Windshield Wipers

Uncle Timbo

Uncle Timbo

Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
5,295
What the heck does everybody use? I usually replace mine about now for bad weather. Snow and ice is just around the corner.
I usually use the Latitudes. But I'm not thrilled with them and they are pricey.
Also, I use Rain on. My windshield, does that stuff affect the blades durability?
Any advice is appreciated.
 
Seems like they wear out a lot quicker these days than they did years ago. I usually buy the middle grade and seldom pay much attention to the brand. They generally last about a year, perhaps a little less. The last pair I purchased were Bosch brand and they seem better. They were also the most expensive. Hopefully they will last longer than the others. Been told by the auto parts store to try to keep the rubber soft with a non-petroleum product.
 
I just replace the drivers side wiper every year and move the old wiper to the passenger side.
Works as long as both wipers are the same length. Pro Tip: RainX on the windshield FTW!
 
I replace mine about every second year. I use Bosch as they are the OEM manufacturer for my cars.
 
I Just use the factory wipers I get at the dealership. The Toyota wiper replacements just slide right in and work very well. And I do use Rain-X in the windshield washer reservoir. Every time I clean the windshield, more rain-x is pout in. Works great in the rain, almost don't need the wipers unless you're close enough that road spray is hitting you.
 
Yea, I agree, they just don't last as long as they used to - but what does? You'd think at around $15 per, you're getting the ultimate. Of course I wait for a sale.
I don't think buzzing frost off with them helps?
I've even tried cleaning them with isopropyl. Can't say it really helped a whole lot, maybe some.
And to those who talked about Rain X, I've used that for years! Love it.
 
I hate windsheild wipers! Not only do they not last like they used to but they don't work as well either! Up here in North Dakota I'm lucky to get one year out of a set... usually much less. The winters are brutal on wipers. One trick is to keep them lifted off the windsheild if snow is predicted... then they don't freeze to the glass. I've found good prices on the river site... it nice for us because we have prime shipping. I've buy whatever is a good buy these days... the expensive wipers don't work or last any longer in my experience.
 
I'm surprised that you don't like the Latitudes. I bought a pair for my car and my wife's car about 3 1/2 years ago. It was the first time we tried Latitudes and we both really like them. They could stand to be replaced but they are still performing pretty good so I'll wait until spring to replace them.

I live in Central Illinois. Both of our cars are garage kept so our vehicles aren't affected by overnight snow and ice. Maybe that's why they've held up for so long.
 
You can just use whatever wax you use on your car and will get as good of results as rain-x ...as far as wiper blades I use Bosch winter blades and have had good luck in the upper midwest winters.
 
I buy bosch from a big name auto parts store because they give a one year warranty and they’re nice blades. I go in after about ten months because they start streaking a little and they give me a new pair. The extra price to me is worth it because I am basically getting two sets for the price of one.
 
I used to drive a lot at night and in rainy and snowy conditions. I hate even a hint of smudge when I turn my windshield wipers on. I also park outside all year round.

In my experience, I notice better results from replacing my windshield wipers every year than from any particular brand or model ($5-$30 each). Over the years I've settled on the mid grade wipers at Wall Mart (usually from Bosch or RainX).

I also get slightly more expensive windshield sprayer for my reservoir during the winter. The cheaper stuff tends to freeze on my windshield when I use it to wipe off the sludgy road salt kicked onto my windshield while driving in traffic, unless my windshield is fully warmed up... More of an issue for me, since the car is parked outside, so it takes forever for the defroster to affect the outside temperature of the glass
 
I believe that your windshield wiper blades have a much shorter life if you park outside all the time. Frankly the cost kind of shocks me.
 
22-rimfire said:
I believe that your windshield wiper blades have a much shorter life if you park outside all the time. Frankly the cost kind of shocks me.
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I don't know if this was in response to my post or not. The costs I quoted were from when I tried different wipers. I think I usually buy the $10 blades from WalMart now, although my last pair was $27 because they had a cleaner look (just bought a newer, used car and I liked the look of the stock wipers). Plus, different sizes blades have a slightly different cost.
 
Scott321 said:
In my experience, I notice better results from replacing my windshield wipers every year than from any particular brand or model ($5-$30 each). Over the years I've settled on the mid grade wipers at Wall Mart (usually from Bosch or RainX).

This brings us another question that's sorta been answered in a round-a-bout way. Buy the flat Latitude type or the cheaper old style?
Are those Bosch winter blades the old style with rubber jackets over them?
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Because I'm thinking about going old school and trying the older, cheaper ones like someone said.

Plus, if you get them over the Interweb, do you run the risk of getting knockoffs?
 
My friend who is a mechanic told me that I should get whatever ones were on sale and replace them every 6 months of so. He said nothing really lasts in the bad winter weather and I park outside.
 
A major problem with rubber is the effect of UV. Without a good UV protection wipers will have short life. I don't know how to find if a wiper has UV protection that will last.
Another is wear . Clean off the bugs as they are abrasive as is of course dust and dirt.
 
S
mete said:
A major problem with rubber is the effect of UV. Without a good UV protection wipers will have short life. I don't know how to find if a wiper has UV protection that will last.
Another is wear . Clean off the bugs as they are abrasive as is of course dust and dirt.
Click to expand...
So the guys who say they keep their vehicles in the garage, get more life out of a set.

If I get the cheaper, old style, they have a higher profile and they'd mess with the air flow, reducing the effectiveness of the Rain X. I Can't win.
 
I live in Arizona and have to replace mine twice a year on average. The sun wears them out and will cause a tear. That rain x spray works wonders. I have been able to use that in a storm with the wipers on low. The wipers would have to be on high without it.
 
dsalazar said:
I live in Arizona and have to replace mine twice a year on average. The sun wears them out and will cause a tear. That rain x spray works wonders. I have been able to use that in a storm with the wipers on low. The wipers would have to be on high without it.
Click to expand...


How often do you have to put on Rain X?

I've used it before but always seem to forget to use it regularly.
 
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