Wiper review

[vortex-5]

Can some of you guys that have bought aftermarket wipers please list what brands and if possible how long you had them last. Maybe list a streakyness rating?

Only ask cause it\'s well known the stock wipers do not do very well, and I\'m trying to figure out what other options I have if I don\'t go with crappy tire blades.

For example has any one tried RainX blades? How about the brand that had a 3 year warrenty that came from walmart? Anyone manage to get the walmart viewmax (aka reflex ripoff) blades before they all sold out?

Interrested in hearing reviews since after 2 months 2000km with this car I\'m fed up with the wipers I really need to change them now and I don\'t think the dealer swapping them with another bosch will do the job juding from all the posts in the other thread.

[Mica3SGT]

I haven\'t had any issue with the stock Bosch wipers - maybe having a garage helps!
Check out any silicone wiper for best performance.:)

[billyfo]

I used the stock Boschs\' for about half yr and they\'re suck. I changed them to CT teflon and way better, now in my 2nd sets of teflon for about 8 mths and still good.

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

I had the reflex wipers since november, its been perfect so far, no streaking with rain and snow. I would rate it 8 out of 10.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I had the stock Bosch ones for about a year. They were so bad.
Like someone else said I picked up Teflon wipers from CT and they have been awesome!

[pmman]

Bought the reflex ones about 1 month ago and so far so good. probably paid too much but they work really well.

[Redhouse]

reflex good, bosch bad

[mit-gee-mui]

i have had the reflex wipers for a while now... maybe it is just me, but i find that i do not have to use them as often or as frequently as the standard wipers... just one wipe is enough to clear the windshield, as opposed to several wipes by the standard wipers...

[vortex-5]

Just got some VIEWmax wipers that look like reflex blades with a integrated spoiler Walmart seems to have gotten a second shipment and this one seems improved.

It looks very similar to the ones used in the new 06 civic, and BMW M3 http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/646/74/1600/IMG_2212.jpg (you might need to refresh for it to appear)

I\'ll take a pic for you guys when I get time.

It costs $34 for a pair, quite a deal if you ask me well here\'s to hoping it\'ll rain again soon so I can give these suckers a test run. (the OEM bosch are already in the trunk)

[FLIPDADY]

I\'ve had the PIAA silicone blades on for a year and they did the job throughout the season. My only complaint was that they are now starting to rust.

I paid $20 each for the blades.

[civiclad]

I am using the reflex wipers from Canadian Tire......expensive but just awesome.

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by civiclad


I am using the reflex wipers from Canadian Tire......expensive but just awesome.

How much are the Reflex blades anyway? Those are my next blades for sure.

[ds2chan]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED



Originally posted by civiclad


I am using the reflex wipers from Canadian Tire......expensive but just awesome.

How much are the Reflex blades anyway? Those are my next blades for sure.

the driver side wiper is $21.99 and the passenger side wiper is $23.99.. give or take a dollar.. but the ones at walmart are $14.99 each..

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by ds2chan

the driver side wiper is $21.99 and the passenger side wiper is $23.99.. give or take a dollar.. but the ones at walmart are $14.99 each..
Thanks ds2.

[majic]

Originally posted by vortex-5


Just got some VIEWmax wipers that look like reflex blades with a integrated spoiler Walmart seems to have gotten a second shipment and this one seems improved.

It looks very similar to the ones used in the new 06 civic, and BMW M3 http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/646/74/1600/IMG_2212.jpg (you might need to refresh for it to appear)

I\'ll take a pic for you guys when I get time.

It costs $34 for a pair, quite a deal if you ask me well here\'s to hoping it\'ll rain again soon so I can give these suckers a test run. (the OEM bosch are already in the trunk)

never throught i\'d agree with \'eddy\' ;) but i did buy the viewmax as per djltoronto\'s (http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=3504&page=5#55774) suggestion and they have been great so far... one comment i should make is that sometimes they tend to squeak, like that squeaky clean sound you hear on dishwashing detergent commercials ;) it might have to do with combined usage with rainX.. who knows.. other than that streakless wipe for half the price of regular reflex wipers.. oh get the driver\'s side 1\" longer than stock .. just do it..

[vortex-5]

Originally posted by majic
driver\'s side 1\" longer than stock .. just do it..

Yeah I just realized that today I\'ll be going to walmart to get an exchange from 21\" to 22\" so a word to the wise get the 22\" if you go viewmax. The ends sort of stick out a little bit more on the viewmax so although they look the same length as your bosch the squeegee itself is a tiny bit shorter.

[mazidane]

Just came across another \"Reflex\" clone at Partsource. I think they were called \"Innovators\" by a company called Trimor, retail for $25 each.

However I still think that the Viewmax are a better deal for $10 less at Walmart, I am already liking their performance so far over the stocks! :D

[doug E fresh]

I too strongly recommend the reflex wipers. With one pass, the entire windshield is clear.
They\'re also very effective in the winter, as well.

[Ghost3]

When I read on this board about the stock wipers being a little less than \"up to snuff\" I mentioned it to our salesman when we picked our new car up. He agreed with that assessment and said he had replaced his own on his car.

Well, our 3 is now a little over 3 weeks old and has about 1100kms on it and we have driven in about 2 minutes of rain. Not enough to say whether the stock blades are crapola or not. But just the same the car now has the WalMart Viewmax on the arms and about 4 coats of Rain-X. Now all I need is some rain.

We are heading to the Woodward Dream Cruise at 10:00am tomorrow (Friday 18) and maybe we\'ll get to try them out then. I really kinda hope not though.:sarc :(

[3GFX]

I was having problems with the stock blades, but they still sheeted away water fairly well. So how did I rectify my wiping problems? 5 dollars worth of rainX. This stuff is amazing. Water runs off without a wipe!!! Definitly recommend you try it, if you\'ve got new or old wipers.

[justin]

I used to have Bosch wipers on my Celica, and they were AWFUL. Lasted 3-6 months and then new ones. :(

Personally, I love the wipers on my 3, who makes them? (Sorry for threadjacking.)

[majic]

Originally posted by justin


I used to have Bosch wipers on my Celica, and they were AWFUL. Lasted 3-6 months and then new ones. :(

Personally, I love the wipers on my 3, who makes them? (Sorry for threadjacking.)

ironically.. bosch.. although that was true for teh 04s and some of the 05s.. so you may have lucked out..

[justin]

ironically.. bosch.. although that was true for teh 04s and some of the 05s.. so you may have lucked out..

Interesting. I wonder who the manufacturer for the 06 wipers is. Anyone from MoT have the ever eluzive answer?

[mazidane]

If I remember correct I think Flipspeed had told me that they were Bosch. In anycase I hated them, they were out within the first 3 weeks and replaced with Viewmaxes! :D

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by mazidane


If I remember correct I think Flipspeed had told me that they were Bosch. In anycase I hated them, they were out within the first 3 weeks and replaced with Viewmaxes! :D
Bosch is what all Mazda 3\'s have from the factory.;)

[M3GT]

Flipspeed, do you know how much are the replacement wiper blades for Mazda3? The stock right wiper was crap from day one, but never bother to go to the dealer. My car is under the TSB regarding the crappy wiper blades, however I doubt that the dealer will change them under the TSB after almost a year and a half. If I were to buy them from the dealer, should I expect to buy the improved ones as per Mazda TSB? Thanks.

[Chuck99]

M3GT, about the TSB, is it the one from the US because I can\'t find a Canadian one. My stock wipers a crap too.

I\'m bring my car in for service tomorrow before my one year anniversary, so hopefully they\'ll replace it because the last time I told them to look at it, they only cleaned it.

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by M3GT


Flipspeed, do you know how much are the replacement wiper blades for Mazda3? The stock right wiper was crap from day one, but never bother to go to the dealer. My car is under the TSB regarding the crappy wiper blades, however I doubt that the dealer will change them under the TSB after almost a year and a half. If I were to buy them from the dealer, should I expect to buy the improved ones as per Mazda TSB? Thanks.
To my knowledge Mazda is no longer replacing the wipers. There are replacement one\'s you can buy from Mazda which are better than the stock Bosch blades that came with the car.

[M3GT]

Originally posted by Chuck99


M3GT, about the TSB, is it the one from the US because I can\'t find a Canadian one. My stock wipers a crap too.

I\'m bring my car in for service tomorrow before my one year anniversary, so hopefully they\'ll replace it because the last time I told them to look at it, they only cleaned it.


Indeed, I\'m refering to the US TSB. I haven\'t seen any Canadian TSBs so far. The driver side wiper is fine, but the passenger one was crap from day one. I have seen many discussions around this issues and few people were able to replace them under the TSB, in Canada.
I think it\'s worth asking if you go to the dealership for service. Have a copy of the TSB (US) with you.

[M3GT]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED



Originally posted by M3GT


Flipspeed, do you know how much are the replacement wiper blades for Mazda3? The stock right wiper was crap from day one, but never bother to go to the dealer. My car is under the TSB regarding the crappy wiper blades, however I doubt that the dealer will change them under the TSB after almost a year and a half. If I were to buy them from the dealer, should I expect to buy the improved ones as per Mazda TSB? Thanks.
To my knowledge Mazda is no longer replacing the wipers. There are replacement one\'s you can buy from Mazda which are better than the stock Bosch blades that came with the car.



Thanks for the info. Do you have a price on that? I Is this the whole wiper or just the blade?

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by M3GT



Originally posted by FLIPSPEED



Originally posted by M3GT


Flipspeed, do you know how much are the replacement wiper blades for Mazda3? The stock right wiper was crap from day one, but never bother to go to the dealer. My car is under the TSB regarding the crappy wiper blades, however I doubt that the dealer will change them under the TSB after almost a year and a half. If I were to buy them from the dealer, should I expect to buy the improved ones as per Mazda TSB? Thanks.
To my knowledge Mazda is no longer replacing the wipers. There are replacement one\'s you can buy from Mazda which are better than the stock Bosch blades that came with the car.



Thanks for the info. Do you have a price on that? I Is this the whole wiper or just the blade?
The whole blade not just the insert.

Both sides $30.58 taxes in.

[M3GT]

Are they regular stock items so I can get them replaced when I bring my car in for the next service or should I order them in advance?

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by M3GT


Are they regular stock items so I can get them replaced when I bring my car in for the next service or should I order them in advance?
Regular stock item my friend.

[M3GT]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED



Originally posted by M3GT


Are they regular stock items so I can get them replaced when I bring my car in for the next service or should I order them in advance?
Regular stock item my friend.

Thanks. I was asking because I had a surprise once when I went to the dealership and asked for one plastic screw that holds the air filter cover and they had to order it (?!...). I paid $0.99 + tax for it too ... I asked the service advisor how come they don\'t have such a basic item in their shop and what happens if a the mecanic loses one while working on the car. The answer was the mecanics are told not to lose the screws. I guess if they lose it - very possible, they don\'t bother replacing it as long as it is not critical.

[Dvas_Romeo]

Can someone please let me know what lengths are required for the Reflex wipers from CT?

[wtom]

19" passenger, 21" driver. ;)

[Dvas_Romeo]

19" passenger, 21" driver. ;)

Tks, appreciate it!

[wtom]

Just my comments; picked up 22" driver's side for the WalMart ViewMax and it was dumb. Top inch or so of wiper doesn't even make contact with the windshield. Not sure if this happens with most other wipers when going beyond factory spec sizing for driver's side, but stick with 21". ;)

[majic]

Just my comments; picked up 22" driver's side for the WalMart ViewMax and it was dumb. Top inch or so of wiper doesn't even make contact with the windshield. Not sure if this happens with most other wipers when going beyond factory spec sizing for driver's side, but stick with 21". ;)

really??? you coming to hockey this sat? i want to check it out b/c the 21" is just a tad short for my liking.. but wipes along its entire length!

[wtom]

I'm not playing this Saturday but we'll meet up some time for you to try the 22" wiper.

I was thinking something, technically you can buy a single wiper and after removing the metal liner inside the blade, cut the blade to the length of the rear wiper, reinsert the metal liner, and replace the blade part. ;)

[FLIPDADY]

So far the Bosch Icon blades have been better than the Viemax ones I've had. I put on a 21" for the driver's side and an 18" for the passenger.

[royroy]

So far the Bosch Icon blades have been better than the Viemax ones I've had. I put on a 21" for the driver's side and an 18" for the passenger.
can the bosch ones wipe the top ends? coze i know my viewmax can't and it really annoys me when i dun have a clean windshield =P

[wtom]

can the bosch ones wipe the top ends? coze i know my viewmax can't and it really annoys me when i dun have a clean windshield =P

royroy, you using 21" and 19" viewmaxes?



Just my comments; picked up 22" driver's side for the WalMart ViewMax and it was dumb. Top inch or so of wiper doesn't even make contact with the windshield. Not sure if this happens with most other wipers when going beyond factory spec sizing for driver's side, but stick with 21". ;)

[royroy]

royroy, you using 21" and 19" viewmaxes?

i dun think so... i think i m using the size that the books says in wallmart

[mf5781]

I read in another forum that Walmart's are suck. They recommend Silbades at Lockdown. They are sold for $50 installed for two with 5-year warranty. They even arrange a group buy and with $20 each taxes included. I haven't tried this out. But I think I'll try them out this winter.

[SABIO]

Hey, an old topic...kewl. You have sucker written all over you if you pay $25 for a wiper blade.(installed??...what? you can't take the 10 seconds to do it yourself?)
I buy the $6 plain metal blades at CTC, work just fine..last longer than the stock ones.

[mf5781]

Hey, an old topic...kewl. You have sucker written all over you if you pay $25 for a wiper blade.(installed??...what? you can't take the 10 seconds to do it yourself?)
I buy the $6 plain metal blades at CTC, work just fine..last longer than the stock ones.

But do they have 5-year warranty?

[SABIO]

why would they need a 5-year warrenty. When they wear out, replace them.
The warrenty covers defects in materials...when they don't work that great anymore they are not going to give you a free set!!!

Another one bites the sales gimmick, good luck to you, you have a tough life ahead of you.

[majic]

normally i'd be on the noobs side.. but sabio is bang on.. and says who that "Walmart's are suck" (wtf does that mean anyway) my viewmax wipers are going strong.. over a year now i think..

[mf5781]

why would they need a 5-year warrenty. When they wear out, replace them.
The warrenty covers defects in materials...when they don't work that great anymore they are not going to give you a free set!!!

Another one bites the sales gimmick, good luck to you, you have a tough life ahead of you.

I hope Lockdown can confirm what's their warranty policy because people in other forum said they could be replaced when they leave streaks or break.

[Skarbro]

If they leave streaks, then that is wear-and-tear. You're telling us that Lockdown will replace worn out wipers?

[mf5781]

If they leave streaks, then that is wear-and-tear. You're telling us that Lockdown will replace worn out wipers?

I am not from Lockdown so I cannot say anything on behalf of them. So I hope Lockdown can see this discussion and clearify its policy. Or anyone who are interested can call them before they spend $50.

Sometimes we cannot assume something until verified. I think there are two possible reasons they might be able to do that:

1. the product is really good and lasts 5 years
2. there are a lot of people forget about this and fail to claim

Just like life-time warranty from Sears and CT. It also looks like impossible. But I bought a water hose from Sears with that kind of warranty. After few years, it broke. I brought it back and got a replacement with no question asked. The point is they charged you more at the beginning and hoped you completely forget about it.

[majic]

lockdownsecurity.ca
- call/email and ask.. or send them a private message to reply to this thread or to you personally..

or you can try the viewmax ones (if you, like me, do not live close to lockdown) and you know how easy it is to return shit to walmart ;) but YMMV.. i just checked with some pix i had and i've had mine for almost a year.. feb-march 2006.. no qualms thus far..

[Wild Weasel]

I believe the warranty may be legit. I've read about these before. They're made of silicon rather than rubber and supposedly do last for years.

http://www.silblade.com/

[Skarbro]

I believe the warranty may be legit. I've read about these before. They're made of silicon rather than rubber and supposedly do last for years.

http://www.silblade.com/


Those actually sound pretty good. Although I would never pay someone to install them for me.

[mf5781]

Those actually sound pretty good. Although I would never pay someone to install them for me.

It's a good deal if it can really last for 5 years. If you need replacement and are not close to the dealer, you might not want to make the claim due to the shipping/courier cost involved. So it also depends where you live or work.

For those who are already willing to pay $50 for CTs, why not give it try.

[Wild Weasel]

Well where exactly is Lockdown? If they'll replace them when they're bad and you don't have to deal with shipping them anywhere, then it's likely worth while. I'd get them, if I planned to keep driving this car for the next 5 years. As it stands, I expect I'm at least a year away from needing new wipers.

[mf5781]

Well where exactly is Lockdown? If they'll replace them when they're bad and you don't have to deal with shipping them anywhere, then it's likely worth while. I'd get them, if I planned to keep driving this car for the next 5 years. As it stands, I expect I'm at least a year away from needing new wipers.

191 Nugget Avenue
Unit 2
Scarborough, Ontario
M1S3B1
It's a sponsor of this site. You can also find it under the Marketplace - Sponsors on the home page of this site.

[Skarbro]

FYI, I was just at Lockdown this morning.

They will be making a post on this board TONIGHT about a GB for the Silblade wipers - There is already a GB in another forum and they will be offering the same deal to TM3.

I checked them out while I was there. The frames are EXACTLY the same as the Wal-Mart Viewmax wipers. The only difference is that the blade is made of silicone instead of rubber.

I'm totally going to jump on this when it comes up tonight for my 3 and my Corolla.

[mf5781]

FYI, I was just at Lockdown this morning.

They will be making a post on this board TONIGHT about a GB for the Silblade wipers - There is already a GB in another forum and they will be offering the same deal to TM3.

I checked them out while I was there. The frames are EXACTLY the same as the Wal-Mart Viewmax wipers. The only difference is that the blade is made of silicone instead of rubber.

I'm totally going to jump on this when it comes up tonight for my 3 and my Corolla.

Have you checked with Jeff if their warranty covers wear & tear as I heard?

[Skarbro]

No I actually forgot to ask them that. I was too busy buying stuff.

[SABIO]

Sanwon Venture SDN BHD 46-B Tingkat 1 Jalan 6/3 Pandan Indah Commercial Park, Padan Indah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: 03-4295-7378, Fax: 03-4295-1378,

Here is the Head Office. Call them about the warrenty. Ask them how much to ship you new blades from Malaysia.

How can you really think these blades will last 5 years coming from malaysia??

[Skarbro]

Sanwon Venture SDN BHD 46-B Tingkat 1 Jalan 6/3 Pandan Indah Commercial Park, Padan Indah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: 03-4295-7378, Fax: 03-4295-1378,

Here is the Head Office. Call them about the warrenty. Ask them how much to ship you new blades from Malaysia.

How can you really think these blades will last 5 years coming from malaysia??

They're made of silicone as opposed to rubber. I don't expect them to last the whole 5 years, but I do expect them to last at least twice as long as rubber blades. Silicone is way more durable.

Besides, just because they might be made in Malaysia, doesn't mean that they are crap.

[Wild Weasel]

I think the key here is whether you can just take them back to Lockdown and get them replaced under warranty or whether you have to deal directly with the manufacturer. If Lockdown will handle it, then it could be a no-brainer.

They say they'll last for 5 years. As far as I'm concerned, if wear and tear makes them last only 3 or 4 years, that must have been a manufacturers defect. They were supposed to be more robust than that.

[mf5781]

I think the bottom line is you want the wipers to last up to 5 years. If not, you can get free replacement from your local dealers. You don't want the hassles in arguing whether they are wear & tear or you have to pay the shipping to Malaysia or the States. If the above 2 things are not guaranteed by Lockdown, don't buy.

[derrick]

For rain PIAA Silicone blades are the way to go. The blades are very soft and hug the windshield well even when dry. The silicone is basically embedded into the blade, so every time you wipe it applies a thin layer of silicone that acts like Rain-X. The water just beads upwards as you travel down the highway.

BTW, I'm from BC. I know rain like no other province. ;D

[Wild Weasel]

I think the bottom line is you want the wipers to last up to 5 years. If not, you can get free replacement from your local dealers. You don't want the hassles in arguing whether they are wear & tear or you have to pay the shipping to Malaysia or the States. If the above 2 things are not guaranteed by Lockdown, don't buy.

Exactly.

So has anyone called them to find out?

[MAZDA Kitten]

Costco has the Michelin "RADIUS" wipers for $13
Best wipers I've ever owned (seriously)

[andrew-gg]

Is anybody from Lockdown going to post a reply to the warranty question?

[Skarbro]

Is anybody from Lockdown going to post a reply to the warranty question?

I'm going there on Saturday, so I'll ask them then.

[iconicrocket]

I'm still on my original wipers from March 2005. LOL. Needs replacing 9 months ago.

So, are we having the group buy deal any time soon?

[Skarbro]

I'm still on my original wipers from March 2005. LOL. Needs replacing 9 months ago.

So, are we having the group buy deal any time soon?

Well he told me he was going to do it last week, but I guess he changed his mind.

I'll ask him about it again.

[Skarbro]

Just came back from Lockdown.

Jeff said that a GP for the Silblades will likely happen in the future, but right now there is a backorder for some sizes - including the 21" for the Mazda 3. I picked up a set for the Corolla.

Right now, you have to deal with Silblade directly for warranty issues, although Jeff is working to change that so that all you have to deal with is Lockdown. Basically right now, if there is a problem, you contact them and they ask you to send you defective one and they will replace it. Hopefully Lockdown sets up direct warranty replacement soon.

[Flagrum_3]

Sorry but $50 bucks for wipers??....Here's a different perspective.How about maintaining your wipers!? Thats what I do and my stock July 05' wipers are still working like new if not better, no smears or smudges.
It'll save you money down the road, money that could be used elsewhere! like taking the better half out to the movies maybe!?

Just suggesting ;-)


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[PlatMS6]

Costco has the Michelin "RADIUS" wipers for $13
Best wipers I've ever owned (seriously)

Please elaborate!!!

[Skarbro]

Sorry but $50 bucks for wipers??....Here's a different perspective.How about maintaining your wipers!? Thats what I do and my stock July 05' wipers are still working like new if not better, no smears or smudges.
It'll save you money down the road, money that could be used elsewhere! like taking the better half out to the movies maybe!?

Just suggesting ;-)


_3


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The stock wipers are just plain dangerous in the winter. The joints can freeze and cause them to not wipe properly. So you have to get winter wipers if you want to be safe.

$50 for all-season silicone wipers that last 5 years is a bargain. Most rubber wipers only last 3 years max.

[Wild Weasel]

Most rubber wipers are expected to last 6 months, though you can usually get a year out of them without issue.

As for winter wipers... honestly, in all the years I've been driving I've never bought a set and never had my wipers freeze up and not work on me. I understand the concept and know what they're supposed to do. I've just never had it necessary.

When brushing the snow off my windshield, I'll lift the wiper and let it snap back down. Whatever ice is on it shatters off and then they're fine.

[andrew-gg]

The Silblade's that I bought 1 year ago from Lockdown have been failing me in the last two months. They have been streaking, not wiping right, rust on the wiper arm etc. I have taken them off and cleaned them but it didn't fix a thing. I will not be buying Silblade's again.

[Skarbro]

Most rubber wipers are expected to last 6 months, though you can usually get a year out of them without issue.

As for winter wipers... honestly, in all the years I've been driving I've never bought a set and never had my wipers freeze up and not work on me. I understand the concept and know what they're supposed to do. I've just never had it necessary.

When brushing the snow off my windshield, I'll lift the wiper and let it snap back down. Whatever ice is on it shatters off and then they're fine.
You've barely ever parked your car outside in the winter. You never used to commute with it and always parked it in a garage which probably melted the wipers just enough to escape the freezing. You've been lucky.

I've had wiper joints freeze up on me dozens of times. You can't always just knock off the ice as you've described.

I only hope that if you have stock wipers freeze up on you, that you are no where near ramp! :P

[Wild Weasel]

I used to go to the GO Station and leave the car outside all day, remember? :D



The Silblade's that I bought 1 year ago from Lockdown have been failing me in the last two months. They have been streaking, not wiping right, rust on the wiper arm etc. I have taken them off and cleaned them but it didn't fix a thing. I will not be buying Silblade's again.

Have you got in touch with them to have them replaced? It'll be nice to hear how much of a hassle, or lack thereof, the warranty service is!

[Skarbro]

I used to go to the GO Station and leave the car outside all day, remember? :D

Wasn't that like 7 years ago?

Do you still want those Reflex wipers?

[Skarbro]

Anyone see the commercials for Arc-Flex wipers? Same single piece concept wiper as the newer ones and they make a subtle diss of the Crappy Tire Reflex wipers in the commercial.

When it comes time to change these wipers, you replace only the blade, which makes replacement cheaper.

[Wild Weasel]

Wasn't that like 7 years ago?

Do you still want those Reflex wipers?

Still? I've never wanted them. I just agreed to take them off your hands for $10 because they're only slightly less useless to me than they are to you. :D

7 years? Damn... almost... I guess it's been over 5 years now... time flies!

[Flagrum_3]

Skarbro, Weasel...You guys own stock in these wiper companies or what?
Frozen joints? 6 months life span? c'mon....

In my 30+ years of driving and thru winters you guys have probably never seen the likes of, I have never had a wiper freeze on me...Never!

My oem wipers are 18 months old and work perfect.My second cars wipers are 4 years old and work fine and have never failed me even in -40 temps, killer white-outs and freezing rain...

So how do you explain them facts?

If those fifty dollar "warrantied wipers" last 5 years...great, but you can get just as much use from your garden variety, thats all I'm saying.


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[Skarbro]

Skarbro, Weasel...You guys own stock in these wiper companies or what?
Frozen joints? 6 months life span? c'mon....

In my 30+ years of driving and thru winters you guys have probably never seen the likes of, I have never had a wiper freeze on me...Never!

My oem wipers are 18 months old and work perfect.My second cars wipers are 4 years old and work fine and have never failed me even in -40 temps, killer white-outs and freezing rain...

So how do you explain them facts?

If those fifty dollar "warrantied wipers" last 5 years...great, but you can get just as much use from your garden variety, thats all I'm saying.


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You're telling me that you've never had streaking in the winter with standard jointed wipers? I haven't been driving 30+ years, but I definitely had streaking problems ever single winter with that style of wiper.

Anyway, I'll stick to getting what I feel are safer wipers. ;)

[Flagrum_3]

I never said I never had streaking, I said I never had wipers freeze on me.Any wiper will at some point or more accurately in "certain conditions", streak.It dosn't matter if its a $10 or a $50 wiper you can't get around it but I've never had it get to the point where it was dangerous! Oh hold on a second...I remember winter '84 driving my '73 VW Super Beetle and it streaked like a bitch, but hey I had no heater. ;-)

Hey man to each his own, if it makes you feel safe than buy them, but don't make it sound like they are the end-all of wipers and anything less is Dangerous.


Peace


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[Skarbro]

What exactly is your definition of freezing? I'm talking about the subtle freezing of the joints, which cause the blade to streak and not wipe properly. Because the "Reflex"-type blades don't have joints, they don't streak - at least not nearly as badly as standard jointed blades (no blade is perfect).

And I do maintain that standard jointed blades are more dangerous in the winter (my opinion) - just because the potential for significant streaking is much greater than proper winter blades or the newer single-piece wipers.

[Wild Weasel]

I said 6 months because that's what the "recommend" replacement interval is for wiper blades. I also said you can generally expect them to last a year or more.

I've never had a set last more than 2 years and not be noticably worse than when they were new. You might find that acceptable, but most people wouldn't. When you replace the wipers, the reaction shouldn't be "Hot damn! These are WAY better than those old ones!" :)

[Flagrum_3]

Skarbro its a misconception to think that its just the "joints that freeze" causing streaking, streaking is caused by ice forming on the blade itself, in "most" cases.Haven't you ever cleaned off your wipers after snowfall and noticed ice formed right on the rubber blade?...I have many a times and you basically have to wipe it off with your gloved hands.While your driving in 'certain situations' this ice will form on the blades themselves hence the streaking and theres no way around it...no matter what blade you have.You even admit that these new fangled wipers still streak...I have managed over the years to significantly reduce this 'Streaking' by learning to maintain my wipers.I'll elaborate later...


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[Wild Weasel]

Streaking is also caused then the joints freeze since they are then no longer able to press the rubber against the glass. Winter blades have a cover over them to keep the elements out of the joints.

Of course, as I mentioned, I've never really had a problem with this and have never run winter wiper blades.

But I park indoors for the most part so my experience isn't likely the norm...

[Skarbro]

Skarbro its a misconception to think that its just the "joints that freeze" causing streaking, streaking is caused by ice forming on the blade itself, in "most" cases.Haven't you ever cleaned off your wipers after snowfall and noticed ice formed right on the rubber blade?...I have many a times and you basically have to wipe it off with your gloved hands.While your driving in 'certain situations' this ice will form on the blades themselves hence the streaking and theres no way around it...no matter what blade you have.You even admit that these new fangled wipers still streak...I have managed over the years to significantly reduce this 'Streaking' by learning to maintain my wipers.I'll elaborate later...


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I wish I could count the number of times I've had a wiper streak in the winter that I've tried to clean with a gloved hand. It almost never fixes the streaking.

[Flagrum_3]

Well skarbro I don't know what to say it works for me, next time you can try wiping the blades with a wwfluid soaked rag I find that works in the worst conditions.... Weasel I get 4+ years out of a set of plain wipers by soaking them periodically in wwfluid and then wiping them clean.My car sits outside all the time.And my ability to see clearly out the windshield has always been paramount to me....You treat your weather stripping don't you? So why not your wipers?


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[Wild Weasel]

heh. Because wipers are cheap to replace. :)

[Flagrum_3]

Well $50 bucks doesn't sound cheap to me, but if you want to buy new wipers everytime they start streaking or every 6 months just for the heck of it, thats your porogative....no big deal.I'd prefer to make things last if its in my power to do so.....thats just the way I am.


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[Skarbro]

$50 for 5 years is dirt cheap.

[Wild Weasel]

$50 for 5 years is dirt cheap.

It is if they hold up. I wonder if andrew-gg is gonna post up on his experience with the warranty service...

Was that $50 each or $50 for the pair?

[Skarbro]

$50/pair

[majic]

jeeeebuss.. how many more pages discussing the same shit over and over again?

this was a wiper review thread and thanks to the dude who likes to thread crap it turned into a trashing thread.. clean up your act boys!

[Skarbro]

jeeeebuss.. how many more pages discussing the same shit over and over again?

this was a wiper review thread and thanks to the dude who likes to thread crap it turned into a trashing thread.. clean up your act boys!

It's a civil discussion, there's no trash going on in here. ;)

I don't understand your last paragraph though.

[majic]

except you're beatiung the dead horse.. yes they suck.. no they last.. yes they freeze.. obviously you (all 3 of u) aren't going to look at the others' POV so mes.. you're right.. there wasn't trashing per se.. but it was a circular agreement going nowhere.. by clean up i meant cease and desist ;)

and that was a backhanded slap for crapping in my FS thread ;)

[Flagrum_3]

It's a civil discussion, there's no trash going on in here. ;)

I don't understand your last paragraph though.


Yeah, I too would like you elaborate on that last paragraph...we were having a discussion here, no trash, no argument just a peaceful discussion.
Who the ;uck are you to tell us to stop..If we want to beat a dead horse, ressurect him and then beat him again thats our right.....So!...if you don't want to read it.....Don't....and please don't assume that we will ignore others comments.

Thank-you.


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[majic]

wow.. wow.. re-****ing-lax..

i re-stated that you guys weren't fighting (trashing) but the OP intended this as a 'wiper review' thread moreso, an after market wiper review.. state the AM brand and how they've lasted.. simple

all i see you is praising your stock wipers and while that is great, maybe for the 30+ years you happen to have come across SPECTACULAR batches of wipers, but for one, i know since day 1 my stock wipers were shit - the passenger one never made contact with the windshield at the top 6" of the blade.. you know what the dealer did? they cleaned the wiper and sent me home.. too bad i JUST had cleaned them before the visit :S

MOREOVER, one winter day, the metal blade that sits directly over the rubber blade to provide the curved shape, came out of the housing damaging my A pillar.. how's that for 'great stock wipers'

been using viewmax ones for almost a year now and in combination with RainX they've been great but then again i'm not sure how much of that is thanks to rainX.. $30 costs much less than a trip to a dealer and a waste of my time.. if the sill blades were available back then at some discount, i may have entertained the idea..

as for ignoring others' comments.. just recall the 'engine break-in' thread.. you've had your own idea.. it's worked (supposedly) for you all these years and you stuck with it.. didn't entertain the alternate method at all.. as they say, hard to teach an old dog new tricks.. ;)

Cheers!

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Easy boys.

I switched to viewmax myself about 8 months back, after I noticed a streak on my pass side.

To each his own, "Mazda" doesnt manufactor wipers (among other things) and IMHO they arent the best.. good example would also be the tire.

To remain comparable in the entry level market, you have to cut a corner or 2.

[Flagrum_3]

Majic you couldn't be more wrong about your last statement.
As for the engine break-in comment...sure I'm going to be sturn on a topic I am sure about and 'try' not to let more newby people go along with methods that might be dangerous to their investments.
As for the blade thing sorry you had bad luck with your oem blades, nothing is perfect and my point thru the whole thing was that with some tlc even the oem blades can be made to last, but you must put the effort in.
All of this is unnecessary because I don't have to answer to you and I don't need or want your approval and it still doesn't excuse your audacity to break into this thread demanding things on people.....fini.


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