A note on winter wiper blades.....

[hondacuraplanet]

Since we here in Buffalo are expecting 1-3" of snow within 24 hours, I wanted to touch base for just a moment on winter blades and my experiences with them. Here's what to look for when you purchase:

1. Make sure that the mountings are sturdy and not easily taken apart by twisting them with your hand

2. Take your fingers and stretch the rubber coating. It should snap back like a rubber inner tube.

3. Never ever buy a winter blade that feels like the skeleton is made of plastic. Rubber coated plastic blades WILL NOT hold up under heavy snow.

The best and only blades I would install are Trico. Anco also makes an excellent blade.

Never ever ever buy a Tridon wiper blade! Tridon blades are the worst pieces of crap that I have ever seen in 15 years of selling parts. They are cheap plastic and the mountings are easily broken. I worked for 5 years at a local parts chain (Hutchins Automotive, recently bought out by Carquest). We used to replace customers blades by the dozen, and every broken blade I ever replaced was a Tridon it seems.

One other note, make sure you replace wipers before the snow falls if your vehicle (Toyota and Isuzu products most notably) has two Phillips head screws that hold the blade to the arm. It's nearly impossible to get those switched over with a hard coat of ice over them. I used to keep a fireplace lighter under the counter to heat up the screws and melt the ice on them, and most times I could get them free with a pair of vise grips.

Another friendly winter driving tip from your buddy at Hondacuraworld

[hondacuraplanet]

An example of Buffalo overnight snowfall

[colorider]

I have seen a lot of people reach out and "snap" their wiper blades onto the windshield to break loose the ice. Be REAL careful doing this as it is very possible to crack a windshield doing this!!

DAMHIK

[ealakart]

Old thread, but this might help some folks. I agree with winter wiper blade recommendations and brand names mentioned, but when you go shopping be aware that the driver's and passenger's side arms and blades are different lengths - at least on my 2005 Pilot. The driver's side is about 23.5 inches long and the passenger's side is 20.75 inches long. Evidentally there CAN be an advantage to not having to buy these in pairs!

[PNW-Pilot]

Thanks for the bump. This was on my mind reciently. I haven't had to buy blades, yet, for the pilot. I also think that they are 2 different sizes, 24 & 19, just like my Acura. Strange, but I'm sure there is a good reason.

[krygny]

One thing that's nice about the Pilot's wiper arms is you can swing them out and they will stay. Helps keep the blades clean from snow or from freezing to the windshield during an ice storm. I've known a few people that have broken their linkages without first freeing up the blades.

[waynerd]

Thanks for the reminder. I drove by Auto Zone yesterday, and knew there was SOMETHING I needed to stop and get, but couldn't remember...it's on my "to do" list now!

We get our share of snow here in Roch-cha-cha too. It sure is nice to have a garage kept vehicle at times like that.

[borg]

Originally posted by colorider
I have seen a lot of people reach out and "snap" their wiper blades onto the windshield to break loose the ice. Be REAL careful doing this as it is very possible to crack a windshield doing this!!

DAMHIK

Solution to this dangerous practice:

The Wiper Shaker.

[Dac]

I always had good vision by using Bosch wiper blades and now PIAA makes them too (they use virgin rubber and silicone),endless choices.
Dac

[ealakart]

With respect to booted winter wiper blades: I know this string is a little old, but I'm curious as to the recommendation of Trico wiper blades. Are they comparable to - or better than - the Anco's?

Also, if the MDX similarity applies (vs. 2005 Pilot), it sounds like a 21-inch on the passenger's side and a 24-inch on the driver's side would work -- or is there a reason that it would be advisable to go slightly smaller rather than slightly larger than the stock blades - which are each appx. 1/2-inch shorter than the 21/24's? Clearance seems adequate to opt for the larger ones.

Any and all thoughts/opinions/experience very much appreciated!

[hondacuraplanet]

In my experience, if it's a choice between larger or smaller on the blades, go smaller. Chances are you may not have enough clearance on the windshield for the larger blade, and the other truth is that a winter blade will not bend as much to the contour of the windshield as will a standard blade....so it will probably skip over the edge in any event.

Anco versus trico.....I've always preferred Trico's mounting systems, they are a bit less erector-set-like (although they all are to a degree). Feel the blade. If it doesn't have a metal backbone, walk away. Plastic just doesn't cut it in a winter blade. Feel the plastic in the adapters. If you can reasonably snap it with your fingers, put it down and go elsewhere. This stuff has to be pretty darn rugged to withstand the weather. Trico's 37- series blades get my nod as the best out there.....if they even still make them.....

[74PILOTMOM]

FYI: Don't follow costco's little book for wiper sizes, the sizes are WRONG. So I have 4 wrong size wiper blades now. Great!
I believe these are the Trico blades they offer too. I'm about to go get wipers from my dealer and $uck it up. I'm such a girl.

[hondacuraplanet]

Just go to a NAPA auto parts store. I believe as memory serves their blades are reboxed Trico.

[74PILOTMOM]

Hey Tim, Thanks! Good to know.

[neitz]

Have used ANCO Winter Blades for years. Last year bought them for another vehicle and was disappointed by the skipping and not clear water removal right from the start. Thought it was either a bad batch or I got an "old" laying around inventory blade(AutoZone).

This year(Pilot has 900 miles) thought snow is near so at Walmart bought 2 Anco Winter Blades. Took a while to figure out how to put them on, but properly installed. Guess what? Today heavy rain and same thing skipping and not a clean clear sweep. Took them off and replaced with originals.....clean..no problem.

I think ANCO perhaps changed to another manufacturing site...or factory. Think package says Mexico on them. So, just my experience. Not sure what I will do. Maybe just leave the originals on this winter.
I just don't feel like spending another $15 or so for a "trial" of a different winter blade. Anyway, just my recent experience with ANCO Winter Blades.

Ed