I need wiper blades…

Worthy of a thread? YES
Worthy of a NEW thread? pretty subjective

Yet here we all are. I admittedly searched the forums regarding wiper blades in the last week, so I would've found value here. Exactly why I shared my experience with the OE refills.

 

I work in Toyota parts. We don't carry many wiper inserts anymore. We stock and sell the Toyota Sightline blades instead. Too many customers wanted us to try to put inserts into frames that were bent up. We just replace the whole things now.

Wiper tip from a 37-year dealership parts man: Most smearing or streaking by your wipers is caused by them being greasy or oily...not from them being worn out. Many people don't know that you can extend the life of your wiper blades by simply cleaning them with an alcohol wipe once in a while. You might be amazed at how much grime comes off of them. This can often extend the life of your blades by more than double. The only time I replace my blades or inserts is when they have nicks or tears that create streaks or if they simply dry-rot from age. For any squeegee to work well on glass it needs to be clean of all oil and road dirt. I often get up to 4-5 years out of a set of good blades when properly maintained.

 

Good tip although there are better options for cleaning that won't dry out rubber.

 

I've always bought the Bosch Icons for my cars, from way back when they came out. The last 5 years though, they have sucked. They are not made as well!

I tried the Trico Ice blades because they were on sale at Wally World one day, and have never looked back. You get 2 for the price of 1 Bosch.

They last through snow and ice just fine, I'm on my second set since I had the truck.

 

I like to save the handwashing wipes you get from a restaurant and use them too when I can. The soapy water works well but sometimes you need the alcohol to get the crud off of the rubber.

 

Suggest not to buy too many as spares. Rubber deteriorates.

 

I went to Napa and got a set for $30 of their brand. The stock ones sucked. They left streaks on the outsides and the passenger one would miss a whole section of the middle during colder days. I used a clay bar, and cleaned the window real good, still did it. No issues with the "cheaper" blades. Imo, the ones with the metal housing have always worked better for me. Every time. It's crazy. Previous vehicle the OEM ones worked fine, but on this truck, they suck. I was looking for Bosch icons but nowhere had ANY in stock where I live. I went to 3 spots. So I settled for the nappa ones and kinda surprised/glad I did. They will do just fine.

 

Literally one of the worst things you can put on rubber, lol. Just run it through the car wash and use a microfiber towel on them after. You are killing your blades with the alcohol.

 

NWB

 

I haven't killed them much since I'm still on my original blades on my 2017. My wife's 2012 Venza just got new ones for the second time (three sets total in 10 years).

 

I change blades yearly. You must be in a really clean state. For the price, I'm not looking to push blades until I can't see out the windows anymore. But still, alcohol literally deteriorates rubber. I'm not gonna debate it or looking for an argument, because everyone's idea of good and serviceable is not the same. I was just pointing out that alcohol isn't helping.

 

What's one you prefer for a brand of the "snow" ones?

I just change mine yearly being in a cold weather state..when they start looking like crap which is about a year. Usually just buy them at Job Lot cheap and hang on the pegboard till I need.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3S8udUSKtY&t=4s

 

I think they're Anco. I get the ones with the sealed rubber boot over the arm down to the blade. In windy conditions they will chatter a bit, but overall there is never any streaking or smearing for a very long time. Not sure if it is due to the fact they are heavier or what, I just never bother to buy any other kind for decades now.

 

I installed these because I was in a pinch and dealer did not have oem refills in stock. They work but are no where near as good as oem. The driver side blade stutters across the windshield near the bottom and causes a squeak every so often. The only good thing about getting them at Costco is that I can return them as soon as I get the oem refills delivered.

 

Apparently you are trying to debate or you wouldn't keep quoting and contradicting me. I really don't care if you choose to use an alcohol wipe or not. In my personal experience it absolutely helps whether you believe it or not. I've been doing it this way for well over 30 years with zero issues. I used to use glass cleaner on a rag but discovered that an alcohol wipe works just as well and is very convenient. My main point was that most blades get replaced long before they need to be because people don't clean them. A car wash will not clean the rubber on your wipers. They actually need to be wiped off from time to time with a solvent of some type to get the oil-based film off of them. This does apply to city drivers more than not.

 

I'll have to consider the alcohol thing...on rubber blades...cause, you know...they dry them out...LOL!

It is not even worth it having to defend your experience on here...people will fight you tooth and nail because (generalized statement) no one //likes// to be wrong...and I use that term lightly...but it's only an expression.

Like some have said, it was interesting to see this topic on here for good discussion to see what everyone's experiences are...thanks to those who help in that endeavor.

Ed

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I can’t believe there’s this many responses to what wiper blades should I run

 

^^

Believe it!

That's why, "you never know what's gonna take off" as far as topics go.

E

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I had this same question recently and after a little bit of research, Bosch Icon blades were the best I found, here is a pretty detailed youtube video a guy put together comparing different blades, They are about $53 a pair on Amazon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3S8udUSKtY