question about wiper blades

[old2soon]

        Week ago today I bought an 06 Pontiac Grand Prix with the naturally aspirated 3.8 engine and leather interior. Anywho are the Rain-X wiper blades worth a smidge over 15 bucks per? I will NEED new blades before the weather goes totally delta sierra here.
         One owner and my Mechanic has been servicing it since it went off of warranty. 24 M P G with air and 28 M P G without it and i am indeed liking it a LOT.                                                               
          And the other thing is I Will be heading to Chicagoland and Cheeseheadland in December. Anudder words-SERIOUS winter time!
           Bosch blades are only slightly less price wise. I already know i only get one season out of lesser blades. Sooooo any and all help greatly preciated. and as Always-T I A. RIDE SAFE.

[bscrive]

Personally, for the summertime I get the cheapest blades I can find at Costco.  Usually the Michelin blades.  For winter, I always make sure that they are the single solid arm type, so that the snow and ice can't get in the springs to mess up the blade.  Doesn't matter which one.  To me, one is no better than the other.  The rubber squeegee part for every make is probably made in the same factory in China.

[hubcapsc]

rainx blades coat your windshield with rainx goo for a while, but other
than that the ones I put on the Mini this year work well and are hanging
in there.

I replaced the new squeaky Bosch wipers on my 2002 Tacoma pickup
with much less squeaky Piaa $ilicone blade$...

-Mike

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pontiac,2006,grand+prix,3.8l+v6,1432256,wiper+&+washer,wiper+blade,8852

Lots of options at Rockauto. Some as low as $2-$3 each. Of course, there's shipping, but if you need other pieces and if you can wait a couple days, you can save a ton over retail store prices.

[old2soon]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pontiac,2006,grand+prix,3.8l+v6,1432256,wiper+&+washer,wiper+blade,8852

Lots of options at Rockauto. Some as low as $2-$3 each. Of course, there's shipping, but if you need other pieces and if you can wait a couple days, you can save a ton over retail store prices.

          Also found the complete head light bucket assembly on R A. Even with shipping my Mechanic can only git close price wise! Right-passenger side-light assembly both of the rear PLASTIC mounting tabs are broken and the assembly is now wired on.  The left-drivers side-has one tab broken.  BUT it IS 12-well 13 years old now. RIDE SAFE.

[98valk]

I've been using TRICO 18-220 Flex Universal Beam Wiper Blade the last couple yrs for my F250. work very well esp in heavy rain and snow. good performance to cost ratio for me.
whatever u choose wipe the rubber blade down with silicone spray every month or two. makes them last longer and also puts a coating of silicone on the windshield whereas during a light rain at speed the rain beads up and blows off.

[¿spoom]

I've given up on so-called "high quality" wiper blades. From Michelin to Rain-X to OEM from the dealership, they don't ever last a year. I've got 3 vehicles and it's the same on all. I finally gave up and started buying nothing but $3 or so ones from Menards, usually waiting until they have the rebate going on for a 100% back. I buy 2 sets and keep a spare in the trunk. I prefer the closed ones in winter, but it really doesn't matter since I flip the arms up overnight or if it's snowing or about to when I park. I always make sure the blades are free before getting in the car so the blade isn't frozen to the shield. Frankly I guess there's no incentive for wiper companies to make them last longer.

[98valk]

I've given up on so-called "high quality" wiper blades. From Michelin to Rain-X to OEM from the dealership, they don't ever last a year. I've got 3 vehicles and it's the same on all. I finally gave up and started buying nothing but $3 or so ones from Menards, usually waiting until they have the rebate going on for a 100% back. I buy 2 sets and keep a spare in the trunk. I prefer the closed ones in winter, but it really doesn't matter since I flip the arms up overnight or if it's snowing or about to when I park. I always make sure the blades are free before getting in the car so the blade isn't frozen to the shield. Frankly I guess there's no incentive for wiper companies to make them last longer.

was given this for Christmas one yr for the wipers and windshield, works very well.
https://www.frostguard.us/

[vanagon40]

. . . . buying nothing but $3 or so ones from Menards, usually waiting until they have the rebate going on for a 100% back. . . .

Menards--free after rebate. Usually can find this deal at least once a year, for two sets (four blades). The blades may not last as long, but they work fine and cost nothing.

[Mr Whiskey]

On all my vehicles...
 https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/auto/wiper-blades/icon-wiper-blades

[baird4444]

I've had better luck running the cheap blades and then spend a couple more
bucks and get the orange RAIN X windshield solvent. gives ya the RAIN X treatment
 and does a lot better on frost, ice, and snow.
       just my $.02  - Mike

[J.Mencalice]

Just got our WallyWorld flier in the mail and there is an advertisement in there where Rain X Latitude Wiper Blades (14 to 28 inches) have been rolled back $1.70 to the INCREDIBLE, LOW, LOW, PRICE OF  $15.27 per the whole enchilada.
 
Better get them before the China tariffs take hold, the Fed raises the interest rate again, the millions of them in shipping containers on the high seas arrive in America, and they double in price when they hit the shelves in the rain, snow, and ice of December, then needing to change them out in Uncle Sam Walton's parking lot at midnight during the long ride to grandma's house for Christmas dinner the next day.

[Gavin_Sons]

Just got a set yesterday for my 02 Highlander. Trico brand and they work great. I paid 13.99 each. I have used rainx in the past and they just didn't last for me.

[cookiedough]

I've given up on so-called "high quality" wiper blades. From Michelin to Rain-X to OEM from the dealership, they don't ever last a year. I've got 3 vehicles and it's the same on all. I finally gave up and started buying nothing but $3 or so ones from Menards, usually waiting until they have the rebate going on for a 100% back. I buy 2 sets and keep a spare in the trunk. I prefer the closed ones in winter, but it really doesn't matter since I flip the arms up overnight or if it's snowing or about to when I park. I always make sure the blades are free before getting in the car so the blade isn't frozen to the shield. Frankly I guess there's no incentive for wiper companies to make them last longer.

was given this for Christmas one yr for the wipers and windshield, works very well.
https://www.frostguard.us/

cardboard does the same thing for free.  If vehicles sit outside in WI winters,  I put cardboard on front windshield under the wiper blades of each side thus also preventing the wiper blades to freeze on the windshield.

As far as wiper blades,  I use Tri-Cor as well 3 types of them your call on which one to use the flex seems to be of course flexible but the winter ones are more durable for winter use in WI.

Heard they are better than rain x ones and others, but also cost slightly more usually.  I would agree go to menards and get the cheapo ones for near free might not last as long, but 6-8 months up to 1 year tops is not bad for basically near free.  I do not get more than 2 years (usually one) out of the tri-cor.

[98valk]

I've given up on so-called "high quality" wiper blades. From Michelin to Rain-X to OEM from the dealership, they don't ever last a year. I've got 3 vehicles and it's the same on all. I finally gave up and started buying nothing but $3 or so ones from Menards, usually waiting until they have the rebate going on for a 100% back. I buy 2 sets and keep a spare in the trunk. I prefer the closed ones in winter, but it really doesn't matter since I flip the arms up overnight or if it's snowing or about to when I park. I always make sure the blades are free before getting in the car so the blade isn't frozen to the shield. Frankly I guess there's no incentive for wiper companies to make them last longer.

was given this for Christmas one yr for the wipers and windshield, works very well.
https://www.frostguard.us/

cardboard does the same thing for free.  If vehicles sit outside in WI winters,  I put cardboard on front windshield under the wiper blades of each side thus also preventing the wiper blades to freeze on the windshield.

As far as wiper blades,  I use Tri-Cor as well 3 types of them your call on which one to use the flex seems to be of course flexible but the winter ones are more durable for winter use in WI.

Heard they are better than rain x ones and others, but also cost slightly more usually.  I would agree go to menards and get the cheapo ones for near free might not last as long, but 6-8 months up to 1 year tops is not bad for basically near free.  I do not get more than 2 years (usually one) out of the tri-cor.

Wet freezing rain which turns into ice and snow with cardboard? then put into vehicle to go to where ever and then reinstall?

[old2soon]

           Some times the Collective knowledge available here Still manages to surprise me. It Really shouldn't but it do. And had the question I posed Not been asked I may have spent a bit more moola than I intended too. And what ever I end up mounting to the wiper arms I WILL take full responsibility for my own actions.  Thanks everyone that responded to my query.  The help is and continues to be much appreciated. RIDE SAFE.

[¿spoom]

Just got a set yesterday for my 02 Highlander. Trico brand and they work great. I paid 13.99 each. I have used rainx in the past and they just didn't last for me.

Thanks. I'll pass, because that $$ could go for new wiper blades I actually don't mind scraping a windshield, I just don't like how $14 blades lasted about the same as $3 ones. It's not the money, as $14 is just drinks before dinner and I don't mind that. I just hit the remote start on the car or van, and let them warm up 2-3 minutes while I finish my coffee and then the scraping is easy. If the coolant in the car is below around 35°, it'll turn on the rear defroster by itself when remote started so no biggie. I guess when your entire life was lived in NY & WI, you accept it the same way they shrug about rain down on the Gulf 

[¿spoom]

           Some times the Collective knowledge available here Still manages to surprise me. It Really shouldn't but it do. And had the question I posed Not been asked I may have spent a bit more moola than I intended too. And what ever I end up mounting to the wiper arms I WILL take full responsibility for my own actions.  Thanks everyone that responded to my query.  The help is and continues to be much appreciated. RIDE SAFE.

It was easier when all men wore neckties. They could be slid over disintegrating wipers right on the car to get you home.

[cookiedough]

I've given up on so-called "high quality" wiper blades. From Michelin to Rain-X to OEM from the dealership, they don't ever last a year. I've got 3 vehicles and it's the same on all. I finally gave up and started buying nothing but $3 or so ones from Menards, usually waiting until they have the rebate going on for a 100% back. I buy 2 sets and keep a spare in the trunk. I prefer the closed ones in winter, but it really doesn't matter since I flip the arms up overnight or if it's snowing or about to when I park. I always make sure the blades are free before getting in the car so the blade isn't frozen to the shield. Frankly I guess there's no incentive for wiper companies to make them last longer.

was given this for Christmas one yr for the wipers and windshield, works very well.
https://www.frostguard.us/

cardboard does the same thing for free.  If vehicles sit outside in WI winters,  I put cardboard on front windshield under the wiper blades of each side thus also preventing the wiper blades to freeze on the windshield.

As far as wiper blades,  I use Tri-Cor as well 3 types of them your call on which one to use the flex seems to be of course flexible but the winter ones are more durable for winter use in WI.

Heard they are better than rain x ones and others, but also cost slightly more usually.  I would agree go to menards and get the cheapo ones for near free might not last as long, but 6-8 months up to 1 year tops is not bad for basically near free.  I do not get more than 2 years (usually one) out of the tri-cor.

Wet freezing rain which turns into ice and snow with cardboard? then put into vehicle to go to where ever and then reinstall?

why not, never had an issue putting cardboard after taking off front windshield in the morning either put back in the garage or even tapping off the snow onto the ground comes right off.  If ice, is not that much and put the cardboard on the rear seat floor (not seats) and it does not make a mess and melt all over the carpet.  Plus, I have rear mats and is not that much water than comes off cardboard to worry about.  Been doing it for decades.

[¿spoom]

And in a not really surprising event, I took the van to breffus this morning because I hadn't driven it in a week of so, and I wanted to get my chipper/shredder out of storage. Went to use the washer and noticed one of the wipers had a torn blade.

Guaranteed less than a year old, and over $10 as I recall. The nice enclosed arm blade rubber is new-looking and pliable with no weathering, unfortunately it isn't completely attached anymore.  
the "free w/rebate" cheapie unit in the box will be it's replacement. The van is parked outside every day, facing south, but if the poor performance is from UV, they should warn me not to use them externally.  

[¿spoom]

I've had better luck running the cheap blades and then spend a couple more
bucks and get the orange RAIN X windshield solvent. gives ya the RAIN X treatment
 and does a lot better on frost, ice, and snow.
       just my $.02  - Mike

Thx, never tried it. Can you actually see a difference with the RainX i.e. beading up on the shield different than with nothing & the usual spray stuff from a carwash?

[Jess from VA]

I've not used rain X much.  But I do regularly wax my windshield.  Makes it easier to clean and stay clean.  And makes it slipperier for the blades.

I think this leads directly to longer lasting blades (cheap or spendy), because dragging them on a dry or not very wet shield is a sure way to age/tear them.

I also now pull my wipers out to full extension off the shield as a default setting when parked (at home).  Sitting under an ancient oak, too much crap collects on them and sits and rots and stains.

[98valk]

I've given up on so-called "high quality" wiper blades. From Michelin to Rain-X to OEM from the dealership, they don't ever last a year. I've got 3 vehicles and it's the same on all. I finally gave up and started buying nothing but $3 or so ones from Menards, usually waiting until they have the rebate going on for a 100% back. I buy 2 sets and keep a spare in the trunk. I prefer the closed ones in winter, but it really doesn't matter since I flip the arms up overnight or if it's snowing or about to when I park. I always make sure the blades are free before getting in the car so the blade isn't frozen to the shield. Frankly I guess there's no incentive for wiper companies to make them last longer.

was given this for Christmas one yr for the wipers and windshield, works very well.
https://www.frostguard.us/

cardboard does the same thing for free.  If vehicles sit outside in WI winters,  I put cardboard on front windshield under the wiper blades of each side thus also preventing the wiper blades to freeze on the windshield.

As far as wiper blades,  I use Tri-Cor as well 3 types of them your call on which one to use the flex seems to be of course flexible but the winter ones are more durable for winter use in WI.

Heard they are better than rain x ones and others, but also cost slightly more usually.  I would agree go to menards and get the cheapo ones for near free might not last as long, but 6-8 months up to 1 year tops is not bad for basically near free.  I do not get more than 2 years (usually one) out of the tri-cor.

Wet freezing rain which turns into ice and snow with cardboard? then put into vehicle to go to where ever and then reinstall?

why not, never had an issue putting cardboard after taking off front windshield in the morning either put back in the garage or even tapping off the snow onto the ground comes right off.  If ice, is not that much and put the cardboard on the rear seat floor (not seats) and it does not make a mess and melt all over the carpet.  Plus, I have rear mats and is not that much water than comes off cardboard to worry about.  Been doing it for decades.

ok fess up. you're using plastic coated tri-wall cardboard. 

[cookiedough]

no, just regular old cardboard boxes.  If it stays too wet over weeks/months, just toss away get another one easy enough.  If you tap the snow off early in the morning 95% of the time the snow is not wet and comes right off before putting on the floor of the backseat area.

If you want it to last longer and protect the edges you can waste some ducktape all around the cardboard outside edges.

[baird4444]

I've had better luck running the cheap blades and then spend a couple more
bucks and get the orange RAIN X windshield solvent. gives ya the RAIN X treatment
 and does a lot better on frost, ice, and snow.
       just my $.02  - Mike

Thx, never tried it. Can you actually see a difference with the RainX i.e. beading up on the shield different than with nothing & the usual spray stuff from a carwash?

yes, gives the rainX treatment. My favorite wife never uses her washers.....    I use them every time I get into her cage, why not??

[czuch]

At tax return time I buy Rock Auto load-o-wiperblades.
I have 6 cars up and running at any given time.
Arizona ultra violet sun takes them in 3 or 4 months.
There is a pair in every car, and everyone knows how to change them.
Classic windshields need new blades, not guesses.
NAPA, Bosch, Trico, all inexpensive.
I also get coffie, TP, oilchanges etc. at the same time.