When to buy new wipers?

[mp3deviant721]

I didn't know where to put this, so here goes. My wipers seem to be not working all that great. I just put Rain-X on my windshield and the stupid things are always chattering now even when its raining hard. Should I be looking at new wipers? Or is it that the Rain-X is causing this?

 

[LearjetMinako]

It may not be the Rain-X wiper fault. You may have some residue on the windshield. Try cleaning the windshield with some rubbing alcohol.

Chattering wipers usually indicates the wiping blade is dryed out and no longer flips.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Well, I cleaned my windshield and put the Rain-X glass treatment on. Would the rubbing alcohol take it off?

 

[strvger]

yes. if there is also lots of streaking when they are on, then it's time for new blades. and i always opt for the stronger winter blades. worth the extra money in my book, but that's just me.

 

[Daniel_187]

RAIN X sells an addative to dump in the washer fulid tank that is supposed to stop the clatter, I've used it and it works well. I think Wal-mart or any other car parts place would have it. I don't remember the name but it comes in a little bottle

 

[straycat]

I do this about once a month to my blades:
Clean you wiper blades with some mineral spirits. I use the oderless type. Just a small amount on a lightly damp cloth. After you clean them use a non lint type cloth and wipe them with a small amount of soap and water and then wipe them dry. This should clean off any gooky stuff the blades have on them...now if they are old...replace them.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Daniel, I will have to look at that. strvger, is there any difference between winter blades and regular blades? I'm thinking that may be a better option for me as I live in Wisconsin.

 

[The Toolman]

Wiper blades don't last for a few years like they use to. Can't make any $$ when something lasts to long or forever.
When I was young we replaced blades every 3 or 4 years, now I hafta replace them on my trks sometimes twice per year.
Usually the rubber or whatever they make them from now has gotten hard when they chatter.......

 

[OilPatch197]

Trick is to keeping the blades clean. Dirt will act as an abrasive, on the blade and the glass..

 

[jmarshall]

im a blade freak i use a gallon a month of window cleaner and replace my blades every 6 months or so. its worth it to me to be able to see

 

[strvger]

winter blades tend to be a little thicker and stiffer so the ice clears and doesn't cut the rubber so much. at least the good ones work that way. also, the metal frame is more heavy duty. handy when they get banged with the ice scraper so frequently. the rubber covers on the rames are loose so they flap in teh wind and supposedly keep ice from forming on them when you're driving. have mixed feelings about how well they work. at least that has been my experience.

 

[rtg143]

I get the silicon blades and they last about 5 years. Chattering in one direction is definitely the blades.

 

[straycat]

winter blades tend to be a little thicker and stiffer so the ice clears and doesn't cut the rubber so much. at least the good ones work that way. also, the metal frame is more heavy duty. handy when they get banged with the ice scraper so frequently. the rubber covers on the rames are loose so they flap in teh wind and supposedly keep ice from forming on them when you're driving. have mixed feelings about how well they work. at least that has been my experience.

Uhhhh, ice on a windshield? How doe that happen?? Fast food place? lol

 

[snake]

I buy the motorcraft ones- kinda pricey but I'm on my second replacement set in 8 years.

 

[RustedRanger]

I have used the Rain-X but it streaks so much it drives me nuts. Also if you get a crack/chip in the windshield that is fixable(using one of those kits or done professionally)it won't work if you have used Rain-X. It is like a wax and sinks into the crack.