Winter Wiper Blades - What Do You Use?

[Simboo]

Hey all winter drivers out there,

I bought some new "armorall" winter wiper blades hoping they would do great on the my RX this winter but they just suck. Tips get full of ice, middle section has no pressure on the wiper and miss spots, arm clips will lift once in a while... just plain junk

I didn't want to use the OEM blades because they get clogged with snow/ice in winter in the metal brackets, as you probably know.

So before I go back to the store to buy new ones, what do you guys use? What do you recommend? have you been lucky with a particular brand more than another?

I know some brand will do better with bigger wind shields than some others but before shelling 40$ for wiper blades, I'd like your input on that.

you should avoid armoralls on your RX, trust me.

and btw: is there any kind of rear wiper blades that will work in the winter???

Thanks!

Simon

[lemon]

I've had good luck with Bosch Icons http://www.boschautoparts.com/WiperBlades/Pages/WiperBlades.aspx

but I was even more impressed with the Valeo

http://www.valeowipersusa.com/

By the way, I noticed at the Lexus dealership that the newer models are all coming with the beam style wiper blade now (like the Icon or Valeo). Same with numerous GM vehicles and probably other manufacturers too.

Seeing as you're in Canada, Canadian Tire has a new 'hybrid' wiper blade that supposedly has the best of both wipers - a beam style and a conventional style merged into one. These look intriguing, and my Icons are 1.5 years old now...needing replacement soon.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2/DriveWinter/Blades/WiperArmsRelated/PRD~0211430P/Reflex%252BHybrid%252BWiper.jsp?EnableScene7Video=true&Scene7VideoNumber=1

[Simboo]

Allright,

I'll give the new hybrids a shot and report back

thanks for your input!

Simon

[Messerchmidt]

i use the michellin reflex blades from costco (@canada)

just got a set of the new michellin reflex hybrid blades for $8 each + tax at costco canada on sale and i love them (i replace them once per year when they go on sale)

i think they ae sold at costco USA under the goodyear brand

[iana]

How did you replace the rear blade?

[Messerchmidt]

for the rear i use the stock blades. you need to slide out these two metal things, insert the blade and then slide them back in with the new blade. check youtube for a video

[Simboo]

Ok here are my results:

first of all, thanks Lemon and Messerchmidt for your inputs. I didn't import those fancy wiper blades, I wanted to give a shot at my good ol' Canadian tire store first.

I ended up trying the new (then) reflex hybrids and they worked like a charm all winter. I can't recall if they are Michelin's brand or not (like Messerchmidt mentioned) but I definitely paid more than 8$/blade, probably around 20$/piece. Good to know that Costco has them.

I had to shake them up once in a while to remove the extra ice but I would've done that with all of them anyway.

So from now on, I'll stick to those reflex hybrids.

Iana: I didn't change my rear wiper blade. I was looking for something like those new Volkswagen and Volvo rear wiper blades (like the picture). They are bracketless so I suppose they tend to work better in the winter. I haven't spent much time looking for a compatible blade for our RX. That's a future project for me.

Cheers to all!

Simon

[dogwood2]

The reviews on the Canaidan Tire wipers are dismal. All are either 1-star or 5-star, mostly the former. I'll stick with Bosch.

I've had good luck with Bosch Icons http://www.boschautoparts.com/WiperBlades/Pages/WiperBlades.aspx

but I was even more impressed with the Valeo

http://www.valeowipersusa.com/

By the way, I noticed at the Lexus dealership that the newer models are all coming with the beam style wiper blade now (like the Icon or Valeo). Same with numerous GM vehicles and probably other manufacturers too.

Seeing as you're in Canada, Canadian Tire has a new 'hybrid' wiper blade that supposedly has the best of both wipers - a beam style and a conventional style merged into one. These look intriguing, and my Icons are 1.5 years old now...needing replacement soon.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2/DriveWinter/Blades/WiperArmsRelated/PRD~0211430P/Reflex%252BHybrid%252BWiper.jsp?EnableScene7Video=true&Scene7VideoNumber=1