Wiper Blade Replacements - Not Wiping Clean

[Manuel]

I apologize if there's already a thread addressing replacement wiper blade issues (I only found one regarding adapters).

I picked up a couple of Goodyear wiper blades from Costco this past weekend (24" and 16"), and went to install them (not recommended when it's -15 out), only to find the replacement 24" blade seems to be about an inch shorter than the stock one. Strange... In addition, once I had them installed and turned the wipers on, I noticed the passenger side wiper wasn't wiping it's half of the windshield off completely. Here's an illustration of what I mean:

The grey outline is the path the wipers take, the orange is the area missed by the passenger side wiper. It appears as though the passenger side wiper isn't maintaining contact throughout it's stroke. However, upon inspection, the wiper blade appears to have the flex necessary to do so.

Has anyone else encountered this issue with their blades? I'm not opposed to picking up another set of blades - just curious if it's a common issue with aftermarket blades on our cars.

 

[frankiefiesta]

I've had this issue on my previous car (07 civic si) went through a few different wiper blades with the same outcome until I came across these

https://www.rainx.com/product/wiper-blades/rain-x-latitude/#.VqD3Huw8KJI

Don't remember the exact price but they work great

 

[Manuel]

I've had this issue on my previous car (07 civic si) went through a few different wiper blades with the same outcome until I came across these

https://www.rainx.com/product/wiper-blades/rain-x-latitude/#.VqD3Huw8KJI

Don't remember the exact price but they work great

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the input! I guess I'll test Costco's return policy with used wiper blades...

 

[Chuckable]

I've tried a bunch of different brands on multiple different cars, and almost always found that OEM was best. They're actually usually less expensive than aftermarket too.

 

[zrxguy]

I agree that OEM has always worked best for myself too.

 

[nickstewartroc]

I try to always stick with the Motocraft wipers. Cheaper or same price as any others and always work great. Back when i had a 2011 Focus, I was able to make the wipers last for 2 years. Simply wiped the blade itself with rubbing alcohol every time I washed the car

 

[TyphoonFiST]

I've found that with aftermarket blades sometimes the shear weight of them isn't enough even with the spring tension from the arm is able to make them make contact with the whole windshield. As silly as it sounds sometimes the dealer blades are the way to go vs. Aftermarket.

 

[Sil3nt611]

I try to always stick with the Motocraft wipers. Cheaper or same price as any others and always work great. Back when i had a 2011 Focus, I was able to make the wipers last for 2 years. Simply wiped the blade itself with rubbing alcohol every time I washed the car

I would think that would dry out the rubber blades and cause them to crack early. Best way to clean rubber is soap and water.

 

[nickstewartroc]

Haven't had that problem, like I said I managed 2 years out of them doing that. If you ever look at the wipe pads that some wipers come with, it is essentially just rubbing alcohol

 

[Vince62]

Oem work best for me.

 

[Sil3nt611]

Haven't had that problem, like I said I managed 2 years out of them doing that. If you ever look at the wipe pads that some wipers come with, it is essentially just rubbing alcohol

Maybe they are made of a material that's more stout. My mom's Focus is almost 2 years old now and it still has the original wiper blades on it. They still wipe just fine. I always got el cheapo blades for my old car and they wouldn't wipe real well past 6 months. It sounds like the OEM ones will live a long life, so in a couple years when I do have to replace them I'll go OEM.

 

[D1JL]

The OEM blades do work the best however, replacement blades even purchased from the dealer are aftermarket.
This is true of many parts sold by dealers, they are not the same as used in manufacturing even though they are under the same brand name.

With wiper blades, they are not that expensive, so I have them replaced at the dealer.
That way if they don't work correctly I just have the dealer fix it until they do.
There have been times I have had the entire refill, blade, and arm replaced under warranty for just the cost of the refill itself.


Dave

 

[Manuel]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sounds like OEM is the way to go next time. I picked up a set of Tricoflex blades from O'Reilly's last night ($40!) and they seem to be working well. Much much easier to install than the Goodyears. I was super bummed they didn't have Bosch Icons in stock that fit our wiper arms; the pair I had on my old car were still going strong and streak-free after three years!

 

[Zormecteon]

I tieid the Goodyear blades from Costco too. I must not have properly installed the adapter because the blade half came off. I'm using Michelin Stealth blades right now and am happy with them.

 

[Manuel]

I tieid the Goodyear blades from Costco too. I must not have properly installed the adapter because the blade half came off. I'm using Michelin Stealth blades right now and am happy with them.

To be fair, the adapters were a pain in the ass to switch out. I was pretty sure I was going to break it at some point.

 

[Diabs]

I had the same problem and discovered the issue...the pic says it all....

Seems to be salt build up...I took the arm off, noticed that the salt stopped the spring from working like it should. Cleaned it up, dropped a little oil in ther, worked the arm back n forth and everything is new again!
Bought a new wiper blade for nothing b4 I made this discovery.

 

[haste]

I'm using Michelin Stealth blades right now and am happy with them.

I bought a pair of these for my Focus SVT and was happy with them initially. They started chattering after a few months and less than a year the passenger side blade is falling apart. I will not be buying these again!