Re: Good windshield wipers?

On 11/5/21 2:51 PM, VanguardLH wrote:
> Wade Garrett <[email protected]> wrote:
> 
>> https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/wiper-blades/buying-guide/index.htm
> 
> I don't see a single brand mentioned in that article, just
> recommendations on types of wipers.  I'm not any respondent is going to
> be totally unbiased in "what's best", and we don't know if the OP does
> any maintenance on his wipers.  How you use them, preparation,
> maintenance, and car of wipers and windshield, weather, and other
> factors influence what you'll buy and how much you'll pay.  You could
> construct wipers made of steel (glass has a high MOH than steel) for
> extremely long longevity, but they would be crap for cleaning.
> 
> There are wipers with silicone blades.  Those last longer than rubber,
> but I've found high-quality rubber beats silicone for cleaner wipes.  No
> matter the material, chips or dents in the blades and grime on the
> blades will degrade performance.  Keep 'em clean.  Don't let them rest
> on debris.  Silicone blades are more expensive.  Silicone lasts longer
> (the claim is twice as long as rubber, but not true, just longer).  They
> swipe better at high speeds (neglecting the presence of a spoiler on the
> wiper arm) than rubber blades, and wipe nearly as well as rubber, but
> silicone typically leaves a haze behind on every swipe.  That's usually
> what pushes me to the higher-quality rubber blades.
> 
> No mention of the OP's weather.  For winter, silicone blades are more
> pliable than rubber, and stick less to freeze to the windshield.  That
> doesn't mean they are uber-durable you can yank them off of an iced over
> windshield.
> 
> Most auto makers still use rubber blades, and most top brands still use
> rubber.  Silicone lasts longest, but rubber swipes better.  To me, a
> longer lasting wiper is less important than one that gives me best
> vision.  If best wiping is not your criteria, go for silicone.  While
> rubber doesn't last as long as silicone, both will have a shorter life
> if you don't regularly clean the blades.  Be careful, though, as some
> brands market them selling silicone blades when what they are really
> selling are rubber blades coated with silicone strips at the edge.  You
> want ALL silicone blades.  Before first use, you should clean the
> silicone blades.  Some come with a cleaning/lube kit you use before
> installing the wipers.  If no prep pack is included, clean using water
> and dish soap (I wouldn't recommend Dawn for cleaning anything on your
> car).  Alternatively, use the ispropyl alcohol I mention in my other
> reply.  Rub several times to get rid of microscopic dirt.
> 
> Beam wipers are very good, especially since there are no bridges as with
> conventional wipers that can freeze up or accumulate mud or snow.  Less
> working parts with beam wipers.  However, I found the Bosch don't press
> as hard in the middle as at the ends, but that could've been just for
> the ones I got.  I've always been on the fence regarding Trico: some are
> good, some are average.  Don't waste your money on Anco.  If you do,
> plan on replacing them early spring and late fall (twice a year).  I've
> had RainX wipers.  They're okay for the blade, but their frame is poor:
> way too easy to pop off when brushing snow off the windshield (they
> disconnect at their pivot connector, not from the wiper arm); however,
> RainX use silicone blades (but you'll have to decide if the smearing on
> swipes is okay for you).
> 
> Beam wipers perform better at highway speeds; i.e., less lift.  With
> beam wipers, you don't have to consider getting snow wipers (for winter
> and snow/ice), but I wouldn't buy those anyway for the conventional
> bridge style wipers as ice builds up inside the cover which prevent the
> bridges from moving to flex the blade.
> 
> Remember your blades are sitting in the hot sun, extreme cold in the
> winter, encounter snow and ice, have to scrape bird poop and bug juice,
> are subject to road grime, and all types will deteriorate.  You can use
> protectorant to extend their life, but it won't be forever.  Cleaning
> them (mentioned in my other reply) will remove grime and debris, so the
> wipers will squeegee much better again.  A lot of drivers think they
> need new wipers, but once cleaned they work very well again.
> 
> You might to watch for sales or rebates.  Good wipers are expensive, and
> when replacing all 3 (driver, passenger, rear), it can pinch you wallet.
> I think I spent $90 (plus tax) last time for all 3.  The store I usually
> get wipers has rebate sales: you buy, you register (use an alias or temp
> e-mail account), and they eventually (months later) send a debit card
> for the rebate amount.
> 
> I haven't mentioned (much) any brands, either, because it depends on how
> much you are willing to spend.  To some drivers, $90 at once is too much
> although the wipers will last 2-3 years, or more, with proper cleaning
> and care.  I prefer buying longer lasting quality than shorter-lived
> cheap stuff.  With sales, those can pressure you into buying and what to
> buy if you were in the mood to buy at the time.
> 
> I've never used hybrid wipers: beam plus bridges.  Can't comment on
> those.  Like beams, hybrids are common in luxury cars.  However, like
> conventional wipers, hybrids have bridges that can get corroded or
> grimed at the pivots.
> 
> Watch for sales or rebates on the high-end wipers, so you're more likely
> to get them instead of the cheap turds down around $10, or less.  And
> get in the habit of cleaning them whether you get rubber or silicone.
> 
My garaged, low mileage, purchased-new, 2016 Toyota Avalon still has its 
OEM blades and they just work fine. I previously owned a 2000 Avalon and 
its blades were equally as good and long-lasting.

Wonder who supplies Toyota's wipers ;-)

-- 
If a man says he will fix it, he will. There’s no need to remind him 
every three months.