the blades this coming weekend when I change the oil.