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Still using the ones that came on my truck new in April 2014. We've had some miserable mix of weather lately. Snow/sleet/rain/freezing rain. The blades are definitely on the way out.
I'm shopping tomorrow and I don't care what they cost. What are the best year round wiper blades for northern climate?
I don't think there is really a better blade, it's like a mouse trap; basic ones just work, not fancy or expensive but they work. I use Michelin 22" "High Performance" in the yellow boxes at Wal Mart, like $5-7 bucks a blade. I used them in Colorado for years before I came back to Texas, the best part is they're cheap so I carry 1-2 sets of spares depending on when I remember to stock up on them if one of them happens to tear (which is how they normally fail for me, one end tears off the corner so I replace the entire thing).
Current set has been on for over a year, they made it through 105*f+ Texas summer days without tearing, and just made it from freezing rain in Chicago to snow in Oklahoma to regular rain in Texas all in one day in December. If they gunk up, one wipe with a rag and they just work again. Not sure I could ever justify $30+ on a wiper blade if the old low-tech ones are fine.
I have the Rain-X Lattitude 22" on my 99 and they work good. I like the low profile of them as well. A little more money than basic but worth it. Good blades are necessary for us in the PNW.
Was actually looking at the Latitudes before I came back to check on this post. I can get them for $18.99 at the local Advance Auto. About $6 cheaper then the NAPA premium blades I just put on my old Cadillac. I need 'em sooner rather than later so I'll pick some up tomorrow.
I am running a set of Michelin Stealths that I picked up at Home Depot one day... ran in to grab something and noticed my local HD started selling a small section of auto stuff (maybe to compete with menards?). Anyways, they had a sale on them. Grabbed them for like 7 or 8 each... they are awesome so far and have been on for about 4/5 months. Snow/ice performance is pretty darn good!
Was actually looking at the Latitudes before I came back to check on this post. I can get them for $18.99 at the local Advance Auto. About $6 cheaper then the NAPA premium blades I just put on my old Cadillac. I need 'em sooner rather than later so I'll pick some up tomorrow.
Trick with advance. check out retailmenot.com and grab a coupon code and punch it in at the checkout... will save you even more money...
Why not get motorcraft ones? They seem to last longer. I've had Michelins and rain x ones lasted 6 months or so. My mom has a 2013 explorer and it's on its 2nd set of wipers and they are just like new. Originals lasted 2 years of 100 degree summers and 0 degree winters and snow and ice not too bad price wise in tascaparts.com
I usually run 24" RainX latitudes. However I do get bosch blades from time to time and it seems they do last a little longer before they get streaky. RainX supposed to have made some changes with the Latitudes I bought recently so I'll see how they last.
Some people swear all the brands are about the same in terms of performance. They buy inexpensive standard issue refills but, change them out every six months regardless. 2 years is a long time if stored outside especially they will get crispy. Fresh wipers are important.
I believe the biggest difference in big name brand blades is aero design to keep it against the windshield, and blade springiness to evenly keep it on the windshield.
I also get cheapies and don't mind changing when one tears. When I squeegee the windshield, I use the foam sponge side to clean off the rubber of the blade. I have found it makes a huge difference in how they clean, and avoids skips.
Right after I got this SD I noticed on here that someone mentioned 24" wipers will fit. They do, and they work great.
I believe that the use of RainX washer fluid or additive should be mandatory on every street driven vehicle. When it is raining I can always tell who doesn't use it.
2 years is a long time if stored outside especially they will get crispy. Fresh wipers are important.
That's the thing. This truck spends a lot of it's life in the garage. I've got payments on this thing for some more years so I generally drive my 2003 Cadillac CTS to save miles and salt exposure on the truck.
When my seasonal business is open, my 2001 F450 is used about 95% of the time for it.
But I'm sure that the rubber is going to break down due to UV exposure along with hot & cold extremes over time, so it's due.
Originally Posted by Sam I Am
I believe that the use of RainX washer fluid or additive should be mandatory on every street driven vehicle. When it is raining I can always tell who doesn't use it.
I actually do use this in all of our vehicles as well as treating the windshields once or twice a year with RainX. I've only tried this on my 2001 bucket truck, but there's a YouTube video where a guy polishes his windshield with fine steel wool and then does a RainX treatment. It worked pretty well. Our detailer also recommended this trick.
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