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Low-profile windshield wiper recommendations

902 views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  FloridaAussie  
#1 ·
Clearly, it's the end of summer around here: we're getting rain again. This is fine, but it did point out that both of the front wipers (OEM by the look of them) have split blades. Time for replacements.

With that in mind, a set of Michelin Optimum+ wipers were installed and returned yesterday. The wipers themselves are probably fine, but the design of the adapters used to mount them to the Outback's wiper arms caused the arms to be raised above the level of the hood when they were parked. This created a visual distraction that drove me crazy.

I've used Bosch Icon blades for years on various vehicles and like them, but am concerned that I'll run into the same problem as with the Michelins. Basically, something that will remain hidden below the hood line when parked and that is an improvement over the OEM blades is what I'm looking for.

Please note that any blades that require windshield treatment (PIAA Si-Tech come to mind) are out. On the first dusty day after it rains, grit will attach itself to the windshield treatment. Hit the washers to clear the windscreen and it's abrasive to the point of putting tiny serrations in the blade. Rinse and repeat for premature blade wear.
 
#2 ·
What's wrong with OEM blades? Some old wife told me that old wiper blades could drag and leave marks on the glass, so I replaced mine after eleven years even though they still worked perfectly. The new OEM blades work just as perfectly, no more, no less, no streaks, no sound. I kept the originals. Maybe I'll have them bronzed and hang them from the mirror.
 
#4 ·
Just to close this out: the answer turned out to be... Bosch Icon.

Amazon delivered them this morning. They do stick up a bit more than the OEM wipers when parked, but not distractingly so, and certainly far less than the Michelins did.

FWIW, what sparked all of this was not being able to buy the Bosch Icon blades over-the-counter at a reasonable price. Both the 26" and 17" blades were in the $30 apiece range at the local parts stores, which is ridiculous. This led to giving the Michelins a shot, then finding out that they weren't what I was looking for.
 
#7 ·
I live in So Fla.
The sun here eats wiper blades for breakfast.
Then the torrential rains hit, for the entire summer, and you can't see sh*t.
So replacing blades is common.

A few yrs ago I tried a set of the Rain-X units and the worked and held up well on my Mazda6
Then last year, on a trip I got into rain and stopped into a random auto parts store, but now Rain-X had split their line up into a regular and a high end.
I tried out the regular units. They were OK but just not what I had before, and didn't hold up all that well.

I traded the Mazda6 for the Outback six mos ago, dealer had put new wipers on as part of their pre sale "service" (along with cabin air filter) that they charge a fortune for. They work for now and I haven't bothered to even look at what brand they are.
 
#8 ·
I remember the days where I would buy just the rubber portion and spend an hour finagling it into the OEM metal carrier.