After reading some past threads, I'm about ready to order some Silblades for my MINI. I was wondering if my current windshield products will be ok for use with them. I use RainX washer solution and Invisible Glass (or Meguiars NXT glass cleaner when I can find it) for cleaning. I've seen a couple people say that Silicone blades work best on untreated glass and to just clay bar the glass to clean it. What do you guys think? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Silicone wiper blade are the least affected by chemicals, so whatever you treat your glass with is not likely to harm them.

I'd say just do what you've been doing if you like the results.

 

SilBlades look like a "no brainer" investment. However I noticed on their site that they don't have the Mini's listed...any thoughts?

 

My Silblades have not lasted anywhere near the guaranteed five years, but I still think they are a very good value.

During the winter, when I was using RainX in the washer reservoirs, things seemed to smear a lot when I used the wipers. Now that I am using the little 303 tablets, I do not seem to have that problem.

Having said that, I am still not really sure if Silblades and RainX windshield washer solution are compatible or not. Note that the RainX windshield treatment is a different product, and I do not know if it plays nice with Silblades or not.

 

Hmm, their website doesn't show Minis as being available from their online store. Is some other place recommended to buy from? Is this a whole arm replacement or just a refill?

 

I don't think it matters much where you buy them... directly from the manufacturer website or elsewhere. I personally bought them from the manufacturer directly because I figured that if I have any problems with them then it'll likely be easier having gone through them to buy them.

When you buy them from the manufacturer, it is the whole arm (not the entire wiper assembly of course, but the arm that holds the blade). It isn't just a blade refill.

I would phone them about the MINI version. When I called them (quite some time ago now) they were very helpful with make/model questions.

Finally, I think Silblades are amazing! I'm testing them on 3 different vehicles and it's year #3... they're holding up great and work much better than regular blades (and better than the PIAA ones too, IMO).

-Heather

 

I got mine on Amazon. 18 and 19" for the front, and 12" for the rear. None are specified for Mini, but those are the sizes. Be warned that many people have had trouble getting the rear blade to stay on, as it is quite a different design. Mine has stayed put just fine.

 

what are the 303 tablets you mentioned?

 

I just checked the Silblade site: What is the diff between Silblade and Flexblade.?....and the winter blade with the bootover it, has anyone tried that and does it look decent enough to just be left on year round?

 

http://www.303products.com/tech/inde...Product_ID=371

 

which reminds me, i need to replace the inserts on my legacy this weekend.

i hear SNOW tomorrow?! i knew there was going to be another
storm before it was done.

 

I don't remember the diff between the Silblade and the Flexblade; however, I've experienced the winter blade version of the Silblade. I put a set on my Dad's truck in upstate New York. I put the regular/non-winter Silblades on my brother's Subaru. Both vehicles see alot of winter use and are driven frequently.

My conclusion is that the winter blade is quite bulky and ugly looking (although no more than any covered style winter blade) and doesn't provide any real benefit over the regular Silblade. After a couple of winters now, the Silblade on my brother's car has worked just as well, hasn't hardened in cold temps (well, with a few very extreme exceptions), and has held up just as well as the winter Silblade. So, for the ugly look of the winter Silblade, I'd pass on it and just go with the regular one.

-Heather

 

Thanks guys. I'll try my current repertoire and see if I have any streaking issue; then adjust if necessary.