I need to choose a brand/model of Windshield Wipers

[Carlostrece]

NAPA Exact Fit and Trico Exact Fit are exactly the same. Whether they are conventional or beam type. Trico makes NAPA wiper blades. I prefer the conventional blades too. Conventional blades have better contact with the windshield. With beam blades, most contact is on each end and less contact is in the center.
Hit NAPA when they are on sale.
For European cars, I recommend OEM blades.

Trico Exact Fit wiper is OEM for my Buick Park Ave. Trico makes the ACDelco wipers for my Buick and they're exactly the same as Trico Exact Fit.

I bought two Trico Exact Fit wipers from Walmart for $10 each. Refills only cost $2 each, but are out of stock. I'm not sure if Trico still makes the refills.

I've heard that Michelin also fit my Buick well and are affordable. I've never tried Michelin.

 

[Carlostrece]

Just ordered 11 complete sets of wiper blades from RA. Their prices are way less than the stores and they have nearly all the ones mentioned above. Gotta pay attention to the shipping though, one rear wiper was shipping from a different location and adding more to shipping than the wiper cost, so I just went back in and found a different rear wiper that would ship from the same place as the others.

Walmart has the Trico Exact Fit for $10 each. Michelin for similar price. Bosche, Anco, and several other brands mentioned for excellent prices. No shipping if picked up at local Walmart, or free shipping to home for orders $35+.

 

[Carlostrece]

NAPA Perfect Fit $17 each.
Trico Perfect Fit $10 each at Walmart.
OEM ACDelco for my Buick are just Trico Perfect Fit with ACDelco name on it.

They're natural rubber blades, but someone at a Buick Forum told me that I can spray Silicone spray lube on them to create silicone coated blades. Supposedly the coating will last at least a month (then respray).

Hmmm.... /

Ya, I hear you. Spraying silicone lubricant on wiper blades sounds sketchy. It seems like it might create a smeary mess.

Since I posted that, I've picked up some more (and likely better) advice and figured out something too.

Someone told me that thoroughly cleaning windshield with Sprayway window cleaner and white paper towels, then claybaring windshield with windshield cleaner and a clay bar, then washing it off with water, then after it dries, another wash and wipe with window cleaner and paper towels.

Then treat/coat windshield with RainX, or wax (car wax) and buff windshield.

Then install new wipers, or new blade refills, unless your broke. If you're broke, then wash existing wiper blades thoroughly using Sprayway window cleaner and clean white wash cloth(s). Once wipers seem clean, give them a few extra final wipes with a white paper towel.

The final/extra wipes from paper towel is to remove any oily residues from laundry soap scents, fabric softener, or dryer sheet that could have been on wash cloth.

The above will result in no smearing or streaking from wipers. Also makes chattering less likely.

Also use Sprayway and white paper towels to clean inside of windshield and other windows. Windows that are clean on the inside don't fog up. Sprayway is ammonia free and won't damage plastic or vinyl. So overspray won't harm your dash or inside of doors.

 

[Johnny248]

I've had pretty good luck with Trico Force and the different versions between the different part stores. Last pair I bought were Power Clear by Power Stop (like the brakes) and I've been very happy with these ones so far.

 

[Carlostrece]

On a funny note. My old Trico Exact Fit lasted so many years that I can't remember how old they are. Somewhere between 5 to 9 years old. There was little to no streaking or chattering until Sept 2025. They're finally done. They were were a good investment at a low price.

I think they lasted so long because my car is stored in a garage and was only driven 500 miles a year. Last 2 years only 400 miles a year.

 

[thastinger]

Walmart has the Trico Exact Fit for $10 each. Michelin for similar price. Bosche, Anco, and several other brands mentioned for excellent prices. No shipping if picked up at local Walmart, or free shipping to home for orders $35+.

Trico exact fits are 3 bucks a piece on RA.

 

[Carlostrece]

Trico exact fits are 3 bucks a piece on RA.

For a refill or the whole thing? Either way, that's good to know.