Best wiper blades?

Plus you can take the OEM metal inserts and bend them into lockpicking tension wrenches

 

called a dealer
OEM arms + blades like $40-50
gonna search online to see if there's a cheaper source
because those appear to be the best choice from what everyone's said
the top results on eBay search all just show inserts, but not the whole arms. Haven't figured out part numbers yet.

or buy a cheap lockpicking set online instead of wasting your time

 

The tension tools included in cheap lockpicking sets online are poorly designed - I tried a few and they are either difficult to hold or too flexible and don't transmit enough tactile feedback. The good ones aren't cheap and are in stock less often than Meso or SCS parts. Hence a solution...

 

Took apart a used Bosch Icon 22A beam wiper to see how it's made and if any parts are useful:

 

I bought my truck used in May 2017 and have never had a need to change my wiper blades. Mine have the Toyota symbol on them and that is what I will buy again if and when I need to.

 

I use my 90 degree snapring pliers and a cotter pin.

 

One item that has been glazed (no pun intended) over is windshield cleaning. Weather permitting, I periodically clean, clay, clean and then wax the windshield. Claying the windshield removes embedded particles that if left will act like sandpaper and reduce the service life of any blade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJkfrY2owb0

 

I would suggest using RainX washer fluid. I’ve been using it for years, I use my wipers half as much as others. I started using the original RainX in the early 90s and loved it but since the RainX washer fluid was introduced, that’s all I use. My wipers last twice as long.

 

For the silicone fans, rainx ruins them.

 

Bosch Icon on all my vehicles. Love them and they haven't given me a reason to change. Also use Rainx fluid.

 

Never thought I'd see people over-analyzing something as much as wiper blades. These spearheads are like half the price of Bosch Icons and the rubber is reportedly made in the same factory as Bosch:

$25 Spearhead Beam Force XTREME 22”+21” Wiper Blades w/Japanese Fukoku Rubber for Longest Life (Pair)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MJY7CPL?ie=UTF8

Got a year out of my last pair until they started streaking.

 

I know, it seems like overthinking, but wipers are a PITA. They seem to vary a lot, even the same brand and model. My current 6 month old RainX wipers still wipe clean but they grab and stutter like the rubber is even too sticky, not old and hard, even when the windshield is very wet. That is my main pet peeve with wipers. The last pair of the same wipers didn't do that for well over a year. I'd love to find some that perform consistently. And wipe smoothly at all times.

 

I have to revise this post. The silicone blades really started grabbing and were working a little too well. If the windshield was just misty, they would jump and hop like crazy. I just bought the Bosch single beam units last week to replace the silicone ones.

 

This is exactly the problem I have with my current blades. Can't remember if they are silicone or not. They wipe fine, no streaks or anything, but that grabbing drives me nuts. I am going to change them again. Probably should just get OEMs.

 

2 years 5 months piia silicone, still working good.

 

I used to spend the big bucks on Bosch and Rainx, and they work well. But I switch over to Michelin that is sold at Walmart for like $8 and they work just as good, if not better. I think they last a lot longer and I live in Texas and have to park outside during the day. We dont deal with snow, but everything rubber drys out quicker down here.
I know Michelin isn't a popular name brand with the Tacoma crew since they make crap truck tires, but they make great racing tires & good wipers

 

Don't forget to check the alignment of the metal arm from time to time, The J-hook needs to be perpendicular to the windshield. When they get twisted to the side I'll take a Crescent wrench and bend the arm back so It's parallel to the windshield again.

And I avoid Rain-x coatings, that stuff dries out the rubber. Keep the windshield clean and avoid parking under trees

 

What he said.

 

Are you kidding? I love the Michelin LTX M&S tires i get for my Tacoma. Best tires I have ever owned. By far. But I guess these aren't "truck" tires.

 

Unfortunately, I can't. Big tree right next to my driveway. Trying to get rid of it. Look what it does to my cabin air filter. :-( I haven't gotten around to doing the cowl mods yet.