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      10-23-2011, 03:24 PM   #1
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silly windshield wiper questions

What do you do to maintain them, just a simple wipe-down of the blades? How often do you replace them and do you buy oem or aftermkt (if so, what brand is good)? Do I replace the whole arm or just the rubber blades? Thx.
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      10-23-2011, 05:18 PM   #2
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they're covered under warranty once a year for your first 4 years. Maintenance? No idea.
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      10-24-2011, 04:00 PM   #3
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http://www.rainx.com/Tips_Information/Maintenance.aspx

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      10-24-2011, 04:20 PM   #4
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You need to replace just the inserts. As mentioned above new inserts are covered under free maintenance once a year - at least in the U.S.

I personally lift my wipers off the windshield if I park the car and freezing precipitations are forecast. That way they don't stick before I had a chance to clean the windshield. That's the only "maintenance" I can think of.
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      11-20-2011, 03:24 PM   #5
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The inserts as in the 2 rubber squeegee things? How much do they cost and I guess I can get them anywhere?
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      11-20-2011, 03:33 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cdeslandes View Post
You need to replace just the inserts. As mentioned above new inserts are covered under free maintenance once a year - at least in the U.S.

I personally lift my wipers off the windshield if I park the car and freezing precipitations are forecast. That way they don't stick before I had a chance to clean the windshield. That's the only "maintenance" I can think of.
+1

If i know snow is coming i lift the wiper arms so the blades dont freeze in that position.
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      11-20-2011, 09:07 PM   #7
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you guys realize the bottom of the windshield is heated so that the wipers don't stick, right??
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      11-20-2011, 09:10 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by z4z4z4 View Post
+1

Apply RainX to the glass as well. Works great.......you might not even need to use the wipers in light rain.
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      11-20-2011, 11:59 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Memphis1 View Post
you guys realize the bottom of the windshield is heated so that the wipers don't stick, right??
not overnight when the car is off
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      02-16-2012, 12:59 AM   #10
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Should I just buy from the dealer the squeegee part: I tried to shop at other auto stores and they don't have that shape of rubber squeegee...it's so damn annoying: can't they just make one w/ the same shape?

Anyone manage to buy just the rubber squeegee part other than from the dealer? Which one? Thx.
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      02-16-2012, 07:21 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toplessrydr View Post
+1

Apply RainX to the glass as well. Works great.......you might not even need to use the wipers in light rain.
I've tried Rainx but didn't like it. It leaves a coating on the glass that's thick enough to show little specks when it's hit by particles in the air. After a week there are all these specks that can't be wiped off without removing the Rainx.
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      02-28-2012, 04:30 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jparnes1 View Post
I've tried Rainx but didn't like it. It leaves a coating on the glass that's thick enough to show little specks when it's hit by particles in the air. After a week there are all these specks that can't be wiped off without removing the Rainx.
I never notice a problem like you stated but that does not mean it doesn't happen. The RainX will wear off. As for the spots, could it be on the glass prior to you applying the RainX? If you are still having problems with the spot try BioClean. We have it here on the west coast. It's one of the better product I've used on glass to remove stains and water spots.
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      10-23-2012, 07:40 PM   #13
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So do you just replace the whole unit or just the inserts because I can't find the inserts in stores (unless they sell them at the dealer)...not sure if there are less expensive options or just get a better aftermkt model?
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      11-06-2012, 06:57 PM   #14
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Do you guys just swallow the bullet, those OEM wipers costs like $80!!! However, not sure if aftermkt ones are a perfect fit since the 2 wipers are not equal length. Any other recommendations?
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      11-07-2012, 11:36 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tranquility
Do you guys just swallow the bullet, those OEM wipers costs like $80!!! However, not sure if aftermkt ones are a perfect fit since the 2 wipers are not equal length. Any other recommendations?
Last time I bought wipers they were sold singly. So you buy the two different lengths to match the car.
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      11-07-2012, 03:36 PM   #16
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at most auto part stores you can purchase generic refill blades that snap off to the right length. They usually put them on for me with purchase and cost something like $5.00 USD. dont stress over cleaning the blades replace them every March or April. you pick the month.
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      11-09-2012, 01:40 PM   #17
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My dealer rubs them down with carbon powder. It softens them up and cleans them. They are as good as new. They do it every six months or whenever I drop in.
Here they charge $200 for a pair of OEM. Ouch
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      11-09-2012, 08:05 PM   #18
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I recently replaced mine with the latest RainX model, the Latitude. I believe they cost about $45. The sizes recommended were 22" and 19", but the only issue is the passenger side blade does not conform to curvature of windshield on the outboard lower surface....as if a bit long. I chose them after experiencing our new 2012 740Li that came with the equivalent.
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      01-15-2017, 12:21 AM   #19
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Bumping this as I presently have 20" (driver) and 22" (passenger) and agree w/ the above poster that maybe the 22 is too long...I'm think 20/21 is the OEM/proper fit? I can't remember my OEMs since this is my aftermkt wiper pair.

What blades do you use and what lengths?
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      01-15-2017, 01:12 AM   #20
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buy aftermarket rainX. in Los Angeles, wipers will dry out mid summer from that dry heat and we'll just end up buying new ones late october when rain season starts again.
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      01-15-2017, 02:08 AM   #21
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What lengths do you use?
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      01-17-2017, 03:23 PM   #22
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If you want longer lasting aftermarket wipers than the Rain-X, get the Bosch Icons. In my experience they last about twice as long as the Rain-X ones I'd tried before. The best I'd ever used bar none though are the PIAA Super Silicone ($23ea on Amazon, part numbers 95055 and 95050). Over 2 full seasons in SoCal without any streaking or chattering. I haven't tried their SI Tech ($27 ea on Amazon, part numbers 97055 and 97050) to see if the wiper compound is the exact same as the Super Silicone just in the frameless design but I'll give them a shot when my factory ones need to go.

Whatever you do though don't get the Goodyear wipers Costco sells. Usually everything at Costco is a great product but those are crap!
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