Wiper Blade Survey

[rangerbum]

Can't think of the exact model name but they are made by michelin, you can get them at target. The kind that are curved without the pressure springs. Last ridiculously long(3+ years) and will clear anything on the windshield without a streak. Even blood(roadkill deer).

 

[GoodOld85BlueBalls]

that anyone would TRY try to run wipers that long disturbs me...


I consider "gimic" blades to be just that, "gimic".

I generally use Anco blades. Bosch wipe a little better, but seem to wear out faster.

even manually applying rain-x the old fashioned way AND using rain-x washer fluid I think blades should be replaced every 6-9 months.

Yea, I could'nt agree with you more that the "Cheep-O" blades need to be replaced every 6+ months. I used to run the Anco snow blades and they used to last up to two seasons. I bought a set for the wifes van and they went to crap after three months, they bent over one way and would not wipe in the opposite direction. I believe they don't make the rubber like they used to.

As far as "gimic" blades go the rain-x blades have been amazing and "DO" last a year and a half.

You don't replace your tires when their half worn out do you???

 

[3.0ranger1227]

I have had the Rain-x latitude ones for 2 full years, no streaking and no skipping. best blades I've ever had. my previous ones were a set of duralast that lasted about 6 months

 

[aids]

pep boys has a buy one get one free going on for anco wipers. just got some 18" for my ranger a couple days ago but the end of the blade probably about 1 inch, it doesnt even touch the windsheild. $17 for 2 wipers but the last inch doesnt touch.

 

[4x4junkie]

I wasn't too impressed with Anco myself, I had been using Bosch Micro-Edge (?) I think they were called (had some graphite impregnation in the rubber I guess to help them glide better). Unfortunately I've had no luck finding them any more (or ANY "refill" type blades for that matter) everyone wants to sell you whole damn blade assemblies individually for 3× the price rather than a pair of just the rubber insert part that wears out

Those Bosch blades always lasted me a year with excellent performance, and still decent performance the following year.
I was forced to buy Goodyear (whole) blades at Costco this last time, but I haven't got a chance to try them, so no report yet (they seem well-made though just looking at them)

 

[CaseyVR6]

I wasn't too impressed with Anco myself, I had been using Bosch Micro-Edge (?) I think they were called (had some graphite impregnation in the rubber I guess to help them glide better). Unfortunately I've had no luck finding them any more

Check www.RockAuto.com for the wipers. Honestly, they have some of the best prices I've found and the list they have was the final inspiration for taking the poll.

So far it looks like Bosh and Rain-X are the leaders, with the more enthusiastic support going to the Rain-X blades.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

im using anco contours, theyre the curved spring steel style with the air foil on them. i think any brand that uses this design is going to be better than a conventional hinged blade just becuase they are able to wrap around the glass better.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I use the Rain-X. Not the "flex" blades or anyting like that..just the regular looking blades. They're actually the cheaper ones around here and I buy them from the local gas station.

6 months would be the time to change any blade really.

 

[adsm08]

Bosch makes awesome blades. Problem is I can buy a PAIR of Motorcraft premiums for less than I'd pay for ONE Bosch.

 

[superds]

I've used a variety of blades over the years, brands sometimes varying based on where I worked. When I worked at a Ford dealership years ago I always bought the Motorcraft replacement inserts (rubber piece only) for a few dollars and was very happy with them; they lasted a long time before becoming streaky and always wiped clean.

I moved on to another job and they sold Bosch among others. I bought the Bosch and they worked well but wouldn't last beyond about 6 months, making them too expensive compared to the Motorcrafts I was previously using.

I've also used Trico, Napa, and Anco more recently. Anco are ok. I still rank Motorcraft the highest but I often go with the Trico blades because I think they offer similar performance to the Motorcraft without having to go to the dealership.

 

[4x4junkie]

Check www.RockAuto.com for the wipers. Honestly, they have some of the best prices I've found and the list they have was the final inspiration for taking the poll.

Yeah, I checked there before. Seems all they have are whole friggin blades, no replacement rubber inserts.
The Bosch Micro Edge is still there, but it's a whole blade now for $5.43 where I used to be able to buy a package of two Micro-Edge inserts at Autozone for $6.49 (which I know Rockauto would then sell for probably $3.99 lol). Oh well, more wiper frames in our landfills I guess...

The Goodyear ones I got are called "Assurance". IIRC they were about $7 each at Costco. I don't see them on Rockauto's page though.

 

[dirttrackracer]

on my 78" f150 its wipers are 8years old lol

 

[AgPete139]

OK, wow. I just stopped reading around post #20.

You're right in summarizing which is more preferred. I have the Contour blades and they work great. RainX is a good product, and I have used them before with average results.

I'm one of those "Texas" drivers previously mentioned, and my blades last about 1.5-2 years (maybe more/less, I just replace them when performance begins to suck). Also, as preventative maintenance, I treat my wipers with a rubber care & protectant. It works and keeps the blades soft (I do pay $20/wiper, but it's definitely worth it and the vision +safety is great). We detail a lot of cars, and my Ranger gets the wiper treatment periodically. This process doesno't leave streaks or makes the blades oily either, for you naysayers.

Also, it is true about some cars and the sun+heat drying out your wipers. I thought that comment was funny.

http://www.superiorcarcare.net/pbtr16.html

http://store.carcareonline.com/rubberandvinylcare.aspx


But, for the Countours and other curved blades, they do help at speeds over 55 mph, they clean mud off of my windshield with only a few mud streaks left behind each wipe, and the Bosch that is on my father's E36 Bimmer work just as well.

I've only driven in the rain with the Contour & the Bosch, but they peform well.

Also, I've run the Anco brand. It'll work, but after a while it gets annoying and you need to replace them frequently. And they are poorly contructed, and I've had used ones rip apart after a few months of abuse. I don't like seeing the blade flipsides or flop around on my windshield. Before you know it, you'll have metal trying to claw its way through your windshield to you.

Just my $0.02.



Enjoy.

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

I wasn't too impressed with Anco myself, I had been using Bosch Micro-Edge (?) I think they were called (had some graphite impregnation in the rubber I guess to help them glide better). Unfortunately I've had no luck finding them any more (or ANY "refill" type blades for that matter) everyone wants to sell you whole damn blade assemblies individually for 3× the price rather than a pair of just the rubber insert part that wears out

Those Bosch blades always lasted me a year with excellent performance, and still decent performance the following year.
I was forced to buy Goodyear (whole) blades at Costco this last time, but I haven't got a chance to try them, so no report yet (they seem well-made though just looking at them)

I used to run Bosch Micro-Edge Excels until I decided to try the Bosch Icons once on a whim.

I now run them exclusively, on all vehicles.

I change them out on 1 April and 1 November each year, after cleaning the windshield with 5:1 Simple Green and buffing with 0000 steel wool.

 

[kcm1582]

I use Peak Optix blades. They work well, last 8-10 months, and are about $11 each at BJ's.

Any beam style blade will give you the best performance. They cost a little more but are worth it.