Winter Windshield Wiper Preference

When it comes down to it, Toyota OEM seems to be pretty solid......For the most part

 

Try different dealers. Even dealers of other brands of cars sell wiper inserts. Just get the correct length. (measure yours) If you can't find exact length get ones a little longer and just cut to correct length.

 

My original OEM lasted 5 years, replaced them with OEM inserts and they're running strong 1.5 years later. Switched Wife's wipers over the rain-x, Bosch, trico, etc and all last about a year. Stick with OEM

 

And the OEM replacement inserts are more affordable than all the other options. I suspect if you changed them out every 6 months you’d have zero issues. Not bad for less than $30 per year.

 

I believe the oem supplier is NWB

I dabbled in the single beam "fancy" blades for a while and then went back to stock.

I drive in snow storms all winter gointo up to the ski hill

 

I don’t have winter issues like up North but agree the Toyota refills are best.

I usually order a set of 2 or so, plus 3 for wife’s 4 runner, and by time you add a few oil and air filters the shipping costs get watered down.

I bought the replacement wipers from the dealer on the Tacoma at first (they didn’t sell the refills), and although good I went back to stock ones and fresh refills.

I will say Bosch Icons on my other non Toyota vehicles though. They work real well but need new ones each year.

 

What are you paying for wipers from the dealer if you don't mind me asking.

 

oem wiper inserts is all I've ever used.

edit: about 7-8 bucks each

 

Thanks

 

Bosch 100% all day long on ALL of my vehicles. Depending on how harsh winter conditions are, 2-4 years life. Usually around 3 for me. Where I'm at we might get a lot of snow or might get almost none so kinda hard to say but they're the best I've used in a long time. I usually treat them with

$15 at205 ATP automotive AT-205 re-seal stops leaks, 8 ounce bottle

at205 every few months to keep the rubber supple.

 

Do you use the

$15 AT205 ATP Automotive AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks, 8 Ounce Bottle

AT205 for all the rubber in your vehicle? Like door gaskets and trim, or just the wipers?

 

I've rubbed it all the door gaskets and CV axle boots but I've only been using it for a few months so it's gonna take awhile to see if it actually makes a difference. It also does isn't a "stop leak" as more of a preventative things to keep the seals supple. I've added some to all oil changes / transmission flushes for a few months now too so we'll see if it works or not.

It definitely helped the rubber to conform a bit better to the windshield at first, I'll find out next winter if it actually does anything with regards to long term use.

 

Bosch all the way. A few years ago I bought Bosch and Rain-X wipers. I put one of each brand on and when they wore out I put on the remaining two. Bosch lasted longer and did a better job.

 

anyone use any coatings on your windshield before winter ? I know many have mentioned using the Rain-X washer fluid and i usually buy a few cases when it comes on sale in November typically. But i was wondering about treating the windshield with a Rain-X as well . Just dont know how well it stands up with winter salt and stuff.

 

I used to put Rain X on my windshield, but the washer fluid seems to have enough in it to do the job. Just need to use enough to get in the glass. But It is not a bad idea to apply it manually, IMO

 

To clean my glass when it is needed, I use the RainX wiper fluid. Gets a head start on the windshield spray and wipers.

 

The Toyota Sightline assemblies last me 2 yrs here in Maine. I swap out every 2 years, so It's possible they could last longer. I do clean them with alcohol wipes from time to time. Pretty harsh winters here. I've tried others and they don't last nearly as long.