Windshield Wipers - new blade v. new insert

Get the inserts.
Dealers are about the only ones even carrying the inserts anymore and in most cases, they cost the same or more than the entire assembly does elsewhere.
Auto Zone and the like realized that the profit margin is a LOT higher on a $20 complete blade assembly than it is on a $4 insert.
That's capitalism for you !!

 

This was the thread that I based on my decision on. Seems like inserts were being sold for about $10, so depending on if Amazon has a sale vs dealership's $10 off $50 (or some kind of percent off) coupon, I would decide accordingly.
Wiper blades | PriusChat

For instant, you can get the two front wipers from Amazon for $23 total ($10 and $13) at the moment..you will need $35 for free shipping unless you have Prime.

 

I believe I've recently found inserts at a local department store (Fred Meyer, now a Kroger subsidiary), and by asking a clerk at one of the major chain auto parts stores (i.e. not in display, but still kept in the stockroom). But I had to ask at several auto stores before finding one that admitted to having them.

Most inserts have gone in fairly easily, but a time or two I've acquired parts of slightly wrong width and had to bend open the guides slightly. I've also been known to get matching lengths and cutting down.

The disappearance of inserts seems to be one of those "for you convenience" things that really is intended to drive up vendor profits even when I don't want the convenience.

 

I don't really get your question here.

Obviously when it comes to your wiper, wiping your windshield, it's rubber on glass. So regardless of advertising claims, I don't think there is a significant difference between a new insert, properly installed, and a whole new wiper blade properly installed. It's simply two ways to reach the same end. Which is new rubber...wiping the glass.

Unless you simply want a new blade, or are intrigued with the idea of trying out one of the new hyped blades, the inserts will work fine.

In most cases replacing the blade is much easier than trying to install a new insert, but dealerships should be pretty familiar with doing it...and it's not rocket science in either case. I've done both over the years.

If you've been happy or satisfied with how your wiper has worked, and since you've kept the same blades for nearly 4 years I have to assume you are....I'd save some money and just have the inserts installed.

Most dealerships I've dealt with will install for free.

 

I would go with inserts. I bought some Goodyear wipers for my car and I noticed more wind noise coming from the windshield most likely due to the straight up design and not as aerodynamic. Luckily I kept my stock blades and will be putting inserts in those and reinstalling once these wear out.

 

I can't actually say that.

I've done both over the years with different vehicles. Both inserts and whole new blades.

Certainly if you read the advertising on the side of most wiper blade boxes they are going to make extraordinary claims, of superior streak free windows and aerodynamic benefits.

I can't really say.

But I do live where it rains a lot, and to me? Just personally, all you really need is quality rubber wiping against your glass. It's not as complicated an action as most wiper blade manufacturers would want to make it out to be.

So for me, again just personally, the only times I've really changed the entire blade, was when the original blade started to look beat up. Years of use and sunlight can make the plastic lighten...so after a while I think it looks better with a whole new blade.

But as far as vision out the window? Well I've never bought a fancy "Blade" that really did anything MORE than simply wipe the window with every pass....

 

I am also one that replaces the inserts. I just do not like throwing the wiper assembly away when all I need is the insert. I have been getting around 18 months of service from the inserts. I purchase the inserts from Toyota and they are very simple to change out. You just need to remove the metal splines that ride in the grooves of the insert in order to maintain the contour of the windshield. I tried some standard Trico inserts but the tops of the blades lifted off of the window since it did not have the metal splines to create the proper contour.

 

I see it as mostly a profit preference of the vendors. Decades ago, most retailers carried both. Now, most vendors have quit carrying the inserts, pushing customers to buy entire blades, pushing up retail revenue.

If enough other customers ask for inserts, and walk out in disgust while muttering something under their breath when inserts are not available, maybe more retailers will start stocking them again.

 

Retailer profit margins are quite high, and dealership margins even higher. I was comparing prices at the same retailer, back when most carried both inserts and full blades. By pushing customers to the later, they make the same big profit percentage but on a larger base.

Some vendors and retailers have invented a fuss that changing inserts is hard and messy and prone to error, while changing whole blades is easier, more convenient, and assured of getting exact fit. While there is some element truth to this, I see it as mostly overhyped advertising-driven FUD, lightening our wallets "for our convenience".

 

If an insert is just the rubber, then count me in that group.
Like my other Prius maintenance items, I buy online in amounts I estimate will last 3 - 5 years.

Cheap, efficient, convenient, much less waste.

 

I found a receipt of a bulk purchase from Group1 auto parts.
The redundant parts are to service Prii from different models