Windshield Wiper Woes

I've been having difficulty with my windshield wipers on my '06 Tacoma. The wipers don't squeegie off the water well, and leave behind a lot of water that makes it difficult to see during heavy rains. I've tried replacing them with 21" Valeo 600-21 Series wiper blades. Still the same problem. Took it to my mechanic to see if he could adjust the arms or something. Instead, he said to clean the windshield really well. Went to an auto parts place and the clerk said the same thing, recommending Glass Science products (which they didn't even sell there). So I spent another $25 on glass cleaning products. Still, the blades are doing a lame job. Not sure where to turn at this point. Any suggestions?

 

i usually keep my windshield coated with RainX window treatment. you can get it at Walmart, etc. clean the window, make sure it's dry, rub in the rainx, let it dry, buff and repeat. lasts 2-3 months.

i use winter blades on my truck year round so they're an inch shorter than the standards, with no problems.

 

I use nothing but rainex wiper blades and they have been awesome. We get a lot of rain here in WA so it's a yearly event for me to replace wiper blades.

 

Thanks much for the responses.

Gelo760, is the dealer the only place to get stock Tacoma wipers?

nobescare, I initially did try RainX, but still had this problem. My mechanic specifically advised not to use the RainX as that could create the issues I'm experiencing. Very confusing. :{

leg killa, thanks for the RainX wiper recommendation. Again, my mechanic seems to have opposite opinions on everything, as he recommended skipping expensive name-brand wipers and get the cheapest ones I could fine, as they all work the same, according to him. But I might have to try the RainX blades anyway, as Amazon has a great return policy.

So nobody has ever had to try adjusting the wiper arms to make better contact? Not sure if that's even possible, but it seems I've tried everything else. But maybe it's just a question of finding the right blades.

Thanks for the input!

-Ray

 

I've had both rain x latitudes and Bosch icon wipers...both perform about the same. I like the icons attachment system better.

 

I don't know what kind of adjustment you're looking for as the wiper arms are spring loaded. Maybe you need new springs to push them up against the windshield better?

 

I use Rain-X windshield washer fluid and hardly ever need to turn my wipers on. I don't know what your mechanic is talking about, it's a good product.

As far as wipers, I've had the Bosch Icons and they worked well but only lasted about 9 months. I switched to the Rain-X blades (the cheap ones) and they seem to be doing great!

 

Ok, looks like it's time to try out the RainX blades. Thanks for the advice, folks. I'll report back after I try 'em out.

-Ray

 

Don't buy expensive window cleaners guys. Best way to deep clean your glass is with equal parts of water/vinegar/rubbing alcohol and a razor scraper. Then clean with windex after that and apply Rainex if desired.

TC

 

I bought a pair of Goodyear baldes at Costco, and they've been great for over a year now. OP, it does sound like your wiper springs may be weak.

 

buy new wiper arms your springs are pooched

 

I like my Siliblades, and read good reviews on them, for future reference if you want to try something other than what you have chosen currently.

 

I have found that RainX works great IF you use it. But I have also found that if you apply RainX once then don't keep up with it or ever re-apply it, it does actually tend to make your windshield visibility worse in the rain as it starts to wear off. Perhaps this is what your mechanic was referring to?

To answer your question, no, I've never tried. The wipers are spring loaded to sit tight against the windshield. Do you find that yours do not? I'm not even sure what you would adjust to make them sit better since it's the spring that holds them flush. Assuming the wipers are making decent contact with the windshield, if you're getting bad wipe performance (is that a thing?), my first thoughts would also lean towards dirty windshield or bad wiper blades.

It is possible to tighten them down if, for example, they're not moving back and forth with the motor turned on -- but I'm also assuming that that's not your problem.

 

I would try rain x blades or the Michelin stealth blades..sometimes u can rub the blade with some rubbing alcohol and it will renew the old blades..

 

just make sure you get chrome ones next...

 

put a little shot of wd40 on the hinge of the wiper armwhere the spring is at .some time it gets rusty or gumed up with wax and dirt and wont let the spring pull it tight enough to windshield.

 

Rain-X solved my problems, great product.

 

Man, I'm grateful for all the input I've received here. Many thanks!

A pair of RainX wiper blades arrived today. Popped them on in no time and gave 'em a spin. The first one was decent, better than any of the others I've tried so far. Left a little bit of streaking, but certainly an improvement. The other one gave the cleanest, most streak-free wipe I've ever seen. Not a trace of water remained on the windshield! At last!

I tried flip-flopping the blades. The excellent blade remained excellent in its new position, the pretty good one remained pretty good in its new position. So it comes down to the blade itself. Hard to believe the quality can vary so much from blade to blade.

I stuck the decent one on the passenger side, the great one on the driver's side, and will put a stake through this long odyssey. Finally!

Thanks for all the suggestions here. The silver lining is I've found a great resource for takin' care of my Tacoma.

-Ray

 

Glad to hear it worked for ya! I love this place for questions like this.

 

The RainX blades are performing well. Try using RainX extreme clean.