Wiper Blades

[marcre]

Originally Posted By: ahoier
Funny you mention "OEM blades" - Kia apparantly doesn't have "OEM" as in, "factory" blades, they just put RainX Weatherbeater's on the cars. At least that's what the shop tech told me, and that's all they offer/sell.


Interesting. I really just meant whatever came with my car. I'm going to go with those again. They seem to have been great for me.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: defektes
Originally Posted By: Ike_Clanton
Does anyone else buy oversize blades because you can't stand the gaps at the top of the windshield etc?

The Lincoln calls for 18" blades on both sides, but I now use a 22" on the driver's side and a 24" on the other. No gaps.


I used to do that on our 98 taurus, looked ridiculous though when you shut the car off and theres 5" of wiper sticking out.


I do that as well.

When I work at repair shops, I hold up replacement wipers against the windshield, and see what I can fit.

This is also a lifesaver when certain sizes are out of stock.

 

[Bror Jace]

Love my Michelin frameless blades.

http://www.wiperoffer.com/wbinfo.htm

I've had them for over a year now ... still work great. Yes, I clean the rubber strip 3-4 times per year with rubbing alcohol. I doubt that makes them last longer.

Blades tend to fail (streak at the edges) when the rubber strip begins to tear/separate. The whole rubber strip is actually a very long, very thin hinge. This will dry out, get worn and start to rip ... again, at the edges first. There's no way to avoid this.