Windshield wipers (obviously non-Valk)

[SANDMAN5]

Why don't wipers last long any more? Seems like I used to buy 1, or
at most 2, sets a year...now I'm buying them every 3-4 months. What
gives? I've tried different brands but got similar results. What do
youse guys use? ( I can Rain-X the Jeep but don't want to do the F-150)

[eric in md]

    anco winter blades my favorite

[RudyF6]

I have these on both my vehicles, 12.95 ea. at Meijer and last over a year.
http://tricoproducts.com/Drivers/WiperProducts/PremiumPerformance/Neoform
Less bulk than winter blades, and no framework to ice up! 

[ptgb]

Why don't wipers last long any more? Seems like I used to buy 1, or
at most 2, sets a year...now I'm buying them every 3-4 months. What
gives?

My guess; three words....

MADE - IN - CHINA

[Jess Tolbirt]

EXACTLY!! made in china and the synthetic rubber...

[Willow]

The rain in east Tennessee must be much more acidic than it is here.  I buy a set of wipers about once every two or three years.   

My guess would be that as you're aging your finding yourself using the wipers more often and longer, perhaps to clear up visibility issues on the windshield that your younger eyes wouldn't have even noticed.  Are you using more windshield washer fluid than you once did?  Do you notice that you're using the wipers on a dry windshield from time to time?

I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the eyes.  My body is several years older than yours, but my eyes are only four and a half years old.      

[Hoser]

Maybe Valk related after all.    Hoser
http://www.peerclear.com/testimonials

[Jess from VA]

Most new blades come with a little wipe to clean the rubber.  I don't know if it is alcohol or what.

But when washing your car, if you periodically scrub the blades, dry them and run a cloth with just a little armorall or vinyl cleaner, they will last longer than otherwise.  It decreases friction on use. 

[Steve K (IA)]

I treat our windshields with Rain X and use the Rain X washer fluid.  Tried the Rain X wipers and won't ever buy them again.  Have tried several other brands of wipers and the Anco's seem to be the best, and cost less than most others.  I put on new wiper blades every year at Thanksgiving time.  That way they are in good shape for the winter months.

[SANDMAN5]

My guess would be that as you're aging your finding yourself using the wipers more often and longer, perhaps to clear up visibility issues on the windshield that your younger eyes wouldn't have even noticed.  Are you using more windshield washer fluid than you once did?  Do you notice that you're using the wipers on a dry windshield from time to time?

Good guess....but no. It's not that they don't clean the glass, they just dry out fast and "scrub"
when they run across it. Thought about putting Vaseline or ArmorAll on the base of the blade
(doesn't touch the glass) but that would asking for trouble!!

[R J]

My Dakota has a set of winter blades I took off of the Dakota I traded in.   Got them 3 years ago.   I'm like SteveK(IA) I use Rain-X washer fluid, and each winter, start of, I take a AmourAll wipe and run a quick swipe on the blade part.

[alph]

Maybe Valk related after all.    Hoser
http://www.peerclear.com/testimonials

you've got to be kidding.......

[John Schmidt]

Maybe Valk related after all.    Hoser
http://www.peerclear.com/testimonials

you've got to be kidding.......

Nope, not at all. I had a wiper on my Wing before I bought the Valk. With my tall Tulsa windshield it was great, especially since you couldn't see over it unless you were 8' tall.

And Willow, thanks for those encouraging words re. aging eyes.  Actually my eyes are only about 14 yrs. old, been that long since I had the Lasik done to both of them. One of the best investments I've ever made, that, and a wedding ring for my honey. 

[Hoser]

I'm considering getting one.  Damn near got killed on Interstate 80 when I could'nt see in a downpour. Looks like they work to me.  Sqeegie glove did not help much.    Hoser

[fudgie]

I bought wipers for the 1st time for my truck in late spring. Then the other 1 in late summer. I think they were the originals. Bought the Z-71 in March 06 with 40k on it and changed the wipers at 82k in 2011. I use the cheapo's. I also use rainx summer fluid and switch to rain x winter fluid. Maybe this helps.

[Momz]

I worked in the wiper system industry for several years.

Most people fail to properly clean their windshields. All wipers leave residual rubber on the glass, and of course there is always dirt that imbeds itself, bug juice, bird droppings, etc.

The best way to clean a windshied is to use "Bon Ami" cleanser and clean cellulose sponge, it can also be used to wipe off the blades.

Wiper blades are affected by UV rays, heat, cold and humidity. Rubber takes a set very quickly in hot environments and then will not flip over on the upward stroke.

Even the best wiper blades should be replaced at least twice per year, and the new "beam blades" are currently the best all weather blades on the market.

Good luck