Wiper Replacement only available from dealer???

iv found that the toyota replacement wiper rubbers to be ok quality and cheaper then the aftermarket stuff

 

See my and others comments in this thread: Wiper blade sizes | PriusChat

 

I've read in other threads that there are some aftermarket wiper blades that does fit Gen4 and PRIME out there. But finding one on store shelf or on-line store turned out to be very hard, at least in my local or by my on-line search. OEM wipers are good quality. Even though I purchased spare OEM wiper blades and rubber refills soon after getting my PRIME 2.5 years ago, I am still using the original wipers on my car. Spare wipers are in my car for future use, but at this rate, I probably never have to buy another wiper for this car.

 

I was in that habit too......back when one could get a pair of replacement refills for about $5.
Now you can't find them for most cars anymore.
So I wait until they start showing signs of wear and get replacements at the dealer.
That is usually about every 3 years.

Note: They should last longer if you clean them off good with a paper towel once a month or so.

 

Also, AFTER you clean the rubber blades, wipe them with silicone based cleaner or Armor All which will prolong the life of the rubber.
Sun does lots of damage on the rubber blade while getting cooked in hot summer day.

 

I clean the exterior of the windshield with a heavy-duty automotive glass cleaner, once in a while. And go over the wiper blades with a cloth damp with the same stuff (usually the cloth I just did the windshield with). This, not sure if it's available in the States:

Glass Kleen Industrial-Strength Glass Cleaner | Princess Auto

Our 2010 has 85K kms, is garage stored, and I just did the first wiper blade replacement. Just the rubber inserts, and the old ones still looked fine, just figured it was time. Seems like they're hard to get locally, from dealerships?? I didn't bother asking, went with Amayama, about $10 CDN apiece.

 

Sorry but that is NOT a good idea, especially the Armor All part because it will leave the rubber blades coated with an oil-like substance that will catch dirt and dust and cause more harm than good.

Also, if you have a light rain immediately thereafter, they won't work for CRAP the first few minutes and may actually cause streaking more than worn out blades.

 

See: https://priuschat.com/posts/2834949/

Also:

Also:

 

I don't need them, but someone looking for an aftermarket wiper blade can try them. The first one shows different hook in the photo although it says for PRIME and is Pinch Tab Button Top Push Lock. I still think TOYOTA OEM wipers are the best quality and cost not much more than premium aftermarket ones. On other cars, I have used premium aftermarket wiper blades but never lasted as long as the TOYOTA OEM wipers I have on my car now. Going to the third winter, always parked outside, frozen in ice and snow in winter, baked by the sun in the summer, never cleaned, no special care, but still as good as new. Can't ask for anything better.