I need new wiper blades..Any Sugestions?

[David Griffith 2]

I bought new blades about a month ago and they suck. It seems like they are just smearing the water around on the windshield. I dont remember which ones I bought but I went by what the guy at the part store recommended. Well..he was wrong. Can someone recommend a good wiper at a reasonable price? Thanks for the help. As I learned last time I can't just take the part guy's recommendation.

 

[Wayne Fajkus]

I use Piaa Super Silicones but they are pricey. They have a graphite that is less expensive but still pricey.

 

[Jake Levin]

Griff, have you gone through a drive-thru car wash? If so then you have wax all over the windshield which can cause this problem. Clean the windshield with some windex and wipe the blades down with some rubbing alcohol, then try the wipers again.

 

[Todd Z]

IF you clean your windshield with windex it will destroy them...



Did you try to clean the rubber blade, Soap and water on a paper towel...



Do they work at low speeds in the truck and smear it at highway speeds, then the spring tension is bad...



I use either Anco or Bosch..... I get march till November out of 1 set and then put on my winter blades, then get a couple more months out of the old ones, then replace...



My escort has had Rainy days ( cheepos) and so far 5 months....



Todd Z

 

[Jake Levin]

Todd, why would windex destroy the blade?

 

[Richard Kolb]

I use the Rain-x blades, I've liked those.

 

[Dre L]

I second the bosch. The spring is encased in the rubber of the blade, so it maintains tension, even in the snow. No need for snow blades.



They are pricey, but worth it. Just clean them good every now and then. They have some new "Aero" ones which have a spoiler on them to make the wind at hwy speed hold them against the windshield. I may try on my next set.

 

[David Griffith 2]

U guys are awesome, thank you.

It looks like I'll be going with the Bosch. And yes I tried cleaning the windshield with soap and water and wiped the blades as well. They just sucked..lol

 

[Jeff C]

I'm using Bosch Icons. $20 a pop, but the only blades I'll use from now on. They're amazing, and even at 85mph in the rain (I know, I know) they stay glued to the windshield. The spring is inside the rubber so it doesn't get rusty or anything, and the leading edge of the blade is curved (like the arms on newer cars) like a spoiler so it holds the blade down on the windshield, and the faster you go, the more it sticks. I've had mine since June and they're still working great.

 

[George C]

I have been using the PIAA super silicone for a few years and they work great. They are expensive but are the best wipers I have ever seen. They work so good that I had to get a set for my girlfriend, mom, and sister once they saw them work. Mine have the carbon fiber design.



George

 

[Tim Turner]

Same as George C. Got PIAA wiper blades sometime last year and they are great. Also got the carbon fiber design.

 

[Greg Stuhlsatz]

I would be scared to drive 85 in the rain. I hydroplaned one time in a 73 ford LTD going 60. I was 17 at the time. The car went sideways for close to 100 yards. I straightened back out and believed in God a little more.

 

[Gordon Koch]

I can't count the number of times I have purchased wiper blades from places such as TRAK Auto, Advance Auto, KMart or WalMart and been disappointed in how they performed (streaks, noise, thump or bump)......my solution has been to go to the dealer and buying from Ford.....they cost too much (about $25 a pair) but they work and they are quiet. I replace them about every 18 months....

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

I finally broke down and bought a set of PIAA wiper blades last year; 21" work fine. Best wiper blades I've ever used, and still going strong. The PIAA Super Silicone are superiour to Bosch; I know because I had Bosch blades on previous to the PIAA wiper blades.

 

[Marvin Atherton]

Are the Bosch Icon's available at part stores or only online?

 

[Jeff C]

Most parts stores will have them.

 

[Richard L]

Trico has just come out with a new blade that is also completely incased in rubber. It also does not used the segmented wiper blades that most other companies sell. Theirs has a molded in spring steel arch that puts even pressure on the wiper blade so you don't get a streak where the squeegy blade connects to the wiper blade segments.



A great way to get smooth, clean and quite wiper action is to clean your windshield with a good Auto glass cleaner, or use Barkeepers cleanser. Once the windshield is really clean, give it a coat of Rain-X. With Rain-X, water just rolls off the windshield, and wiper blades just glide over the windshield. Since you don't have to use your wipers very often with Rain-X, the blades will last longer.



I typically change blades about every 6-9 months when I use Rain-X, however without Rain-X I have blades go bad in as little as 3 months in our Texas heat.



...Rich

 

[Gavin Allan]

I change mine every 12 months with Bosch.



Anyone ever use the Rain-Ex windshield fluid additive?

 

[Richard L]

Gavin,

I have used both Rain-X pre-mixed washer fluid and their Rain-X washer fluid additive. Both work very well if you have already applied Rain-x on your windshield. It helps to maintain the Rain-X coating on the windshield, but doesn't do much better than ordinary washer fluid if you don't already have Rain-X on the windshield.



As for wiper brands, I have tried them all, from super cheap to super expensive and none of them last more than 6-9 months depending upon the weather. I find the cheap Ansco or Trico blades and refills are cheap enough to replace them as often as I need to, but I am also very picky about a clean windshield. I replace the refills or blades at the first sign of streaking or chattering.



The Rain-X coating on the windshield does help your wipers last longer.

...Rich

 

[Marsha Walker]

Rain X - i dont have to use my wipers!!!!!!!

Trusted by Streetrodders who dont even have wiper blades!