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-   -   Wiper blades (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/do-yourself-210/wiper-blades-360598/)

Topspinmo 08-11-2025 08:05 AM

Wiper blades
 
My wipers were streaking and not touching it spots.

I found these on amazon

Amazon.com

Had to go to Gainesville few day ago, got caught in heavy thunderstorm that was pouring rain coming home. The new 16 dollar wipers worked great better than factory blades.


On way back home I hit big puddle in low spot in road that I couldn’t avoid going 38 MPH. :oops:Heard strange sounds like something rubbing? When I got home lost hubcap (yes some vehicles still have hubcaps) and plastic inner front fender wall was blown loose rubbing tire. The water pull plastic snaps out and fender well plastic piece flopping around. When got home snapped plastic back in place with push nuts and ordered some hubcaps.

But, wipers works great.

GregR 08-11-2025 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2452757)
My wipers were streaking and not touching it spots.

I found these on amazon

Amazon.com

Had to go to Gainesville few day ago, got caught in heavy thunderstorm that was pouring rain coming home. The new 16 dollar wipers worked great better than factory blades.

Just a warning -- I bought this same brand before and while they worked great out of the box, that performance didn't last long before they were streaking badly. I think the Florida sun degrades the rubber quickly. I went back to real Bosch Icons that seem to work best and last the longest for me. I do watch for them to go on sale since they're on the pricy side.

villagetinker 08-11-2025 08:24 AM

I have found RAINX works so well that I can turn off the wipers in heavy rain and see better than with the (new) wipers on.

Michael G. 08-11-2025 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2452768)
I have found RAINX works so well that I can turn off the wipers in heavy rain and see better than with the (new) wipers on.

Good advice.
I been using RainX for years and seem to extend the life of wipers.
Many times I didn't even need the wipers on when moving, (drives my family crazy). 😮
The only draw back using RainX is the glare from night lights.

retiredguy123 08-11-2025 11:48 AM

I was able to buy the exact wiper blades from Amazon that my vehicle came with as a new vehhcle for less than half the dealer price.

CarlR33 08-11-2025 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2452768)
I have found RAINX works so well that I can turn off the wipers in heavy rain and see better than with the (new) wipers on.

I use the RainX washer fluid it is more expensive but it makes it nice to treat the windshield occasionally and forgo the wipers. I have not noticed a glare or film at night as someone above suggested. They might be using the bottle RainX. If the windshield needs cleaned much at all I do it by hand. I always laugh at the person with the wipers swinging on high in a down pour rain.

Topspinmo 08-11-2025 01:33 PM

I’ve tried rainX bottle on windshield while beads water good its streaks and created spotty spots, But might have be me. About time to change my wiper fluid (that create some rants) I’ll try rainX brand which should good for at least 2 years. I had some brand in mine for about 4 years and it started to coagulate. I think most washer fluid just water down windex?

tophcfa 08-11-2025 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2452768)
I have found RAINX works so well that I can turn off the wipers in heavy rain and see better than with the (new) wipers on.

I agree, RAINX is a great product. They also make a product designed for plastic, instead of glass, that comes in a spray bottle and beads up rain on golf cart windshields. One caution with RAINX, it can’t gum up and clog the windshield washer fluid pump. After 10 years of using RAINX, I had to replace the pump in my truck. No big deal, the new pump cost about $30 and took about 10 minutes to replace. Hopefully I’ll get another 10 years out of the new pump.

Topspinmo 08-11-2025 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregR (Post 2452765)
Just a warning -- I bought this same brand before and while they worked great out of the box, that performance didn't last long before they were streaking badly. I think the Florida sun degrades the rubber quickly. I went back to real Bosch Icons that seem to work best and last the longest for me. I do watch for them to go on sale since they're on the pricy side.


We see? most don’t last pass 6 month anyway if car driven daily in elements. My sits in garage most time. When I lived in Nebraska put new set wipers on before winter set in.

Topspinmo 08-11-2025 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2452887)
I agree, RAINX is a great product. They also make a product designed for plastic, instead of glass, that comes in a spray bottle and beads up rain on golf cart windshields. One caution with RAINX, it can’t gum up and clog the windshield washer fluid pump. After 10 years of using RAINX, I had to replace the pump in my truck. No big deal, the new pump cost about $30 and took about 10 minutes to replace. Hopefully I’ll get another 10 years out of the new pump.

It’s only guaranteed for 2 years like all others. That’s why I drain mine every 4 years so reduce odds of ruin pump when it coagulates up.

CarlR33 08-11-2025 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2452890)
It’s only guaranteed for 2 years like all others. That’s why I drain mine every 4 years so reduce odds of ruin pump when it coagulates up.

I learned a long time ago to not fill the reservoir clear up as most will hold a little over a gallon of fluid and I don’t use it that much so I only fill it about half way and run until empty and refill. Same process as draining and refilling it after a few years.

thevillages2013 08-12-2025 05:52 AM

I just bought and installed the Motium brand on the Honda Ridgeline purchased from Amazon for $16 . We shall see how long they last. I could buy three sets for what Oreilley charges for one set of their mid grade wipers

Mrmean58 08-12-2025 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2452768)
I have found RAINX works so well that I can turn off the wipers in heavy rain and see better than with the (new) wipers on.

I also use RainX on the car windows. I now use it on the outside of my house windows to help prevent water spots. Rain water runs right off.

thevillager1988 08-12-2025 06:07 AM

When our wipers need to be replaced, we always joke that we need to buy a new car. It's impossible to get a good replacement.

mikreb 08-12-2025 07:50 AM

Clean your wiper blades. Spray a little WD-40 on a rag and wipe the blades several times. Then put some rainx on a rag and wipe again. Wiper blades will work like new.

Bruceg0028 08-12-2025 08:22 AM

While there are many brands out there most including the less expensive ones will do a good job. Environment has a lot to do with performance. You can try taking a small amount of alcohol and wipe the blades edge. Many times it’s just a matter of cleaning them. Many of today’s blades are quite long and do lose their tension against the windshield over time.

Our Florida heat is really tough on blades and replacing them as a maintenance item every 12-18 months is better than finding out in a blinding rain storm that they no longer are working.

Many of the new blades can be complicated to install. If you go to a real Auto Parts store instead of a box or online store, most of the time they are happy to install them for you at no charge.

Birdrm 08-12-2025 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2452757)
My wipers were streaking and not touching it spots.

I found these on amazon

Amazon.com

Had to go to Gainesville few day ago, got caught in heavy thunderstorm that was pouring rain coming home. The new 16 dollar wipers worked great better than factory blades.


On way back home I hit big puddle in low spot in road that I couldn’t avoid going 38 MPH. :oops:Heard strange sounds like something rubbing? When I got home lost hubcap (yes some vehicles still have hubcaps) and plastic inner front fender wall was blown loose rubbing tire. The water pull plastic snaps out and fender well plastic piece flopping around. When got home snapped plastic back in place with push nuts and ordered some hubcaps.

But, wipers works great.

I stick with the name brands line RainX or Michelin blades, buy a quality pair and never had an issue!

Donegalkid 08-12-2025 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregR (Post 2452765)
Just a warning -- I bought this same brand before and while they worked great out of the box, that performance didn't last long before they were streaking badly. I think the Florida sun degrades the rubber quickly. I went back to real Bosch Icons that seem to work best and last the longest for me. I do watch for them to go on sale since they're on the pricy side.

I agree with this poster. I too used them and they do not hold up as well as Bosch Icons, a blade that I’ve experienced as the best I’ve seen and used.

Topspinmo 08-12-2025 11:40 AM

Probably all made in China anyway.

Kooshy 08-12-2025 11:44 AM

Bosch Icons
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by GregR (Post 2452765)
Just a warning -- I bought this same brand before and while they worked great out of the box, that performance didn't last long before they were streaking badly. I think the Florida sun degrades the rubber quickly. I went back to real Bosch Icons that seem to work best and last the longest for me. I do watch for them to go on sale since they're on the pricy side.


I put these on my car and love them. Yes they were pricy but I needed them asap and couldn't wait for a sale. I think I paid a total of around $75 for them but as Tony the Tiger says, "THEY'REEEEEEE GRREEAAATTT!

CarlR33 08-12-2025 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thevillager1988 (Post 2452982)
When our wipers need to be replaced, we always joke that we need to buy a new car. It's impossible to get a good replacement.

Try the dealer for replacement wipers?

Runway48 08-12-2025 01:46 PM

I get my blades from COSTCO. They have them on sale at least twice a year, $7 each. They are made by Michelin. They seem to hold up as well as OEM. At that price I keep a spare set and change them at least once a year whether they need it or not. Over the years, they have changed the universal mount system a couple times. Not a big problem. If you can't follow the written instructions, they have car specific You Tube videos that walk you through it.

mtdjed 08-12-2025 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2452768)
I have found RAINX works so well that I can turn off the wipers in heavy rain and see better than with the (new) wipers on.

Recently got a new car and a 500 plus page owners manual. Somewhere in the book I read some cautions about using certain products while cleaning windows, and painting surfaces with self curing coatings. I believe they were referring to products with abrasives.

I'm going with caution and just using water at this time.

UpNorth 08-12-2025 06:09 PM

You can also just replace the rubber element in your wiper blades and save a lot of money, although some may find this challenging. Order "boneless" wiper blades from Amazon. "Boneless" refers to the fact that you re-use the existing metal supports in your blade frame. You can replace the rubber about 4 times for 5 bucks or less. But yes, it can be tricky.

tophcfa 08-12-2025 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikreb (Post 2453023)
Clean your wiper blades. Spray a little WD-40 on a rag and wipe the blades several times. Then put some rainx on a rag and wipe again. Wiper blades will work like new.

Cleaning your wiper blades is always a good idea, but it’s not a good idea to use a petroleum based product. Rubbing alcohol or windex would be a much better option.

JackB 08-13-2025 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2453142)
Recently got a new car and a 500 plus page owners manual. Somewhere in the book I read some cautions about using certain products while cleaning windows, and painting surfaces with self curing coatings. I believe they were referring to products with abrasives.

I'm going with caution and just using water at this time.

This issue may depend on individual wipers used but I have found a problem with RainX with some wipers. It makes the windshield so slippery that some wipers will not flip over on the return stroke and the windshield is not cleaned well.

Bay Kid 08-14-2025 07:00 AM

I have used RainX since the '70s. I put on 2 coats every couple of months depending on use. The faster you go the better it is. My windshield wipers last for years.

Topspinmo 08-14-2025 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bay Kid (Post 2453448)
I have used RainX since the '70s. I put on 2 coats every couple of months depending on use. The faster you go the better it is. My windshield wipers last for years.

But, there always a but? How much have spend on rainX. Not really fan going faster in down pour, but that’s me. :sigh:

Bay Kid 08-15-2025 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2453566)
But, there always a but? How much have spend on rainX. Not really fan going faster in down pour, but that’s me. :sigh:

I buy a new bottle every 4 to 5 years. I keep 5 cars treated. A bottle goes a long way.

Not a fan of going fast in a down pour, or even rain.

retiredguy123 08-15-2025 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlR33 (Post 2453100)
Try the dealer for replacement wipers?

I bought my wiper blades from Amazon for $24 (set of 3). The dealer price for the exact same blades was $60.

npwalters 08-15-2025 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2453755)
I bought my wiper blades from Amazon for $24 (set of 3). The dealer price for the exact same blades was $60.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is cheaper at the dealer. I only go there for products specific to my car and not available elsewhere.

Michael G. 08-15-2025 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by npwalters (Post 2453773)
Nothing, and I mean nothing, is cheaper at the dealer. I only go there for products specific to my car and not available elsewhere.

Why does it take some people a whole lifetime for this to soak in. 🤑


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