Factory wiper blades absolute trash?

[Yellow318]

My Maverick's wiper blades are absolutely the best blades I've ever had on a vehicle. Still great, 1 year in.
Maybe it's the product you've used on the glass. I never use anything on the windshield, except glass cleaner. I did have frequent wiper issues on previous vehicles where I did try Rain-X a few times. Chattering and streaking...

Same, these OEMs are great. I’m definitely buying the same to replace them when they wear out

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[Montana]

I use Rain-X glass cleaner and wipe down the blades with alcohol. I am now just past the 2 year mark with them...and yes, it does rain where I live!

Rubbing alcohol is not good for the blades. It will eat through them quicker than if you used something simple like just hot water and dish soap on a rag. All you need is to degrease them occasionally. I do this on a regular basis with just water alone and it achieves the same result.

As for the OEM wipers, I've bought exactly those as replacements. I'm 20k on and they are fine, on my 2nd set in 10k miles and that's just me changing early because I'm OCD. I checked recently and it does seem the price went up a couple dollars from what I paid last time so I'm not sure if they are still in the range of being cheaper than most similar options in the brick and mortars. I have not checked yet. But here is the part numbers for them and link to Rock Auto for anyone that wants it:

Drivers side: WW2054
Passenger side: WW2249

I'd just buy whatever is in that price range. About $20 is where I draw the line. The mark ups for brand name crap is ridiculous and they are the same rubber, same design etc etc.

Also got a link here how to help chatter (sometimes it just happens) and service the blades so you can reuse them by flipping them. Honestly that's the best thing you can do. Regularly wipe of debris and find blades that allow you to take out the rubber and use the other side.

And just a random post on my build with part numbers and both those links here.

 

[MoHillbilly]

Rain X back in the 80's-90's was the greatest stuff. Smelled just like Bacardi rum, used it all the time on many cars. Have tried it a few times on a couple vehicles lately and results are definitely not the same. Streaks, smears, gums up the wiper blades, works alright in the actual rain (for a little while) but not so well all other times. Modern Rain X isn't the same as it was, doesn't smell the same, doesn't work the same. So, in the trash can it went..

 

[samspritzer]

Rubbing alcohol is not good for the blades. It will eat through them quicker than if you used something simple like just hot water and dish soap on a rag. All you need is to degrease them occasionally. I do this on a regular basis with just water alone and it achieves the same result.

As for the OEM wipers, I've bought exactly those as replacements. I'm 20k on and they are fine, on my 2nd set in 10k miles and that's just me changing early because I'm OCD. I checked recently and it does seem the price went up a couple dollars from what I paid last time so I'm not sure if they are still in the range of being cheaper than most similar options in the brick and mortars. I have not checked yet. But here is the part numbers for them and link to Rock Auto for anyone that wants it:

Drivers side: WW2054
Passenger side: WW2249

I'd just buy whatever is in that price range. About $20 is where I draw the line. The mark ups for brand name crap is ridiculous and they are the same rubber, same design etc etc.

Also got a link here how to help chatter (sometimes it just happens) and service the blades so you can reuse them by flipping them. Honestly that's the best thing you can do. Regularly wipe of debris and find blades that allow you to take out the rubber and use the other side.

And just a random post on my build with part numbers and both those links here.

Thanks for the part numbers. The closest I can come to duplicating or exceeding the quality of OEM blades are those made by Trico. I've had them on my Accord which is my winter go to vehicle and they hold up well.

As for using alcohol, yes...I am aware they can dry out the rubber but I find by the time I get to that point, the blades are shot such as showing signs of separation from the frame particularly on the ends.

 

[lm126027]

Had skipping on the down stroke on my Escape with RainX on windshield. Wipe/clean the blades with RainX too, took care of it for me.

 

[Timothyd]

EDIT: Possibly due to Rain-X on windshield

I've had my Maverick a year but it only has 3000 miles on it. Has been garaged 99% of its life outside those 3000 miles. Driven in rain maybe 4x total using wiper blades sporadically (Rain-X ftw). SE USA.

Wiper blades still look brand spanking new and rubber is very soft. Windshield extremely clear.

I get all sorts of skipping when using recently on the downward stroke. If I put to high, they are smooth. Wondering if the factory wipers are just absolute trash or something is up with my mechanism.

Here is a video:

Might have been sitting outside in the sun before you received it. But I have no problems

 

[inline_five]

Had skipping on the down stroke on my Escape with RainX on windshield. Wipe/clean the blades with RainX too, took care of it for me.

Interesting will try that thanks

 

[TKranbuhl]

Thanks for the tip about Aero blades. Just ordered a set for my Maverick. $21 for a set, includes tax, with free shipping. Also come with an extra set of blades. Originals not bad, but not great.

 

[inline_five]

Had skipping on the down stroke on my Escape with RainX on windshield. Wipe/clean the blades with RainX too, took care of it for me.

Just reapplied Rain-X on windshield and blades. Works great now. Looks like that is my compromise letting my keep Rain-X on my windshield for higher speed driving and keeping blades slick for slow speed occasional wiping. I'll have to make a note to touch up the blades once a month or so.

Also thinking about buying the Rain-X wiper fluid to help. They actually make an additive you just put in:

https://www.rainx.com/product/rain-x-windshield-washer-fluid-additive/#:~:text=Simply%20add%20Rain%E2%80%91X®,apply%20Rain%E2%80%91X®%20technology.

Thanks for tip!

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I would like "SPRAY ONLY" wiper control so I can wet windshield and let sit for a bit before turning wipers on.

 

[lm126027]

Only did the wipers once with the RainX several months ago and have not had to do it again. Guessing I won't every have to, as my new Maverick is expected at the dealer next week (13+ month plus wait). lol

 

[inline_five]

Only did the wipers once with the RainX several months ago and have not had to do it again. Guessing I won't every have to, as my new Maverick is expected at the dealer next week (13+ month plus wait). lol

Great to hear thanks

Glad yours in coming in, I waited 375 days for my first one!

 

[lm126027]

Beatcha.... Will be 404 days from order at dealer to pick up if get mine on the 2nd.... hahahaha

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