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The thing is, the original question was what the best replacement blade was. The Valeo Ultimate is an integrated arm/blade unit. But didn't I clearly state I used Valeo up there?
Wiper blades
- Thread starter DR
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$55 wiper blades? Wow, they must be really good.quote:
Originally posted by Colt:
What ever you do don't buy them from a GM dealer.
I dropped my GP at the dealer for some warranty trans work and the wife called and asked them to install new wiper blades.
I buy Bosch blades at $11 ea.
The GM dealer charged us $22.51 each blade and $9.60 to install them.
Needless to say I was not too happy with the wife.
She didn't think the blades would be a high priced item.
"You can find a better product, but you woln't pay more."
Ah, we all get zinged once in a while.
We don't have a garage, so the blades on our cars are exposed to the elements 100% of the time. The cold and ice in the winter, and the heat during the summer seem both seem to make the blades hard. I'm lucky to get 6 months out of a set of blades. I've tried the Bosch blades a couple of times and think they harden faster than anything. I bought a new Cadillac 8 months ago and the blades on it are holding up well. I might stick with OEM from now on (but I'll put them on myself).
I just installed a set of 'PIAA Super Silicone' blades 2 weeks ago. As advertised, the blades do indeed coat the windshield w/silicone and water just flys off. Even washer fluid won't penetrate the coating. We'll see how long the blades actually last.
I recently installed them on my STi, and thus far I'm very impressed with them. I initially saw them for sale on Tire Rack's website. But their price turned me off and I searched around online for them.
I ran across a review of them from a Volvo message board:
http://www.v70xc.com/features/ultimate_wiper_blade/
I used that same discount code mentioned in the review to purchase them from the distributor. They're still pricey, and the rubber blade portion can't be replaced, but I still like them as they do an excellent job.
More info available here:
http://www.ultimatewiperblade.com/
I had best luck with Trico. Bosch is good at first but deteriorates rather quickly. Usually by the end of the first year they torn from the "faster" side.
No garage, no shade, rather mild but rainy winter, little snow. Trico lasts as much as three years, plus they're still cheap. For now I settled with them.
No garage, no shade, rather mild but rainy winter, little snow. Trico lasts as much as three years, plus they're still cheap. For now I settled with them.
I have heard good things about www.silblade.com. Solid silicon blade. I think Amazon has them at a disounted price. $11.99.
Use Rain-X on all the outside glass (especially the front windsheild & rear window).
I like to use Trico Teflon Blades; both the the regular version & the winter version.
For Canadians: See Canadian Tire for MotoMaster Teflon Blades.
I like to use Trico Teflon Blades; both the the regular version & the winter version.
For Canadians: See Canadian Tire for MotoMaster Teflon Blades.
I can't speak for all of the new-style blades, but the Valeo Ultimate blades I have do not allow for a rubber-insert replacement. This is my only complaint about these blades.
An update. The Canadian Tire winter blades cover has pretty much deteriorated right back into the dust it came from. The ANCO blade looks great. Both are working as well as new (but remember I had to chuck one CT wiper soon after purchase and moved the remaining blade to the other side where it worked better)
GO ANCO
Steve
GO ANCO
Steve
Same here in Florida! I recently switched from my OEMs to Rain-X wipers also, they work well, but they kinda chatter...Id like to know what that stuff is that youre supposed to wipe on blades to keep them from doing so.(Ive seen some blades actually come with this stuff, kind of a foil wet nap packet)...anybody know what Im talkin about?
I do know what you're talking about, I'm not sure exactly what those wiper-wipes have on them, it might just be rubbing alcohol or something similar. I've heard some people just use some washer fluid on a paper towel to clean their wipers, you might want to try that.
I also found this "303 Wiper Blade Treatment" product with a Google search for wiper blade treatment:
http://store.bettercarcare.com/303-30336.html
I've never used the product, but their 303 Aerospace Protectant product is felt by many to be the best rubber/vinyl treatment product, so I think it's a safe bet that this poduct works well too.
I recall seeing some sort of wiper blade "sharpener" type product in the past, but can't recall where or who made it. I think it was similar to a knife-sharpener in that it would help to "freshen" the wiper blades by creating a clean, new surface on the blade by removing a bit of the blade.
Another possible solution for you is to try and get your windshield as clean as possible, you might want to try a "deep cleaning" glass product such as the "Diamondite Glass Cleaning System":
http://www.autogeek.net/diglclsykit.html
Others have had good luck using a claybar on their windshield to help remove contaminants. I've had decent luck with a RainX Glass Polish product (I don't think they sell it anymore), while I've also heard people that have used Bon-Ami cleanser to hep "deep clean" their windshield.
I just bought an '05 Pontiac GXP and the OEM wipers were terrible. Lots of chatter unless it was pouring rain.
I got fed up and bought some Trico Teflon blades. They were a major improvement but still not a perfect swipe nor were they totally quiet.
Finally I purchased Trico Innovisions and they are perfect. There is absolutely no chatter even when dry and each swipe completely removes the rain without any residual streaks.
I highly recommend these Innovision blades. The design looks superior as it distributes the pressure evenly accross the entire blade. I just hope they hold up well. Cost was about $12/ea.
I got fed up and bought some Trico Teflon blades. They were a major improvement but still not a perfect swipe nor were they totally quiet.
Finally I purchased Trico Innovisions and they are perfect. There is absolutely no chatter even when dry and each swipe completely removes the rain without any residual streaks.
I highly recommend these Innovision blades. The design looks superior as it distributes the pressure evenly accross the entire blade. I just hope they hold up well. Cost was about $12/ea.
davefr: Those Trico Innovision blades look very similar to the Valeo Ultimate blades I've been using (and continue to be very impressed with!)
More info on the Trico's here:
http://www.tricoproducts.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2838&location_id=65
Sounds like the price is right on them too...especially considering what I paid for my Valeo's.
More info on the Trico's here:
http://www.tricoproducts.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2838&location_id=65
Sounds like the price is right on them too...especially considering what I paid for my Valeo's.
I like triple edge silcone wipers. They have a lifetime garentee that says if the wipers ever fail to clean the windshield properly and ever wear out for the life of the car they will give you new ones free. You can buy them Wal-Mart for around $6.00-$8.00.
I settled on Trico blades awhile back, switched to the Teflon, went back to the regular ones last year, but will probably go back to the Teflon as they seem to hold up better, even if they aren't 'perfect'. The newer models sound good though, so I may try those too.
I like the cheapo inserts from WallyWorld. I take a look at 'em beginning of rainy season and stick a new pair on if they look like getting a little tired. Maybe every other year. But I got rain-x on the windshield, so I only hit the wiper on for a sweep or two every once in a while unless its really coming down or got splashed by a truck.
They say it rains a lot here near Tacoma, WA; but having lived in Philippines, Guam, & Panama for sevearl years each, I'm much not impressed with the rain here at all.
If you're going to use BonAmi; use the "cleaning powder" (yellow container,not real easy to find) rather than the "Cleanser" (shiny gold container, says do not use on windows or mirrors)
My$0.02
They say it rains a lot here near Tacoma, WA; but having lived in Philippines, Guam, & Panama for sevearl years each, I'm much not impressed with the rain here at all.
If you're going to use BonAmi; use the "cleaning powder" (yellow container,not real easy to find) rather than the "Cleanser" (shiny gold container, says do not use on windows or mirrors)
My$0.02
Ah yes, you are correct...thanks for setting me straight.
They sell Trico, Bosch and Roberk blades at work, regular Tricos are good all-around so we tend to sell the most of those. Bosch are OK, but they cost a little more, and if you are going to get the Bosch Excels, you might as well get Trico Teflons. Roberk are junky plastic blades, but they are very cheap and move rain out of your way.
I personally like the Trico Teflons, but typical blades don't work well (read: grip the glass) on my Impala. So, on cars where traditional blades don't cut the mustard, I can't recommend Trico Innovisions (or their Canadian equivalent) highly enough. They rock. Of course, I currently have to order them, as we don't stock them. Which is annoying, but given their price I imagine most people would continue to opt for regular blades.
Edit: Tricos come with little alcohol cleaning cloths, which is great for cleaning up the rubber.
I personally like the Trico Teflons, but typical blades don't work well (read: grip the glass) on my Impala. So, on cars where traditional blades don't cut the mustard, I can't recommend Trico Innovisions (or their Canadian equivalent) highly enough. They rock. Of course, I currently have to order them, as we don't stock them. Which is annoying, but given their price I imagine most people would continue to opt for regular blades.
Edit: Tricos come with little alcohol cleaning cloths, which is great for cleaning up the rubber.
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