How often to replace wiper blades?

T

truzoom

I still use terry cloth
Just wondering if you guys go by a set schedule or just by 'whenever needed'. I'm still using the same wiper blades that came with my truck (almost 3 years I think), and except for the occasional chattering in cold weather, they seem to be working fine. Also, do you go with OEM blades from the dealership, or do you get the xx brand from Autozone or Wal Mart?
 
The blades from the dealer seem to last longer. I have always in the past used Anco wipers, but they dont seem to last long anymore. So now i get them from the dealer and they seem to have more stamina.
truzoom said:
Just wondering if you guys go by a set schedule or just by 'whenever needed'. I'm still using the same wiper blades that came with my truck (almost 3 years I think), and except for the occasional chattering in cold weather, they seem to be working fine. Also, do you go with OEM blades from the dealership, or do you get the xx brand from Autozone or Wal Mart?
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It really depends on use or lack of use. Sometimes if they are allowed to sit and don't get any moisture on them, they will dry out and get hard. If they are in use and get some water on them occasionally they will last a little longer. If you treat them with some window cleaner, it will keep them flexible and make them last longer. A clean/smooth windshield also helps increase their efficiency. Hope this helps.
 
Unforunately, most of us probably don't replace them nearly as often as we should. I do try to replace them annually, but find that I sometimes forget and and up changing them because of streaking, chattering or some other malfunction. Luckily, I have never damaged a windshield because of a bad wiper blade, but I have seen quite a few that have been damaged.
FWIW, I don't use OEM blades. I have used Anco, Trico, Rain-X, and Bosch wiper blades and I honestly can't tell any difference in the performance of them.
The Bosch Micro Excell were very highly recommended, but didn't seem any better than the much cheaper Anco. :dunno
My recent purchase have been determined by what brand was in stock that would fit the vehicle the day I was ready to buy.

Charles
 
I replace mine when needed. I have only had my car for a year and i replaced them after i got the car. I got mine from napa. I think they were $20 for the set and they seem to work great and hold together in one piece.

Greg
 
I believe the blades from dealers are the best you can get. Most use Anco blades but arent the same as the ones sold at auto parts chains. Why, I have no idea but when you look in the owners manual it will probably say Anco and the size. It will cost you a little bit more but who wants to sacrafice vision especially on a rainy day. Just a note, in my past experience, refills do not work as well as the original. As far as time to change, I change mine when the wiper blades drag across the windshield or do not preform well.
 
i use anco bosch or trico all seem to preform well for me. i also keep a new set in the trunk so i have them when i need them since they are just a snap to change and i dont get stuck in the middle of nowhere on a dark and rainy night with blades that have stopped performing .
 
I used to use the "best" a store had, but I didn't see them lasting much longer than others. I change them when I see a drop in perfomance that boarders on hazardous. :eek I've also used wiper treatments from 303 and Prestone to help prolong there use by cleaning off the residue before it "kills" the blade. (I found these treatments work ok for maint. but not for "restoration.").

The only 2 types of blades that come to mind that were terrible, were those 1: "miracle" triple edge blades. They seemd to work great to start, but they didn't last long at all. (Used a few years ago, so maybe-if they are still around-they've gotten better.) and 2: those "2 blades on 1 arm" deals. I haven't tried them, but people I know have and the frames were plastic (broke in the cold) and they seemed to always be streaking. But then I guess they put up with the streaking for the "Bling" of "chromed" wipers. :nono
 
probegt said:
I believe the blades from dealers are the best you can get. Most use Anco blades but arent the same as the ones sold at auto parts chains. Why, I have no idea but when you look in the owners manual it will probably say Anco and the size. It will cost you a little bit more but who wants to sacrafice vision especially on a rainy day. Just a note, in my past experience, refills do not work as well as the original. As far as time to change, I change mine when the wiper blades drag across the windshield or do not preform well.
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Trico was it, not anco. My mistake.
 
Has anyone tried the Silblades? They're supposed to work great because they're silicone instead of rubber. I'd say that they're worth a try. A bit pricey at nearly $20 a blade, but warranted for 5 years.
 
tubafeak said:
Has anyone tried the Silblades? They're supposed to work great because they're silicone instead of rubber. I'd say that they're worth a try. A bit pricey at nearly $20 a blade, but warranted for 5 years.
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I agree that they are worth a try. Please do so and report back your findings.:)

Charles
 
On a serious note.
It really seems like a regular replacement schedule would be the best way to be sure you don't have a problem at a very inconvenient time.
The schedule probably would need to be tailored to each individuals needs. Vehicles that are out in the elements 24/7 would likely need new blades much more often than those that are garaged regularly. Whether you can park in the sun or shade would be a factor.
IMO, the sun is the worst hazard anything rubber or plastic faces. With all our vehicle being garaged at night, I think I might start making new blades part of my winter preparation. The sun baked ones are probably not like new anymore.
Of course, in the spring, the ones that had all the ice and freezing weather have probably seen better days. Maybe I should change in the spring. Maybe I should change spring and fall. Maybe change to winter blades for the winter and change back to the regular ones in the spring. Maybe I should go find something to do.:D

This could be as bad as tryng to decide which wax is best.

Charles
 
Usually once a year on my personal vehicles and twice a year on my work truck . Thats only do to the amount of miles I drive per year. I buy them from the Auto parts store , Pepboys , Auto Zone or Walmart ,etc etc
 
In regards to the sil blades, i 've used them for the last year and found them to function well when raining hard, and when you get a mist effect on the windshield, they may drag a little, i compare the effect to a squegee across the windshield.On the durability side i would say that they are worth the price. I have'nt worn any out yet, so i can't say how long they will last?
Hope that helps a little.
 
I replace mine whenever I get around to it. I don't use my wipers as often as others since I always tend to have some product on the windshield to help bead the water.
 
I put NXT on my windshield and barely need to use the wipers. Last night it was pouring out, had the wipers on the lowest setting.
 
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