Wiper Blades: Are those new types worth it?

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: Hirev
It rains a bunch here. I've just about given up on aftermarket wipers. None of the aftermarket wipers I've tried over the years are worth a hoot after a year. Most start out OK but 4 - 6 months later the performance drops off considerably.

Have had the poorest results from Bosch and Trico brands over the years.

I've had the best luck with OEM wipers. I usually get 2 to 2 1/2 years out of Toyota OEM wipers.


+1. I have used Trico, Michelin, and another high end aftermarket blade, and have come full circle and gone back to 4.50 a piece Anco blades. They seem to last just as long or longer and are half the price.

Some may disagree, but I found that the silicone blades didn't do any better than cheapo rubber ones, but YMMV.

 

[Colt45ws]

Im using the expensive frameless Michelin ones, in 24" because they went on closeout at WM right after I got my car in march for like $10, IIRC. 22" is what Im supposed to use, but I had heard that 24" would fit. They do, barely. Because the pin hole on these is off center, they have to be installed with the longest part facing out.
Otherwise, I was tempted into them because Michelin are the brand that lasted longest for me previously. So far I like them. Keep it clean and streak free at 70 even.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Got the Tricos I ordered from Amazon. The Innovisions look flimsy. Might install them tomorrow and see how well they work and how long they last. The Neoforms look like a better design. They look similar to the ones that are OEM on the new Corolla.

 

[97prizm]

Byez,

Consumer Reports just released an article on wiper blades and their performance new, and after 6 months. The fifteen blades tested were as follows from best to worst.

Valeo 600 series
Rain X Latitude(The only blade to consistently wipe longer than 6mo)
Anco 31 series
Michelin Rainforce
Anco Contour
Valeo 900 Series
PIAA SUper Silicone (I've had good results with piaa refills)
Bosch Icon
Rain X Weatherbeater (I'm currently using these with good results)
Trico Exact Fit
Michelin HydroEdge
Michelin Optimum
Anco Aerovantage
Trico Teflon Blade
Trico Innovison

Hope this helps give you and idea of what to get. As a note COnsumer Reports said in the article that they didn't see a noticeable advantage when using the beam blade. Although on one of the Volvo Forums The Valeo Ultimate beam blade received excellent reviews Link Valeo review

Hope this helps

 

[Samilcar]

Another thing to consider is the age of the wiper blades before you buy them. Like tires, wiper material degrades if it has sat on a shelf for a decade or longer. I always buy my blades at the busiest big box store in town just to be more assured of getting fresh stock.

It's too bad wipers don't have date codes like tires do.

 

[byez]

Anyone use beam blades in a snowy climate? Cleaning ice off of wiper blades is a common task in winter, if these beam blades did away with this routine they would indeed offer a noticeable advantage to me.

 

[gavinl]

try looking on ebay, there are some new style and 100% silicone wipers listed.

In addition to the beam design, the full silicone blade resist cracking and tearing and definitely outlast conventional rubber blades.