Wiper blade replacements

[elduderino]

I was curious as to what everyone's opinion is towards replacing the wiper blades. 1) install new OEM wiper inserts. 2) replace the wiper blades with cheap aftermarket blades (ie. the yellow brand at Advanced Auto Parts.) 3) replace with premium wiper blades (ie. Bosch microblades.)

With how wiper blades take so much abuse, option 2 might be the easiest and most cost effective. Or option 1, depending on how much work is involved with replacing only the inserts. Or mayby option 3 because a good blade will last longer than the other two options.

Also, I've read where the rear blade is a lot harder to replace than the front ones. Is this true and if yes, what are some of the tricks to make the job easier.

[Stevie B]

I haven't had to replace the Pilot wiper blades just yet, but with all of my other Hondas, I got in the habit of doing it twice a year, fall and spring. When I lived in Oregon I sometimes replaced them three times a year. Anyway, I've always had good luck with the Honda blades and the prices (for the Accords) seem to be around $15 for two. That's my .02.

[rockman19762001]

I replace my blades twice a year, in West Texas the heat and sun deteriorate the blades regardless of the price. I usually buy a medium price rubber blade insert or replacement what ever they have in stock.

[thomasj2]

I replace the entire blade when needed, (about once a year). My cars are garaged so this may help prolong the blade life. I also replace them with a premium blade. It's a lot simpler than screwing around with the rubber insert for only a couple of bucks more.

[Birdman]

The original Honda blades seem to work well if you don't mind messing with installing the inserts. I put cheap Anco blades on my Pilot and they slap when reversing direction, so I don't recommend those.

[kemosabe]

Two years later and I'm still on the original wiper blades and inserts -- they still clean/clear the windshield perfectly, so until I see some deteriorating sweeps across the glass, I plan on keeping/using them...

[jay]

Originally posted by kemosabe
Two years later and I'm still on the original wiper blades and inserts -- they still clean/clear the windshield perfectly, so until I see some deteriorating sweeps across the glass, I plan on keeping/using them...

The benefit of a garage-kept vehicle. I replace the inserts every year near the anniversary of buying the vehicle.

Of course, I once had a stinkin' outdoor-kept GM vehicle where the blades didn't last a year. They fell apart, leaving a sticky rubber mess on the windshield during a downpour while I was on vacation, miles from nowhere, headed toward the Outer Banks.

[jdeanski]

Bosch Microblades are the best I've ever owned. But I haven't tried the PIAA silicone ones.

[Sunday Rider]

Hi elduderino,
the honda blades are very easy to replace. The rear one is not hard at all. You just have to clear the extra lip on the rear wiper arm. As long as the arm is okay I will replace the blade only. It is a shame to just throw out plastic arms, when all you need is a new blade. And did I mention cheaper. Just think for evey time you replace the balde only, you can take the difference and buy a WWong goodie for the inside...

[calpos]

Another suggestion.... every time you wash your car, take a terry or other slightly abrasive rag and "wash" the wiper blades by holding onto one end and pulling down its length. Be careful that you don't rip it or spring the blade holder or arm. And don't do this with a mitt or anything you want to keep clean, because you'll wash off a lot of the oxidized rubber from the blade but they'll work a lot better.

I don't think you could ever "wear out" the blade by washing it too much, but if you get enough oxidation built up on it, it losses its squeegee effect, becomes hard and won't work very well.
Brian

[jazcar]

I have been very happy with Bosch Microblades.

[MG Pilot]

See my sig...

[Sandcrab]

I know you all know that the driver side is 24" and passenger side is 21". When I replace the driver side, I always go with 2" longer (26") to clear more windshield.

[elduderino]

Originally posted by Sandcrab
I know you all know that the driver side is 24" and passenger side is 21". When I replace the driver side, I always go with 2" longer (26") to clear more windshield.

Really? Any problems with clearance with the passenger side wiper?

[chas22]

If you go with an aftermarket buy something upper end with a metal arms not plastic.