$64k question... ;) are $$$ wiper blades worth it?

[BoxMN]

Maybe hashed over before, but I sort of keep try testing different brand wiper blades, and not really sure the $$ are worth it. I do have a set of RainX ones on a Trailblazer right now, and they seem pretty good.

Have tried other ones, but by the time I need a new set, I can't remember how long the last set was on for! Doh! So can't really compare. I know a smart guy would write it down somewhere and give it a good test, but I ain't too bright

What is best brand/style to get for all around winter/summer? Thanks for suggestions. So far RainX seems pretty good, but I think about $15 per blade...

[gixxer01]

I started using Bosch brand wiper blades about 3 years ago and have been pleased. All three vehicles have them and can get a year out of each set. The wife is hard on them, though. Rather than scrape the ice off the windshield, she likes to let the wipers do the scraping. Ice doesn't seem to build up as easily on them, either.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I prefer the anco's 5-7 bucks at the walmart and you get a year out of them.

The ones on my truck a still the original wipers. Four years old ain't to bad. The secret is Rain-x. I hardly use them in the summer. Which reminds me I have yet to put washer fluid in my truck. I did open the hood once, just to look!

[merkman]

Cheaper is better.... the more costly ones arent worth the money. Anco winter blades for me.

.

[MuleShack]

I just put on a set of the Exact fit or something like that from Napa and thru one night of plowing the plastic backing broke off one of them.

They used to make a winter blade that was cased in a rubber lining that was good but they dont make that anymore.

[SkunkedAgain]

I just put a pair of $20 Bosch wipers on my F-150. They actually do resemble the old winter blades that were encased in rubber. These things are sturdy and doing a great job, but I think that most wiper blades do a good job when new. It's just a case of swapping them out every few years. It's a small cost for clear vision

[CJH]

I've had Bosch blades on my truck or a year now and they still work really well, much better than the cheapies I have used in the past. I'll stick with them.

[Black_Bay]

I tried the Bosch blades and found they work great until the blade wipes over something. In my case it was a small stick or pine needle. After that the blade left a streak in that spot. Eventually more streaks appeared any time there was debris on the windshield. It seems that the rubber they used was softer than the less expensive brands. I'll stick with the standard blades but may try the new style blades again.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I just put on a set of the Exact fit or something like that from Napa and thru one night of plowing the plastic backing broke off one of them.

They used to make a winter blade that was cased in a rubber lining that was good but they dont make that anymore.

Winter Blades are still available. I just put a set on a plow truck the other night.

[chanfish]

My passenger side on yukon stopped squirting juice. Blockage in the hole where it comes out? Just try to stick a pin in it? It looks like my hose isnt crimped..

[MuleShack]

Winter Blades are still available. I just put a set on a plow truck the other night.

Thats what they told me in one of the auto parts stores when I bought a set a while back.

What brand or where have you been getting them?

[brian6715]

BoxMN,

Have you ever had issues with your wipers on your Trailblazer not pressing against the windshield hard enough? I have tried multiple sets with mine, and they seem like when they wipe there are parts of the wiper that are like 1/8 of an inch off the windshield and don't wipe anything. It's almost like the pressure pushing the blade down onto the windshield is not enough. Any thoughts?

It is way worse in cold weather. I am thinking the lower part of my windshield has a different contour then the rest, causing the blades to form into a set shape and then when they go across the windshield they don't form to it properly.

[Macgyver55]

Check the pivot on the bottom part of the arm. Is not uncommon for them to get bound up from corrosion and not press the blade firmly enough to the windshield. If so, spray it with a lubricant and work it back and forth to free it up.

[BoxMN]

Lots of info, thanks!

Brian, I have seen that occassionally, but not just on the TB. I think like Mac says, some have kind of sort of seized up until I "hit" them, then do it again. Will try lube next time.

I think the RainX actually have a sort of "deflector" that is supposed to use air pressure to help press against the glass. Can't recall, maybe it was one of the other times, haha! but I know I have seen it on a pair I bought. I know that the RainX are sort of a "winter-ish" looking style, all rubbered in as opposed to the cheapies where you see each wire/strip of metal bracing. I like the kind that are "enclosed" sort of, as when you bang them the snow falls off easier, and branches don't get stuff in them.

[shizzy]

I go cheap with no issues over the years. I buy a set in the spring and then another set of winter blades come fall. I won't pay over $8 for a blade.

[Black_Bay]

Thats what they told me in one of the auto parts stores when I bought a set a while back.

What brand or where have you been getting them?

I got a 2 sets of Trico blades for my truck and wife's car at O'Reilly.

[nocturnalmotors]

I use the Anco Winter ones. That protective cover keeps the pivots from getting water in them and freezing so the blade can flex with the curve of the windshield. They're on sale at FF this week...

[HunterLover]

Dude, Walter sounds weird...

[HunterLover]

These are the windshield wipers you deserve, but not the ones you need.

-Batman

[CKernewek]

Nanananananananana BATMAN~~~!

[quickfish6]

I think winters a JUNK. Pay a little more and get the beam blades. They last longer and actually wipe your windshield. You can get them pretty cheap off rock auto if waiting a couple days doesnt bother you

[rundrave]

I got a 2 sets of Trico blades for my truck and wife's car at O'Reilly.

I got some Trico NeoForm blades that I put on my Tundra and really like them so far and they have been tested thoroughly this winter.

[motley man]

I just buy the cheapest on sale, buy a couple pairs and keep them in vehicle for when they get bad. Winter takes a toll on blades from freezing and ice on windshield. I've bought expensive ones and they don't seem to last any longer or work better.