Wiper Blades?

I have always found the manufacturer's inserts to be the best choice. Always fits. No chatter. Long lasting.

For my 2004 Prius, the total for all three inserts were under $20 at the dealer.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

In terms of lifespan, I rate the 3 types of wipers that I have used from shortest to longest: Bosch Microedge, Toyota OEM, PIAA Silicone.

Bosch Microedge is absolute junk, avoid at all cost. Toyota OEM is the most cost effective. PIAA Silicone lasts the ultimate longest, the pair on my SUV lasted like 2 years before they start to streak (but are still acceptable). And I reside in the northeast with lots of rain, snow, intense temperature fluctuation, etc.

 

I'm currently using Bosch wiper blades on my Classic as they have proven to be cost effective and they work. It drizzle's here a bit and you need good wiper blades, average annual rain fall is about 6' and with out good blades your toast.

 

I never try to get more than 2 years out of wiper blades, I usually change the inserts every fall. I refuse to put of with poor wiper performance especially streaks/smears.

I've followed cars in rain and their windshields looked opaque. I really don't understand how somebody can "afford" to put on expensive rims or a stereo system that can be used to bust up concrete, but can't afford new wiper inserts.

 

Here in TX, the sun will kill your wiper blades prematurely.

I ran 2 years though with PIAA silicones. Was very happy with them. At close to $50 a par though...

I recently got Silblades - just wanted to see if they will live up to my expectations. I can get those for about $15 a pop.

This is all on my current vehicle, 02 Altima (ordering a Prius tomorrow for my wife)

To me - silicone blades are a must. I am a bit anal about my windshield being clean though.

 

About why PIAA Silicone blades last so darn long:

[Broken External Image]:http://www.piaa.com/WiperBlades/images/page-silicone_04.gif

Blades last this long are undoubtedly good for the environment.

 

I like the RainX windshield fluid from Wal-Mart. Just enough rain repellant to lessen the need for the wipers in the first place, so my lowly Anco wipers are just fine for the job. OK, I did just replace the OEM ones a few weeks ago when there was a rebate available, but the new ones clean nicely...

 

I don't know about the Prius yet but after several years I gave up on cheep blades and buy OEM replacements they work better and there is no chatter. I fell upon this several years ago when I was rushing to get out on town on a trip and the Ford dealer was the closest and so I went there and was impressed that the OEM blades were much better.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JShorr\";p=\"82165)</div>

In my experience - no skipping, ever, no jerky motions, cleans better. I totally beleive in silicone wiper blades.

I totally HATE the "tripledge silicone blades" that you can get at Walmart. In my experience, they do not wipe stuff off well enough, but rather produce a film of small fine drops as they pass by. So - at night, if you are driving under the lights on the road, you can find yourself in the situation you do not see anything because 1000s of small drops the blades produced just reflect the light like crazy.

That thing went off my car pretty quick.

 

Thanks all for the good input...

It seems that wiper manufacturers, reviews, etc. all comment on summertime blades. All the emphasis is on how great their blades are, the technology and science that's involved in the design, etc. But all of these are summer blades. No one seems to put any of this towards making a good pair of winter blades which is when a good blade is REALLY needed!

All I've ever found are the usual Anco and Trico winter refills.

Anyone have experience with a good set of winter refills??

Thanx,

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "winter refills."

I usually switch to a winter blade which is a regular blade with the flexible part encapsulated in rubber to keep the snow and ice from accumulating in the part of the blade that makes it conform to the windshield's contour.It helps a little.

Is that what you are talking about?

 

Yeah, sorry. Poor choice of words.

I meant winter blades...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mikepaul\";p=\"82289)</div>

I won't use Rain-X on my windshield any longer. After using it about twice a month for several years, I noticed that a foggy residue was building up on the windshield and caused even new wipers to chatter. I do still use it on the rest of the windows and mirrors without problems; I just don't have to reapply it as often; two or three times a year seems to work ok.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Areometer @ Apr 18 2005, 02:32 PM) [snapback]82276[/snapback]</div>

Okay my rear wiper blade has had it, and my front two aren't much better after 62,000 miles on my 2004 Prius. I am pretty much sold on replacing my wiper blades with the PIAA Silicone blades. Does anyone know the exact sizes for the front two wipers, and rear wiper that I should use with PIAA?

Also, anyone spot some great deals online for these blades?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Swampthing @ Jun 17 2006, 02:55 PM) [snapback]272752[/snapback]</div>

Doesn't anyone here know the proper sizes?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Swampthing @ Jun 18 2006, 05:03 PM) [snapback]273154[/snapback]</div>

26" drivers, 18" passenger, and 15 3/4" rear.

go here and you can upgrade the rear to a 20" and drivers to 28"
Look on the left of the page for "PIAA Super Silicone (choose between refill only or wiper)
" and "Oversized JDM/Euro Steel Rear Wiper"
http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php

I believe the Rear 20" overhangs by about 1/4 inch but you can cut it down or request a 19" blade like I did.