R50/53 Wiper blades, any better than OEM?
#1
#3
If the OEM are still free, you might as well stick with those for now. Some people like PIAA and Silblades and I think they're more durable. Often, aftermarket blades do not make good contact on the edges of the windscreen. So if you're OCD, you might want to stay stock.
Out of the 3 or 4 aftermarket blades I tried out, I did find that the Rain-X make the best contact and the least amount of noise.
Out of the 3 or 4 aftermarket blades I tried out, I did find that the Rain-X make the best contact and the least amount of noise.
Last edited by 115hp; 07-22-2007 at 11:04 AM. Reason: added text
#5
I started using the Bosch Icons a year ago, and I'm hooked. They don't make perfect contact at the bottom of the windshield on the passenger side, but on the plus side, due to the shape of the outside (forward) part of the blade, they don't lift at high speed. They are very pricy, but I think they're worth it.
For what it's worth, windshield-wiper blades don't really last more than 6 months or so, at least in New England. Between the acid rain, road salt, and all the other crappola on the roads, I'm surprised they last that long. I don't cut orners in 3 areas; tires, brakes, and wipers. Ya gotta go, ya gotta stop, and ya gotta see!
For what it's worth, windshield-wiper blades don't really last more than 6 months or so, at least in New England. Between the acid rain, road salt, and all the other crappola on the roads, I'm surprised they last that long. I don't cut orners in 3 areas; tires, brakes, and wipers. Ya gotta go, ya gotta stop, and ya gotta see!
#7
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#8
I started using the Bosch Icons a year ago, and I'm hooked. They don't make perfect contact at the bottom of the windshield on the passenger side, but on the plus side, due to the shape of the outside (forward) part of the blade, they don't lift at high speed. They are very pricy, but I think they're worth it.
For what it's worth, windshield-wiper blades don't really last more than 6 months or so, at least in New England. Between the acid rain, road salt, and all the other crappola on the roads, I'm surprised they last that long. I don't cut orners in 3 areas; tires, brakes, and wipers. Ya gotta go, ya gotta stop, and ya gotta see!
For what it's worth, windshield-wiper blades don't really last more than 6 months or so, at least in New England. Between the acid rain, road salt, and all the other crappola on the roads, I'm surprised they last that long. I don't cut orners in 3 areas; tires, brakes, and wipers. Ya gotta go, ya gotta stop, and ya gotta see!
#9
#11
SnYpR, the blades you refer to are the Bosch Icons. RainX supposedly has the same design, but I don't think they're in stores yet.
Dan, I use 19" on the passenger side, and 22" on the driver's side (better coverage).
Bosch designates an "A" and a "B" for the driver's and passenger's side. There's no difference between the two. Great blades just the same.
Dan, I use 19" on the passenger side, and 22" on the driver's side (better coverage).
Bosch designates an "A" and a "B" for the driver's and passenger's side. There's no difference between the two. Great blades just the same.
#14
Is a dealer convenient for you? For a 6 month old car, you can stop in and get new wipers for free (covered until 3 years/36K miles).
#16
My local Pep Boys carries both the Icons and the Rain X Latitude.
The major difference with the Rain X is it's cross section is symetrical. So that means you don't have to get a reverse mount model for the passenger side if you have car with a opposed type of wipers. I believe Michelin also have a similar type of blades.
I got a set of the Valeo for my dad's car which happends to use 19" blades. I put it on my car and a third of the passenger side didn't even touch the glass.
The major difference with the Rain X is it's cross section is symetrical. So that means you don't have to get a reverse mount model for the passenger side if you have car with a opposed type of wipers. I believe Michelin also have a similar type of blades.
I got a set of the Valeo for my dad's car which happends to use 19" blades. I put it on my car and a third of the passenger side didn't even touch the glass.
#17
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hmm. yeah i guess ill keep getting free wipers until that warranty is up. thanks for the heads up rkw
but wat exactly do i say when i go up there? i'd like to get new wipers cause mine suck?
but wat exactly do i say when i go up there? i'd like to get new wipers cause mine suck?
#19
I use Valeos in winter because they don't ice up too badly, and the OE blades in summer, but I don't use the blades much because of this WONDERFUL stuff:
Doesn't streak like RainX, beads the water up better, lasts 6+ months, and you can drive past 18-wheelers in the rain with your wipers OFF and see great.
So... I actually like the Valeos, even though the bottom 25% of the PS doesn't touch the glass. The only PITA part is that the mount (where the blade mounts to the wiper arm) isn't aerodynamic and can leave a streak at speed.
Doesn't streak like RainX, beads the water up better, lasts 6+ months, and you can drive past 18-wheelers in the rain with your wipers OFF and see great.
So... I actually like the Valeos, even though the bottom 25% of the PS doesn't touch the glass. The only PITA part is that the mount (where the blade mounts to the wiper arm) isn't aerodynamic and can leave a streak at speed.
#20
I use Aquapel with the same results. It makes it so 75% of the time it doesn't matter if my wipers suck or not.
I think the problem with the OEM ones is that they just wear so fast. Mine wore in maybe 2 months, and those 2 months they weren't particularly great in super-rainy weather.
FWIW, I bought Silblade Flexblades and they are okay, the contact on the passenger side is not fantastic but it's just the top 2 inches or so so it's livable. However, I think I am probably going to try some of the other ones and see if they are any better...Silblade will always take theirs back if I find something better.
I think the problem with the OEM ones is that they just wear so fast. Mine wore in maybe 2 months, and those 2 months they weren't particularly great in super-rainy weather.
FWIW, I bought Silblade Flexblades and they are okay, the contact on the passenger side is not fantastic but it's just the top 2 inches or so so it's livable. However, I think I am probably going to try some of the other ones and see if they are any better...Silblade will always take theirs back if I find something better.
#21
Where do you get the PPG rain repellent?
I use Valeos in winter because they don't ice up too badly, and the OE blades in summer, but I don't use the blades much because of this WONDERFUL stuff:
Doesn't streak like RainX, beads the water up better, lasts 6+ months, and you can drive past 18-wheelers in the rain with your wipers OFF and see great.
So... I actually like the Valeos, even though the bottom 25% of the PS doesn't touch the glass. The only PITA part is that the mount (where the blade mounts to the wiper arm) isn't aerodynamic and can leave a streak at speed.
Doesn't streak like RainX, beads the water up better, lasts 6+ months, and you can drive past 18-wheelers in the rain with your wipers OFF and see great.
So... I actually like the Valeos, even though the bottom 25% of the PS doesn't touch the glass. The only PITA part is that the mount (where the blade mounts to the wiper arm) isn't aerodynamic and can leave a streak at speed.
#22
I keep my eyes open, haven't seen it at PepBoys or Autozone yet, but have seen at independent auto parts stores and regional chains. It gets pricey if you don't get it on eBay, but for 2 applications a year I can afford the difference between $5 and $10 per application... FWIW you an easily get 2 windshields out of one applicator, but you've got to be quick!
#25