I've been using Silblades for about a year and a half, and they are definitely starting to smear. The odd thing is that unlike normal blades gone bad (and I've had plenty of those on my MINI!), these don't smear all the time.

The first mystery is how one makes good on the five year warranty. I saved my proofs of purchase, but none of em tell me who to call. Also, am I supposed to remove all my wipers and wait for new ones to show up some day? That sounds like I need to buy wipers before I get wipers.

The second mystery is whether there is really something wrong with the blades. Like I said, they do not smear all the time. And they don't seem to act like traditional style worn out blades usually act. Are there some products, like RainX or 303, that just should not be used with silicone wiper blades? I have seen some rather cryptic posts to that effect, but I am not sure I understand just what the issue is here.

Advice?

 

I never use rainx because it starts to come off the first time you use your wipers. I would try clay baring the window and then wiping off your wipers. There could just be some buildup.

 

Claying the glass is a good idea, plus I think you could use a silicone spray like WD-40 on the blades.

Mark

 

RainX has always lasted a long time for me. The silicone spray idea is VERY interesting. I suppose I should dig out some old claybar as well. Never really thought of using it on glass, but I cannot see how it might hurt.

But does anyone know of products that specifically should NOT be used with silicone blades?

 

Gasoline, acetone, ketchup, or catchup

Claying does work very well I use soapy water as lub.

Mark

 

I was going to be nice. Fire was the first thing that came to my mind.

 

A couple of questions, do you still have the original package? If not just go to a store than sells than and look where to contact. I have Tripledge Blade so have a website and they also came with instructions on warranty issues.

Hope this helps.

 

I have the proof of purchase, and have never seen them in stores. Got em off of an Amazon vendor that seems no longer to exist. Silblade seems to say to send em to them, but gives no clue that I have found as to where that is.

I spent a ton of time today changing plugs and detailing a filthy engine compartment. I cleaned the glass, twice, but never took the claybar from the package. Tomorrow?

 

I thought WD-40 is a penetrating oil, meaning very very thin oil, and not a silicone product

 

As a general rule, you should never use anything at all on silicone blades. They are very sensitive to just about everything and the smallest amount of rubber dressing or anything else can permanently damage them.

Remember, most typical products you use on blades are for rubber blades only. Silicone blades are completely different and are extremely sensitive.

Having said that, as long as you can resist the temptation to put anything on your silicone blades, they are truly amazing, IMO! My favorite brand is the Silblade, which sounds like you have.

Most of the silicone brands I know of state in their warranty that if you use anything other than the products they specifically recommend on the blades, then you have voided your warranty. I can't remember for sure off the top of my head, but I think most of them say to only use rubbing alcohol, but don't quote me because I'm not 100% sure.

So, as long as you haven't used anything that would void the warranty on your Silblades, Silblade the manufacturer will replace your blades for free and with no hassle. Here is their website, which has contact info: www.silblade.com

Good luck!

Heather

 

My experience over many vehicles and many years is simply.. RainX works great with 100% RUBBER blades... Anything other than rubber will start to "chatter"... Silicone or composite blades should wipe untreated glass just fine...

 

Heather,

Thanks for the response. Looking forward to receiving my next order, and wish you'd get those OXO tire dressing applicators back in stock.

I've used the 303 wipes often on the Silblades. RainX washer fluid, and occasionally as glass treatment. Claybarred the glass the other day, which helped. Getting a new clutch at the moment (94000 miles) so can't experiment today).

I cannot find the terms of the Silblade warranty anywhere, and don't recall seeing any warnings or restrictions in it. Does anyone know where it is?

Should I try cleaning them with rubbing alcohol?

 

Me too! OXO is being a major pain right now. They apparently have no idea where our shipment is. It's been my daily headache for quite some time now.

We're working on it though! I'll post here on NAM when we finally get them in our hands so anyone waiting on them will know they're on their way to customers and others can finally order them again.

My sincere apologies for the long delay! We really do appreciate your patience.

-Heather

 

their website is messed up a bit. Too bad. It looks like a good thing. they even have their own glass treatment, I guess it is like a rainx. That would be interesting to test out as a complete system.... I see they also have the Boot type blades. My oem mini's didnt have that of course and were unusable until the ice eventually came out of them.

 

I've been thinking of getting silicone blades, but this co. doesn't seem to make them for MINIs? Any suggestions?

 

Just order one 18" and one 19". The rear blade is a 12", but be warned that not everyone can get that one to install. The rear blade may be why they don't offer a complete "kit" for the MINI.

 

Is there a way to order them online by size? The "choose your vehicle" menu is less than helpful...

 

I got mine on Amazon.com. Lower prices, though a bit slow on delivery, if memory serves. Most sizes and colors available there.

I just checked, and it looks like prices on Amazon are higher than I paid. Not sure if it is the same vendor that was slow on my delivery or not.

 

I just found them here at a good price:

http://www.automotiveinteriors.com/a..._flexblade.htm

 

I went to the siliblade website a few weeks ago to order them and also found there was no kit for the MINI. However, 5 minutes on the phone with a very helpful young lady, and my blades were on their way.

It's nice talking to a human being every now and then

BB

 

Prices are a little lower still on Amazon, and shipping is free. Then again, that Silbead windshield treatment is interesting. It is not clear if RainX is OK with Silblades or not, but it seems reasonable to assume that Silbead and Silblades will play nice with each other.

I should say again that even though my Silblades have not lasted nearly as long as everyone elses, I still think they are good value. If I ever get off my duff and call Silblade and successfully get them replaced under warranty, I will think they are even better.

 

My Silblades (Flexblade type) arrived yesterday and I installed them today. I was surprised at how bulky the apparatus is compared to the OEM (or the passenger one is, anyway...the driver's side one is pretty comparable I guess.

This post is sort of pointless because it's now almost May in CA and I probably won't get to try them out for quite some time...but they look good and the apparatus appears to hold them very well against the windshield, unlike my OEMs which were starting to lift.

They install very easily on the regular hook. I can see though, after looking at them, how the boot one would be an issue. The attachment on the boot one is a little odd...I couldn't figure out how it would go on, actually.