Windshield Wipers - new blade v. new insert

To me, the inserts are not easy to install. I need mine replaced too. I do not have any idea what the dealer charges to replace them but I am going to have them replace mine. There is just a knack to installing them and when you do not do it all the time they are a little difficult to install.

 

I have a 2011 Prius. I went to a Toyota dealer yesterday and bought all 3 wiper blade inserts for $23.72. Their service department replaced them free. Great service department. I think they are a pain to replace. The Toyota people do this all the time. It only takes them a few minutes to change them.

 

I think you should mention WHO that service department actually is.

Years ago I was leaving a Honda shop after my service was done and had bought some wiper inserts from their parts department. The service advisor was trying to help me get them installed.........when one of their union mechanics walked buy and threatened him with a Union grievance if he didn't stop "doing their work".

 

Never heard of anyone in a dealership in a union.

 

I did the same -- I bought name brand after-market wiper blades, found that they did not perform nearly as well as the originals, and then went and bought the inserts for the original blades.

 

Here`s instructions on wiper insert replacement, from the Repair Manual (no idea why this isn`t in the Owners Manual).

 

Easy answer. It will force some owners into the stealerships

 

I go on Line get a coupon For Advance Auto , pull into their store , before I get
My receipt , already installed free

 

Just replace them every six months. Consumer Reports did a test of wiper blades a few years ago. Only one brand lasted a close to a full year. You can experiment with the brand and type over time. FWIW: the Toyota replacements are difficult to replace, but you will get the hang of it ... if you can't get the dealer to replace them for free (something they are supposed to offer to do for you).

 

I fitted Rain-X replacement blades to my old Corolla (292k miles) @ around 100k, simple job and one of the best mods I ever on the old girl. The previous owner of my 2009 Prius had done the same thing (saved me a job!); that, and doing the 0000 steel-wool then Rain-X treatment is well worth the effort!!!

DROID4 ?