How often do you change your windshield wipers?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by SLO Cat Wrangler, Apr 27, 2009.

  1. SLO Cat Wrangler

    SLO Cat Wrangler Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2008
    96
    1
    0
    Location:
    San Luis Obispo, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    There is a lot of info about changing stuff on the prius, however I'm not sure that I have seen anything about changing the windshield wiper blades. I wanted to know how often people change there blades? Is it a when they are damaged or hard? What after market blades do people recommend? We live is an area that does not get a lot of rain, however our car sits in the sun for most of the day and in the garage at night. If you use rain-X, how often do you apply this?

    Thanks
    Steve
     
    #1 SLO Cat Wrangler, Apr 27, 2009
  2. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2004
    2,077
    296
    0
    Location:
    York,Pa.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    When they streak
     
    #2 paprius4030, Apr 27, 2009
  3. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

    Joined:
    May 21, 2007
    6,038
    707
    0
    Location:
    Tumwater, WA USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    We haven't, yet.
     
    #3 Rae Vynn, Apr 27, 2009
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,591
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I do it once a year right before I take it in for it's yearly NY state inspection... Unless they are really bad which I always get a year out of them since I use rain-x.

    As for the rain-x I apply it once a year and in between that year I use washer fluid rain-x additive they sell. you add like an ounce to a gallon of the cheap $1 washer fluid. Or they sell rain-x washer fluid as well with the rain-x in it. Also, when you clean your windows they now sell rain-x window cleaner which applies rain-x. It works well and I got a 2 at bj's wholesale club with a rebate for $4.
     
    #4 Paradox, Apr 27, 2009
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    45,128
    16,360
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    When they streak. We do clean them regularly and park in the garage so they do last a bit longer.
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Apr 27, 2009
  6. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2005
    871
    160
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2012 Chevy Volt
    Model:
    N/A
    My Prius will be 4 years old by the time the next rainy season rolls around and they are ready to be changed. So, once every four years.
     
    #6 San_Carlos_Jeff, Apr 27, 2009
  7. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,591
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five

    Man I miss Sacramento... When I was stationed there it was like perfect weather, no rain, from April thru October. Maybe you got a weeks worth of rain all those months. And then during winter it got just cold enough for the few to frost over on the windshield...
     
    #7 Paradox, Apr 27, 2009
  8. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2007
    10,664
    567
    0
    Location:
    Adelaide South Australia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Bought my Prius used nearly 2 years ago. It still has the same wipers on it and they work perfectly. I have a new set ready for the first sign of failure.
     
    #8 patsparks, Apr 27, 2009
  9. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot Penny pincher

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2009
    45
    8
    6
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Prius blades are STD Toyota issue. I immediately changed them out on my new Toyotas for Rain-X blades, which work far better and last far longer. Buy 'em when they go on sale. Takes only minutes to install. Keep the old ones tucked in the trunk as spares.

    As other posters said, using Rain-X on your windshield and cleaning the blades (I do it every time I clean the windshield) adds to their life & improves performance.

    I wonder if Rain-X makes lawnmowers...because if they do, I'd buy one!
     
    #9 Leadfoot, Apr 28, 2009
  10. connies

    connies connies

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2009
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    wichita, ks
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I am having trouble changing wiper on the back window. I changed the front ones w/o a problem. Any suggestions? 2005 Prius
     
    #10 connies, Jun 14, 2009
  11. PriusLewis

    PriusLewis Management Scientist

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2009
    1,002
    84
    7
    Location:
    Denver Metro
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I replaced the front blades withe best Rain-X blades, and the rear with a replacement filler from Toyota when I bought the car 6 months ago. I will change them next year because I'm a stickler on blades.
     
    #11 PriusLewis, Jun 14, 2009
  12. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2004
    7,664
    1,042
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Do you know about removing the hinge cover so that the blade will stand up away from the glass? Or have you done that but are having trouble getting the insert out of the blade?
     
    #12 richard schumacher, Jun 15, 2009
  13. brad_rules_man

    brad_rules_man Hybrid electric revolutionizer

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    716
    76
    0
    Location:
    Effingham
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Google for John1701a's website. I believe he has instructions on there.
     
    #13 brad_rules_man, Jun 15, 2009
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)