Lets talk wipers

I was the wiper organizer in the family and bought replacement blades for years.
Watching the racks for 'refills' go empty and finally disappear was painful.
In addition to length, width was either wide (older fashioned) or narrow (newer).

What I have is a sheaf of stainless steel reinforcements from discarded blades. What to do with them?
Metal can usually go in the recycling bin.
 
I know that this thread will eventually turn into a favorite brand and style of wiper blade thread. My experiences are a little different. I’ve discovered that beam style blades may work fine on some cars and be absolutely horrible on others. Conventional blades work better on my F-150 and former Ford Ranger. Beam blades work well on our Tiguan. The Tiguan now has Motorcraft beam blades. Beam blades worked well on a former Ford Escape. Former KIAs and Hyundai always got Hyundai OE conventional blades.
I don’t think that there is a one style or brand that can be universal to every vehicle.
 
Through my non scientific and almost surely guesswork opinion, I have found that the wipers that last the longest and streak the least, are factory wipers. I don't know how or why. I do know that all the fancy wipers I've bought at parts stores always seem to streak and chatter in a faster time. And are more expensive. What say ye?
I just replaced my factory wipers. They lasted 68k miles/8 yrs.

Granted some of that has to do with the fact that my car has been parked under cover during the day except for late afternoons through early morning and I clean my wipers every time I wash my car an make liberal use of washer fluid.

Factory and OE replacements are Valeo.
 
If you own a Honda/Acura, I would stick with OEM squeegees (replace the rubbers, retain the frames).

I just looked at my records; the squeegees on the Legend were last replaced in Feb. 2016. They're still intact and are doing the job. This car sits on the curb 24/7/365 in the hot summer sun.
 
I agree with factory (Hyundai here) wipers being high quality and long lasting. Although I keep trying for a less expensive alternative. (sighs)
 
My oem 2017 Mazda 6 blades lasted me till a couple weeks ago and 74k miles. Always cleared perfectly…if they ever streaked it was just because the windshield was a little dirty. They just finally ripped. I threw a set of clearance beam blades I got awhile ago and will buy inserts from Mazda next time I’m there, as I’ve never had blades last that long and be quiet and streak free.

**I do use rain-x and avoid using my wipers until it’s absolutely necessary and am very sure not to use them if my glass is icy at all**
 
My oem 2017 Mazda 6 blades lasted me till a couple weeks ago and 74k miles. Always cleared perfectly…if they ever streaked it was just because the windshield was a little dirty. They just finally ripped. I threw a set of clearance beam blades I got awhile ago and will buy inserts from Mazda next time I’m there, as I’ve never had blades last that long and be quiet and streak free.

**I do use rain-x and avoid using my wipers until it’s absolutely necessary and am very sure not to use them if my glass is icy at all**
I am somewhat of a Rain X fan, myself.
 
Has anyone tried the 100% silicone blades? I have not but, have read they do a good job also.
I tried some top end rain-x blade that I think claimed to have silicone it. It introduced u stoppable chatter when used with rain-x or griots on the windshield of my Ford, while working wonderfully on the Lexus. may be sensitive to glass formulation?
 
Any spray on wax will work, some do indicate they are not meant for glass and will introduce chatter.

Looking at you Meguiars Ceramic Hybrid.
 
I agree with trying the oem's, especially for Honda.. I had tried to save money buying aftermarket but when I was visiting the dealer for some parts, thought I'd ask about the price of wipers.. They were around the same price! and... they were streak free because they did fit the contour of the windshield. Many blades don't work well on my 96 civic, and of course I cleaned the glass, etc... It's the pressure on the glass that the aftermarket isn't pressing down enough to follow the curvature!

I usually don't like the stealership but sometimes when a part is good, doesn't matter who makes it!
 
I put one drop of Dawn dishwashing liquid in a gallon of washer fluid…

No streaking, no squeaking, much cleaner…
 
Wiper Blades are cheap at Rock Auto..

Look under your vehicle or look under “Tool And Parts”, “Wiper & Washer” for refills…

Your car may be the cheapest way…

Watch the shipping costs…
 
Through my non scientific and almost surely guesswork opinion, I have found that the wipers that last the longest and streak the least, are factory wipers. I don't know how or why. I do know that all the fancy wipers I've bought at parts stores always seem to streak and chatter in a faster time. And are more expensive. What say ye?

I used to work in a major wiper factory.... Guess where the second rate products go, and who gets the best parts?
 
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