wiper blades/refills

[sonoma]

I am starting to sound like my father but here I go, I have been driving for 35 years and I have never replaced more wiper blade refills in the past 35 years than I have in the past 10 years.

My wife and kids all drive Nissans. Is it the blades that Nissan uses or are they all like that? The thin rubber strip just rips and needs to be replaced every 6 to 9 months. In snow and ice I am very careful to de-ice them so they won't break.

[SteveTheTech]

Nice rant.

Maybe ditching your current blades may be a good idea. Try some of the new style blades. I have a set of these and although they don't last forever they work better for the six or so months that I keep them for.

Wipers are pretty cheap and they are crucial during inclement weather, if a simple set of wipers would keep my family safe then it's worth it to me to keep them fresh and clean.

Also you may want to try periodic cleaning of the blade edge. Using something like washer solvent on a paper towel and clean the whole length. If you are already doing this what are you using to clean the blades? Some caustic chemicals will eat the rubber and cut the life expectancy.

[SteveTheTech]

I was re reading your original post and started thinking about this a little more. Are their windshields chipped or damaged. You may want to think about polishing the windshields when the weather improves.

[sonoma]

Nope. Windshields are smooth and clean. It's just the part that comes in contact with the glass starts to rip away from the rest of the refill.

I guess you are right. Small price to pay for such a huge safety issue.