What are your tips/experiences for prepping the car during winter?

I'd have to add the dinner check in to think it was a fair comparison.

But even that is stacked a bit weird- on the days when I drive a lot, I eat tiny meals because I'm stuck in the drivers' seat all day. Consequently I'm done eating in 8 minutes and also don't spend much buying it.

 

.... & fuel COST

 

definitely sounds like a solo run. Many don't mind eating on the fly while others eat ONLY at a full blown time wasting stop. Some dual trip takers even insist on window shopping next door to the eatery (please kill me! )
.

 

When we took the Prius for that 1000 km, we also stopped to eat and by adding the refuel time (wait in line at the pump, although only once, on the way back) and the time it took to order (fuel stop places are always packed), unlike restaurants near a Superchargers, it's about the same (and more relaxing). Fuel stop places on the 401 are wild.

 

What are your favorite wiper blades? I had great blades years ago but can’t remember what I bought. Toyota replacement blades have been horrible for my older Prius. Thanks

 

Which ones? Toyota has two types. There are the inserts and the Sightline replacements. The Sightline replacements are terrible, but nothing works better than the inserts in the original blades. I was dumb on my 2010 and switched to a variety of aftermarket blades over the years before finally ordering a set of OEM replacement blades and returning to inserts. Another benefit with the inserts is they're 50-70% cheaper than most any aftermarket blades.

This is an example of the garbage-type:
Blade Sightline 750 85212-YZZ1M-TM | Toyota Of Grand Rapids OEM Parts

This would be an example of a replacement OEM blade:
85212-28170 Genuine Toyota Front Windshield Wiper Blade Right

And this is an example of a replaceable insert for the OEM blade:
85214-44140 Genuine Toyota Wiper Rubber, Left


With the gen5, the two OEM inserts are:
85214-08050 - LH - $7.50
85214-0E130 - RH - $7.50

 

I'm definitely doing something wrong.

I buy aftermarket blade assemblies out of the rock auto bargain bins- typically $5-8 each. They clear the whole window silently, usually last a year or two, and then I do it again. Usually trico or anco brands, basically whatever rock auto offers up in their last chance leftover sales.

I did get a bad one once, but at those prices/ease of installation I'm not complaining.

 

Has anyone tried to increase the size of the Driver's side wiper? I noticed that when it wipes, there's quite a large portion of the top of the windshield that's not being covered. I think there might be resting issues between the two wipers, but wondered if anyone has tried this. Also, if so, what size wiper have you used?

 

I've done it on other vehicles. Measure past the OEM wiper and see if it will hit anything then get that size. Simple

 

I get winter specific blades, Bosch or similar

 

also, I've been looking around- 28 seems to be the largest size out there. If someone has found a larger size, please let me know what brand/size you have, or share the link. Thanks!

 

That's before, now it's 50". That's the size of the Cybertruck wiper (notice no 's' at the end).

 

A bigger wiper with the same tension spring in the arm = more likely to lift off

 

Not really

 

Thanks for the details. With my 2009 I’m assuming the dealership replaced the inserts. I complained and they upgraded to the better version whatever that means. It was a while ago but they weren’t much better. I’m curious and will check my files. I’m sick with COVID so no energy for anything right now.

 

Are you looking to replace just the rubber blades, aka "inserts"? That's the way to go, if possible.

Try phoning a dealership parts department, pose the question?

How many miles on it btw? A little early to be concerned about this?

 

Maybe just try a glass cleaner first. I’ve found this stuff quite effective, only ever seen it through Princess Auto though:

Kleen-Flo glass kleen

Kleen-Flo | Products - Glass Kleen