wiper blades

[jwfchase]

If the hold down springs are getting weak, you can also get add-on springs that fit over the wiper arm, at Crappy Tire.

I have one of those springs on my rear wiper blade... it STILL can't keep the silly thing in contact with the window...

My rear wiper blade was terrible, but it's been awesome since I added the extra spring (+ a new blade)

[JMK]

Thanks jwfchase,

I didn't know there was such a thing, I may as well give it a try, can't do any harm...

[TardisDeli]

We just put on the Princess Auto $9.99 wipers,

great on front (wow, clear view), not so great on rear window as the blade has quite a curve. Havent had any frost or snow since, but this weekend we will. I am gonna try to put blade unit in a clamp & vice, heat with heat gun and let cool whilst viced to try to reset the curve.

Cheers, Christine.

[Jester]

The Michelins are about the worst blade I've ever used. The only good thing about buying them at Costco is they are easy to return, which is exactly what I did both times I bought them. (The second time was because the first ones were soo bad I assumed no blades could be that bad and they must have been a production error).

lol
i wonder how it's possible for two people to have such drastically different experience with the same product..?
perhaps they got a ad batch or something?

[JMK]

Bad 'batches', perhaps, as I did 3 vehicles all at the same time, with the same disapointing results. Because Costco forces suppliers to give them rock bottom prices, often a manufacturer will downgrade a product and give it a slightly different part number so they can meet Costco's price point offer. That appeared to be the case with the spiral cell yellow top batteries, which I also returned to Costco in favour of a higher capacity yellow top from a battery distributor for less money. It may be that just the Michelin's sold in Costco are the bad ones.

[JRob]

As far as the RainX blades go, anyone have input on the standard (and somewhat cheaper) metal bracketed blades versus the RainX Latitude beam-style blades? Or for that matter, the effectiveness/longevity of the metal bracket blades versus the beam ones on our windshields in general. I've got to replace all 3 blades on my Deli.

Much appreciated...

[Erebus]

I have used the Rain-X or Rainaway liquid that you put on a clean windshield -- like you wax the paintwork. Works amazingly well, on the highway in pouring rain you don't need your wipers. In fact, you see better with the wipers off than with them on.

It also makes cleaning bugs easier, and even makes ice come off easier. Basically, it puts a silicon coating on the glass.

Also WAY cheaper than wiper blades. That said, the coating and crappy worn-out blades is a bad combination.

[Green1]

two issues here...
1) beam vs metal bracket: I have the metal bracketed blades on the front, and the beam style on the rear, they work differently, the metal bracketed ones always lifted at the ends (and on the back, that's the most important part, it's where my 3rd brake light is, it's also where my rear parking mirror is) the beam one holds tight to the windshield on the ends, but seems to have some lift in the middle (that's less relevant to me) all in all I like the beam one better back there, and talking to people who have them up front they tend to really like them... there is a downside though, I've been told they don't last as long.

2) rain-x coated blades vs rubber vs tefflon vs "metal" vs "marketing gimmick du jour": no matter what they're made of I have found no noticeable difference, with the exception of the rain-x coated blades, which do seem to have an advantage, what I don't know is how long it will last, I expect it will wear off and become a "regular" wiper again and sooner rather than later

I should also mention, since Erebus introduced me to the rain-x or rain-away liquid coatings to put on your windshield, I'm sold! you don't even use wipers unless you're sitting still, and bugs and such clean off easier too, it works really well. the only downside is you should re-apply every month or so. (I'd say every time you wash your Delica, but I know a few people who simply don't...)

[brewskie]

I ended up going with the rain-x wipers and washer fluid from Super Store. Good price and great performance.

[JMK]

I did end up getting some of those springs a Can Tire and tried it on the rear wiper blade. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to make much difference.

Do you experience streaking, especially at night, when using the Rain-X windshield treatment? I used it years ago and in the end hated it for the streaking it did. I did a quick Google search on the topic and it seems like quite a few people complain about this problem. Someone in the Toyota Nation forum said you can clean it off the windsheild with clay, alchohol, and then magic eraser, and then replace the blades and the streaking should be fixed.

BTW: I found some threads where a number of people seemed to think the Bosch Icon Wipers were the Cat's meow and much better than the Rain-X wipers. Was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them?

[Erebus]

Do you experience streaking, especially at night, when using the Rain-X windshield treatment? I used it years ago and in the end hated it for the streaking it did. I did a quick Google search on the topic and it seems like quite a few people complain about this problem. Someone in the Toyota Nation forum said you can clean it off the windsheild with clay, alchohol, and then magic eraser, and then replace the blades and the streaking should be fixed.

I haven't had a problem. I squeegie the windshield, then thoroughly Windex it and let it sit for 10 minutes before applying. You do have to apply it well, keep rubbing in circular motions until it is an even sheen.

I have noticed on various vehicles that some of the side mirrors I shouldn't apply it to -- the airflow is such that it deposits the tiny droplets. Other mirrors I should apply it, the airflow does a great job of clearing off the mirror. Same with the rear window. Side windows I always do.

May take more work than the Rain-ex windshield washer fluid, but I bet it works way, way better.