[Resolved] Replacement Wiper Blades

Agree, but OP main topic is this: (I've been using Genuine Toyota Parts for the last 26 years but Toyota no longer sells the inserts, and their blades cost $25 each.)

 

Freakin Sign of the Times man^^^^
Sucks sucks sucks

 

Do-oh! Didn't know about these.
1998-2014 Toyota Wiper Blade Refill - Toyota (85214-04012) $8.65 /ea.
So they won't fit the aftermarket arms?

 

I also liked the Bosch. Ran the OEM for a few years when new in 2013, then a couple junkers that wore out every year, then only one set of the Bosch for the full last four years I had it until this past fall. Were still like new when it went bye-bye. Was impressed given upstate Vermont winters / ice / sun sitting outside the entire time.

 

@ControlCar

I just checked kimblade out too. The link leads to a "beam" type blade. And the prices are totally obscene!


So I put the previously linked Michelins and the Newparts into their respective carts for future reference. Prolly go for the Michelins. Then I removed the rubber blades that are on the truck, gave them a thorough cleaning with soap and water, removed all the oxidized black stuff, put them back on the truck, and voila! No more streaks!

 

Just replaced mine. I have long been a fan of silicone blades. But you have to be careful because some manufacturers sell them as "Silicon Windshield Wiper blades" and they are just coated or impregnated with silicone. You want the ones made from silicone rubber. They are a little softer (available in colors if that's your thing), don't stick to the windshield, and last much longer. I can't figure out why they aren't the industry norm. They do cost a little more but I'm getting 3x the lifespan (roughly give or take) so it works out cheaper in the end.

Arizona eats up windshield wiper blades, especially if you park outside:
Temps in the shade are 120. In the sun in the middle of an asphalt parking lot - MUCH higher!
Much of the state is above 2000' above sea level. Enough altitude to get an increase in UV Rays.
We get 296 days a year of sun.
Many of us routinely venture up into Northern AZ above 5,000' ASL where there is more UV exposure and temps get down to 10 degrees and it freezes and snows.

If you figure that under optimal conditions a rubber blade is advertised o last about 6 months and most people only change them annually, Arizona can destroy blades in a few months up here. Especially if you get cheapo's.
Mine usually last about 2 years. Here's some info.

https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/28214/best-silicone-wiper-blades
https://www.motor1.com/products-services/auto-products/best-silicone-wiper-blades/

PIAA is my favorite that I would use exclusively if I could find it.
https://www.piaa.com/sitech

 

good job cleaning
I should’ve mentioned
I cleaned mine after I found out OE replacements NLA…..mainly for the Principle of the matter.

I got few months more, then had to break down and buy AM ones

 

I bought some less than six months ago. When did Toyota stop selling inserts?

 

They might not get an A in spelling, but my local dealer on Toyota.com parts seems to have Gen 2 wiper inserts available and discounted this evening.

 

They still sell inserts, the issue is finding beams that support them. They come factory, but hard to find after that.

 

I got new frames for my Gen 1 truck last summer [correcction: a year ago] to return it to stock wipers. Piece of cake from the dealer.

 

Maybe my dealer just doesnt want to stock them haha.

Were they expensive?

 

Not sure though!

 

For my Gen 1 truck, the replacement frames complete with inserts were $23.99/ea in February 2023. P/Ns 85212-04012 (right) and 85222-04012 (left). And now that truck's returned to the original configuration with replaceable inserts.

 

FYI on 1st gens you can get a 19" driver's side and 18" passenger side for a bigger/better sweep.

 

2017 Toyota Camry have a passenger wiper blade that is 18". You should be able to order the frames for that and you'll get a slightly larger wiper. PN 85212-06130.

 

I think they actually do still sell the inserts under part number 85214-04012 for $9 each.

 

The Arizona sun and cheap wiper blades has been the death of me...
I always end up getting stuck in rain with horrible streaking wipers, I'll pick up new wipers the next day, and then it won't rain for 3 months and when it finally does the wipers are already toast again from the sun.

 

Exactly why I went Silicon.