Household Debate-wiper blades

Having a household debate regarding windshield wipers.

How often do you change your wiper blades?

What brand blades do you use?

Just curious...

 

New to Toyota here, but on our Honda and Acura I buy oem inserts from Honda. Maybe replace them once a year while applying rain-x to the windshield as well. Perhaps being in Florida we have less wear and tear on the rubber.

 

Bright sunlight in FL will wear them out sooner, not later. UV rays will break down any rubber, including your tires. In Northern climates, or if kept garaged wipers can last several years. I change mine when they start streaking. At least once per year and usually more often.

I'm not brand loyal. I stay away from the cheapest and most expensive and pick up some at Walmart or a parts store as needed.

 

The rain-x lattitudes or higher end trico blades have a better rubber compound that'll resist wear and sun rot

 

What is on from factory?

 

Rain X have always treated me well. Have a set on my Jeep that have been good for 5 years.

 

I have toyota service install new blades once a year.

 

I get new wipers when the old ones start leaving streaks or misses , isn't that how everybody does it ?

 

PIAA Sporza wipers. I had them on my 2008 (bought 2010) and swapped them onto my 2012 at the dealer. I have only changed the refills once. The passenger's side was changed 2 years ago and the driver's side this week (actually tomorrow).

They are not expensive when you factor in how long they last... and how well they work.

http://www.piaa.com/store/c/29-Super-Sporza-Silicone.aspx

 

I install oem blade inserts every 6 months. Cheap maintenance for clear visibility.

 

If you clean your blades with soap and water. Then wipe them with isopropyl alcohol. Then silicone lube. The blades will last for years.

 

I normally charge mine when it is pouring rain and I can't see. Run into a parts store , go to the gas station under the cover and roll out.

 

Unless they freeze to the windshield , that what usually puts tears / nicks in mine

 

Thanks guys. So here's the debate: I change my wipers when they need it, which has typically been every 2-3 years. I use OEM only, unless the car is valued at less than 10k, then I use the cheapest I can find (that works decently). My in laws change at 6 months (need them or not). I told them I had never heard of that frequency, but now I have. Funny. Thanks for all the posts.

 

Your in-laws are smart people. I also replace my tires before they are bald.

 

I change wiper blades every 6 months. The Georgia sun is just as hard on them as the winter.

 

Granted while the Suns UV rays can breakdown the rubber and I honestly don't know how long that takes, but feels longer than a year to me, living north with an area that gets a lot of ice and snowfall I have to change mine atleast once a year. Even remote starting my vehicles and trying to dethaw my windshield before driving the ice and snow beat the rubber up. I don't see the sun taking a toll that fast on the wipers. Guess I'll ask my relatives who live there how often they have to change there

Anyways it's always a personal preference. I've seen many people wait 3-4 years. I'm actually kinda anal about my windshield and like it as clear as possible. I prefer the beam blade style over the conventional. Seem to be a lot more efficient. Especially with the snow

 

$27 Silblade WB124S Premium Black Silicone Wiper Blade, 24" (Pack of 1)

http://www.amazon.com/Silblade-WB12...id=1453899551&sr=8-1&keywords=silicone+wipers

SilBlade FLX 2221 Premium Beam Wiper Blade Set - 22"/21"

http://www.amazon.com/SilBlade-2221...?srs=2600524011&ie=UTF8&qid=1453900105&sr=8-2

Living in the wet part of Washington state, I rely on my wipers. When the OEM blades wear out, I will be replacing them with the Silblade. I have used these for years with great success.

PS: I have not measured yet, but I am guessing that the sizes are still 22 and 21 inches?

 

Or if the dry rot or tear.

 

I just stop in at O'Reilly's or Auto Zone and buy the Bosch blades because they either have a buy one get one free or a mail in rebate. Plus they put the wiper blades on the truck in any weather condition.