Author Topic: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers  (Read 1398 times)

s0198362

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Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« on: February 07, 2021, 07:17:53 PM »
I need to replace the wipers on our cars.  Bottom of the range is approximately $9 per wiper, whereas others are 3X the price. Are the more expensive ones worth it?  Do they last 3 times as long?

Thanks

Syonyk

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2021, 09:44:27 PM »
Is the rubber physically cracking off?

If not, get a wet paper towel, scrub the windshield side of it.  You'll get an absolutely insane amount of black filth off.  Repeat until clean, see if they work better.

If the rubber is coming apart, yeah, you have to replace them.  Can't tell you if the more expensive ones are worth 3x the cost, I tend to replace mine so infrequently that brands have changed by the time I get around to doing it.  I do have a thing for the "single spring arc" type that aren't the normal multi-part spring hanger - they work well on my vehicles and I like how well they clean, but I honestly don't remember the cost on them.  It's a rounding error on vehicle maintenance so I've not tried terribly hard to optimize it.

GuitarStv

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2021, 06:57:35 AM »
I've found that the cheapest wipers tend to not work very well and last a shorter period of time.  The middle of the pack ones work well for me though, so usually that's what I buy.

Metalcat

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2021, 07:05:28 AM »
I think it might depend on the weather where you live as well. I feel like where I live, the harsh winters do a number on the rubber. Mine are lasting longer now that I'm parked in a heated garage.

But yes, I have found that the more expensive wiper blades hold up better and do a better job in sleet and snow storms.

RetiredAt63

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2021, 09:06:20 AM »
I think it might depend on the weather where you live as well. I feel like where I live, the harsh winters do a number on the rubber. Mine are lasting longer now that I'm parked in a heated garage.

But yes, I have found that the more expensive wiper blades hold up better and do a better job in sleet and snow storms.

I've found this too.  Light-weight wipers are fine in summer, but once the snow and freezing rain hit, forget  them.  Plus they are usually more UV resistant.

ctuser1

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2021, 09:25:25 AM »
If you have a Toyota and still have the original wiper blades, by any chance, please go to any dealership and get the "insert" replaced instead of replacing the entire wiper blade.

I have found this to be cheaper than even the cheaper of the aftermarket wiper blades, and it tends to work better than most aftermarket wipers.

Boll weevil

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2021, 10:43:17 AM »
If you have a Toyota and still have the original wiper blades, by any chance, please go to any dealership and get the "insert" replaced instead of replacing the entire wiper blade.

I have found this to be cheaper than even the cheaper of the aftermarket wiper blades, and it tends to work better than most aftermarket wipers.

Honda also sells inserts only. I found out the sort-of hard way that (at least for Honda) the inserts are just the rubber blades. I was expecting them to include the metal stiffeners, but they don’t, nor are the stiffeners available as a stand alone. I ended up taking the stiffeners from the disposable wipers once the rubber squeegees were worn out.

If you go with inserts, You may also be able to get them online. There’s at least one Honda dealership that sells through Amazon... wouldn’t surprise me if other brands were represented there too.

sonofsven

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2021, 08:19:00 AM »
I get the basic ones from Costco or Napa auto.
I live in one of the rainiest environments in the country.
They seem to last three or four years.
I clean them every few months with a little alcohol on a paper towel.
If you park outside avoid any sappy trees.
I also use a lot of window wash solution, it's like an addiction ;-)

KarefulKactus15

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2021, 08:46:05 AM »
Wipers have a life span same as batteries.

If you get 5 years on either you got your $ worth.

I've had gooooood luck with bosch evolution. 1/2 price of the icon line and similar performance. I've always sold the vehicle before they wear out.

As someone else said, every so often clean off the rubber and give your windshield a scrub also if streaks are your problem.   But if the rubber dry and cracking they are done.   Like tires, wipers have a chemical that keeps the rubber material soft and effective, it eventually is depleted.

GuitarStv

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2021, 03:29:54 PM »
I've always found that maximum lifespan for windshield wipers is achieved by NEVER running them when your windshield has little shards of ice still frozen on it.

Metalcat

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2021, 05:16:03 PM »
I've always found that maximum lifespan for windshield wipers is achieved by NEVER running them when your windshield has little shards of ice still frozen on it.

Ugh, so true.

Abe

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2021, 07:44:33 PM »
Second the Bosch wipers; they seem to hold up better than others I’ve tried. They’ve lasted a few years with minimal cleaning (in dusty SoCal parked outside).

terran

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2021, 09:06:03 PM »
Take a look at https://www.rockauto.com/ for good quality wiper blades (and just about any other part) at lower prices than auto parts stores.

Fishindude

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Re: Fancy windscreen/windshield wipers
« Reply #13 on: February 10, 2021, 07:04:50 AM »
I believe in spending the money on good wipers, especially if you are an in an area that gets snow and ice.
Why would you complain about spending $50-75 for wipers every couple years on a vehicle so that you can see and be safe?

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!