Wiper Blades

[futdechenes]

I think we can all agree that the OEM Yaris wiper blades stink. I just ordered a set of Valeo flat blade wipers. Anyone ever tried these? They are supposed to be the best on the market.

[samfig]

haven't tried them but hope you write a review.

[Bob_VT]

How old are your oem? Here in VT you change blades about every 6 months due to road salt, sand and ice.

[Jem_hadar]

Ya. I think the OEM ones are fine. You just need to replace the wiper inserts now and then (abt once a year here, give or take). They only cost like 5$ a piece or something. Not a significant cost at all.

[ZING]

hehe good timing, my blades went crazy on me the other day..been using them for a month.

[Rich k]

i had been pretty upset with the wipers perfomance, then i decided after taking defensive driving, well alright i'll change em and see if that does anything....whaddayaknow its amazing. Got regular old bosch replacement for the 26" and the cheapy brand for the 13" cause thats all that they had. They work much better than the 1.5 year old stock wiper blades did. LOL guess you do need to change them like every 6 mos. has anyone else found that most auto places don't carry the one piece blades in a 13"? and are the 1 peic blades really that much better? Do they last longer?

[gid]

if you live in winter conditions you can get the drivers side winter wiper blade for $5.99 at BJs Wholesale with membership or guest membership that comes in mail . If you're daring enough you can ask service counter for free membership , did this once and it worked , depends on the person . Without membership would probably cost around $7 .

[gid]

while you're there getting the blades at BJs don't forget to pick up a case or two of the 5w-30 SHELL Full synthetic motor oil that's $24.99 + tax for a case of 6 :wink: .

[IllusionX]

i had been pretty upset with the wipers perfomance, then i decided after taking defensive driving, well alright i'll change em and see if that does anything....whaddayaknow its amazing. Got regular old bosch replacement for the 26" and the cheapy brand for the 13" cause thats all that they had. They work much better than the 1.5 year old stock wiper blades did. LOL guess you do need to change them like every 6 mos. has anyone else found that most auto places don't carry the one piece blades in a 13"? and are the 1 peic blades really that much better? Do they last longer?


the "view max" brand from Walmart is available in 13". Framless wipers are good at putting pressure on all the surface of your windshield, I do not think they last any longer than regular wipers.

and strange enough, the OEM wipers on my echo was still good after 2 years 46000km. but i had to change the ones on my yaris after a year and ~26000km.

[dybbuk]

Haven't replaced the ones on my yaris yet(we're closing in on 10 months now), but, on my old grand am I ran with rainx brand ones with their 'wet tec' or w/e. Best wipers I have ever used in my life, of course they don't make a 26 or 13 :cry:

[Shroomster]

while you're there getting the blades at BJs don't forget to pick up a case or two of the 5w-30 SHELL Full synthetic motor oil that's $24.99 + tax for a case of 6 :wink: .

:/ bj's near me doesn't have any motor oil on display right now....a lot of car detailing (interior and exterior) products though (mainly just a crapload of the turtle wax ICE combo packs)

[gid]

:/ bj's near me doesn't have any motor oil on display right now....a lot of car detailing (interior and exterior) products though (mainly just a crapload of the turtle wax ICE combo packs) .

[gid]

some WAL-MARTS have the PENNZOIL Platinum full synthetic priced at $4.00 a quart . May want to call auto department to make sure that price before going to get it .

[gid]

PEAK wiper blades available at BJs Wholesale : 1.) OPTIX : for better / best performance in all seaons www.peakantifreeze.com/wiper_optix.html @ $12.99 each : these hug the windshied better 2.) ARCTIC Winter Wiper Blades @ $5.99 each : www.peakantifreeze.com/wiper_winterblades.html ; been using these for drivers side ( 26") for past 2 winters and work very well at such a low cost .

[maryinredding]

I just ordered a pair of Silblades for my car. I have them on my PT Cruiser and they are the best blades I have ever had. With the summers so hot here, the blades barely last a year so I decided this was a good time to get them since we will be keeping the car for awhile. They are expensive but well worth it.

[pixiedixie862]

on my xA the stock blades did not last me long at all. Ive had my car 5 years and ive only changed the blades twice. Rain X blades are pretty good!

[nemelek]

After 9 months I am looking at replacing mine. Probably get the cheap ones at the local auto part store.

[CrazedEpidemic]

After all the snow we have had recently my wipers aren't doing a great job :(. I got the car about 7 months ago and I haven't changed the wipers. Should I wait until after the winter to get new ones? Are rainx wipers any good?

[gid]

After all the snow we have had recently my wipers aren't doing a great job :(. I got the car about 7 months ago and I haven't changed the wipers. Should I wait until after the winter to get new ones? Are rainx wipers any good? If so , you'll find the PEAK winter blades to be better at a reasonable cost . See my previous posts for more input .

[jeff618]

(Too many wiper blade strings on this site but here we go again...)

OK...here's the ticket: The Toyota Yaris' 14" passenger side replacement windshield wiper is very hard to find in the newer-style beam blades. The 12" rear is also very hard to find because its a special rear blade that fits the special rear arm.

After exhaustive research, I've only found one aftermarket set-up that works: 'Trico NeoForm Beam Blades' on the front (yes, they have a 14") and 'Trico Exact Fit Rear Integral Blade' on the rear (yes, it fits the special rear arm). All of the above come with step-by-step, illustrated removal and replacement instructions - easy install. Got the whole set-up online.

[RedRide]

I have been using PIAA super silicone wipers on my other car (Celica) for years and I really like them. They are the best in rain IMO and it's almost like using Rain-X without having to constantly apply it

However they are somewhat delicate (compared to some wipers) and I do not recomend them for winter use in ice and snow. Although, I have used them in winter with satisfactory results.

Anyway, I just ordered a set of the super silicone wipers for the front (26" and 14") of my Yaris.

It you do a search for the wiper with vendors that sell PIAA wipers they will tell you they ony have 26" listed for the Yaris
However PIAA does make the super silicone wiper in 14''
I don't know why sites don't list it for the Yaris.
It must be a glitch in the data that they all use.
You just have to do a search for PIAA super silicone wipers 14" (PIAA 95035).

[Tatsh]

^
+1 for the super silicone. Word of warning though, before you wipe it with the treatment pad they give you, degrease your windshield first, otherwise when you wipe, it'll fog it up.

[RedRide]

Actually, I've found that it's not even nessary for the most part to even use the "tratement pad".

The effects of the pad only last briefely anway. I do as the instructions recomend and run the wipers dry on a clean windshield briefely every so often to keep a micocsopic layer of silicone on the windshield to shed water.

[KrazyDawg]

Do the PIAA wiper blades hug your windshield? I had a pair of Bosch Icon that I used with my Civic. They worked great but they would strip off the Rain-X. I read that Aquapel lasts longer than Rain-X but I haven't been able to test it out. I had purchased it but just when I needed it, I misplaced it during a move.

[RedRide]

Do the PIAA wiper blades hug your windshield? I had a pair of Bosch Icon that I used with my Civic. They worked great but they would strip off the Rain-X. I read that Aquapel lasts longer than Rain-X but I haven't been able to test it out. I had purchased it but just when I needed it, I misplaced it during a move.

Yes they do. The PIAA SS wipes are constructed much like the stock wipers and will conform to most any curved windshield.

[127.0.0.1]

silblade is better than ANY other wiper.

[Ramblin yari]

I keep a container of disposable wipes in my car. When the wipers have gunk on them, the wet wipes do a good job of removing oxidized rubber and road goo. Works like a charm and I believe it extends the life of the blades.

[sickpuppy1]

I will vouch for the Anco Contour. Expensive but worth it WAY better than the rainX blade and even better than the Bosch Icon. Have a full year warranty !They are made in 26" for the driver side but not the 13-14 for the passenger side unfortunately. They hug the windsheild at speed much better than anything else I've tried. Ice comes off easily.

[KittenRD]

I'm from Mass. My rear wiper blade has lasted me three years. My front ones I have changed quite a few times.

[KittenRD]

Thanks. I actually got a great driver's side one at Costco the other day. We just had a bunch of snow and sleet and it worked great. Now I just need a rear one!

[KittenRD]

Thanks. They have Trico Exact Fit at NAPA auto parts. I am going to get it tomorrow before the big storm.

[jeff618]

(Too many wiper blade strings on this site but here we go again...)

OK...here's the ticket: The Toyota Yaris' 14" passenger side replacement windshield wiper is very hard to find in the newer-style beam blades. The 12" rear is also very hard to find because its a special rear blade that fits the special rear arm.

After exhaustive research, I've only found one aftermarket set-up that works: 'Trico NeoForm Beam Blades' on the front (yes, they have a 14") and 'Trico Exact Fit Rear Integral Blade' on the rear (yes, it fits the special rear arm). All of the above come with step-by-step, illustrated removal and replacement instructions - easy install. Got the whole set-up online.

As a follow-up to my post above, I just got an email from wipers123.com and there's a $15 rebate on NeoForms (including the 14") through 5/15/10. They also sent me an additional $5 instant coupon "springreturningcustomer" not sure when it expires... I'm not ready to replace mine yet so take it if you want it!

:burnrubber:

[KrazyDawg]

I've been using the PIAA wiper blades and while they do a decent job in rain, I still prefer using the Bosch Icon blades. They don't work quite as well when it's dry and there are dead bugs and bird stuff on a 400 mi roadtrip. I was able to clear most of it off when I had Bosch Icon blades.

[bronsin]

12 months old now and havnt given a thought to my Yaris's wiper blades.

[jeff618]

12 months old now and havnt given a thought to my Yaris's wiper blades.

Yeah...you should get 12-24 months out of wipers on a new car. As the windshield glass gets older and more pitted, you'll be replacing them more often. Eventually its an every 6 month situation...

Someone mentioned Aquapel above. I do use it and my report would be two thumbs up - its awesome. They say it lasts 4-6 months and I definitely get 6 months out of it. Doesn't fog/haze up like rainx and since I'm lazy, the 2-3 times per year application is right up my wheelhouse! LOL

[Jerkratt]

had my wiper blades on since i bought the car in feb 08... think its about time for some new ones...

[Yakumo]

A year ago I bought a 2003 Yaris CDX, in fantastically good condition.

It's wipers, that seem original Toyota's, are 20inch and 14inch on the front, and 13inch on the back.

I haven't seen any site listing this configuration for a Yaris of any age though ~_~

Mostly this seems to be as many sites only list 2006/07 Yaris's which is rather annoying as they've been selling them in the UK since at least 1998.

I was thinking about some PIAA blades, but they seem overly expensive compared to the Tripledge (silicon, lifetime warranty) or Bosch Icons (not silicon). But tripledge don't do a 14inch, only 13 or 15, and bosh only go as low as 17 :/

[IllusionX]

yakumo: that's because the yaris wasn't available in the States. They've been available since 2004 in Canada, but there is not much information about it.

[KrazyDawg]

A year ago I bought a 2003 Yaris CDX, in fantastically good condition.

It's wipers, that seem original Toyota's, are 20inch and 14inch on the front, and 13inch on the back.

I haven't seen any site listing this configuration for a Yaris of any age though ~_~

Mostly this seems to be as many sites only list 2006/07 Yaris's which is rather annoying as they've been selling them in the UK since at least 1998.

I was thinking about some PIAA blades, but they seem overly expensive compared to the Tripledge (silicon, lifetime warranty) or Bosch Icons (not silicon). But tripledge don't do a 14inch, only 13 or 15, and bosh only go as low as 17 :/
I had PIAA blades and they're already streaking after less than 3 months. It's pretty much a standard wiper blade that adds their version of "Rain X" until it runs out. I had Bosch Icons on a Civic that lasted a year without streaking.

[ChilliwackGuy]

I totally agree with "Ramblin Yari" - I always give my blades a quick wipe once a week - using a baby wipe (I always keep some in the car in case my kidz have an accident) - seems to help extend the life of all my wiper inserts

Also - everytime I wash my Yaris - which is about 3x a week - I always make sure to overcoat the windshield / windows / glass areas with 3x the amount of soap and rinse off - that way when it rains - most of time the water just beads off. (and that's using Turtle Wax or Armor All cheap car wash soap)

[Yakumo]

I was eventually put off from the PIAA's partly from the price (tripledge are similar and cheaper, though no spoiler version), but mostly because I decided I would like to try frameless wipers as a lot of car companies are moving to those now so there must be good reason for it, and the idea behind the technology certainly seems sound.

I fired off a query to John at http://www.xopc.co.uk/ and he says he has a a few clients he knows with older Yaris's, who all use a 22'' and a 16'' acrobat extreme (frame-less all silicone), he's promised to send me a few of their wipers to try, and I can send back whatever I don't wish to keep, and I'll spread the word if things go well.
He certainly gets bonus points so far for the best customer support email I've ever had.

If they don't work out I thought I'd try http://www.tripledge.co.uk/ as I wanted to try silicone blades still, they're cheaper, spider bracket only, no spoiler, but offer a lifetime warranty.

www.wiperblades.co.uk say their wipers got the highest rating from Auto Express, but as the last wiper reviews from Auto Express I saw listed only wiperblades.co.uk as the source for every model tested except for one, I'm put off by both potential bias, and also the fact hat they're Teflon coated rubber. Telfon coated blades are a type that other reviews have rated the lowest (though I can't remember the brand if any) saying the Teflon comes off within 3 months or so and they are then a poor wiper.

[RedHatch08]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I tried the frameless blades on a previous car, and I HATED them.

They managed to both suck and blow simultaneously.

I know they are sort of the "new technology" in wiper blades, and they seem like a good idea, but they're terrible in my experience.

Without the frame putting pressure on to the blade, I found them way more prone to streaking and awful in winter for any kind of ice and/or snow.

Maybe it was just a bad experience on my part, but I no longer want anything to do with those frameless blades.

[jeff618]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I tried the frameless blades on a previous car, and I HATED them.

They managed to both suck and blow simultaneously.

I know they are sort of the "new technology" in wiper blades, and they seem like a good idea, but they're terrible in my experience.

Without the frame putting pressure on to the blade, I found them way more prone to streaking and awful in winter for any kind of ice and/or snow.

Maybe it was just a bad experience on my part, but I no longer want anything to do with those frameless blades.

I'm thinking you may have bought them early on and bought stiffer ones. I have absolutely no problems with the Trico NeoForms making contact. I have read reports about certain brands being too stiff, one of which is distributed by Walmart -the wiper arms simply didn't have enough down-force to flatten them up enough. I have no problems like that. At any rate - don't throw the baby out with the bathwater on this one they're awesome.

PS: Living in Wisconsin, they REALLY out-perform the framed old school wipers in snow and ice...probably by 1000%. They don't ice up as much and the ice comes off with one or two snaps if they do.

[Kongo-Otto]

I have/had BOSCH Aerotwin on all of my cars and i am very satisfied with them. As far as i know they are called "Evolution" or "Icon" in the US.

[RedHatch08]

I'm thinking you may have bought them early on and bought stiffer ones. I have absolutely no problems with the Trico NeoForms making contact. I have read reports about certain brands being too stiff, one of which is distributed by Walmart -the wiper arms simply didn't have enough down-force to flatten them up enough. I have no problems like that. At any rate - don't throw the baby out with the bathwater on this one they're awesome.

PS: Living in Wisconsin, they REALLY out-perform the framed old school wipers in snow and ice...probably by 1000%. They don't ice up as much and the ice comes off with one or two snaps if they do.

Yes I did buy them early on. This was a few years ago when they first came out, so it is quite possible that they have improved significantly since then.

I guess I might consider trying them again, but I'd be hesitant about it.

It wasn't Walmart, it was Canadian Tire, and they were considered "premium" blades. Not cheap knock offs or anything. That's part of what annoyed me so much at the time, was that I paid MORE for these things and they were much, much worse.