Any front wipers' replacement recommendations?

[coolmazda5]

I was about to head to the Autozone today to get a replacement for my 06's wipers but I wanted to check first here. Any particular brand you think is best?

The OEMs lasted more or less 4 years, the blades tore at the same time but they are still moist and they clean OK, can't complain I guess :D

Also confirming, sizes are 26" and 16" right?

[DKaz]

I'm interested too, my wipers need changing. You can simply go for blade inserts replacement which is the cheapest way, or go full out with the wiper blades that coat the windshield with a RainX type stuff.

[judman13]

These +1000000 (http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/WiperBlades/Icon)

I have used them in everything from a drizzle to hurricanes and omg they perform like no other wipers I have ever owned!! Slightly pricey, but well worth the performance and longevity!!

[skyhawk]

These +1000000 (http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/WiperBlades/Icon)

I have used them in everything from a drizzle to hurricanes and omg they perform like no other wipers I have ever owned!! Slightly pricey, but well worth the performance and longevity!!

That is one cool wiper. That will be my choice in the future.

Presently I have the Michelin Radius wipers. The ones they stock at costco.
(26 and 16) (MAzda5 06).

I also use Rain-X wetwipes (walmart) for the windshield. Fun to see those rain
droplets roll down the glass.

[was98strat]

what ever you choose, DO NOT get these

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoParts/WiperBlades/PRDOVR~0211400P/Reflex%2BWiper%2BBlades.jsp

bought a set at over $50 and they lasted 6 months! they were horrible in the winter, Iced up all the time, skipped over the windshield Just a waste of money

The OEM blades seem quite good and inexpensive!

[wmzda5]

what ever you choose, DO NOT get these

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoParts/WiperBlades/PRDOVR~0211400P/Reflex%2BWiper%2BBlades.jsp

bought a set at over $50 and they lasted 6 months! they were horrible in the winter, Iced up all the time, skipped over the windshield Just a waste of money

The OEM blades seem quite good and inexpensive!


I almost bought thes. Good thing I remembered to buy after I left Canadian tire and actually at walmart so I bought the Rain x latitudes. So far so good

[dima_rus]

These +1000000 (http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/WiperBlades/Icon)

I have used them in everything from a drizzle to hurricanes and omg they perform like no other wipers I have ever owned!! Slightly pricey, but well worth the performance and longevity!!

Yup, that's what I have, they are a bit more expensive, but really good

[xtrememps]

I picked up some Anco contours and they were just as good as the latitudes or bosch and cheaper..

[red headz]

Bosch Icons. Well worth the $$

[DoubleT]

I'm impressed by the ad and the reviews by you guys so I'm picking them up for my Mazda 08 and my wife's 2006 Honda Accord tomorrow. What about the rear wiper or do I have to go to the dealer (from what I have read in other parts of this forum)?

[coolmazda5]

Thanks all, one of the wipers is on its final gasp so this weekend is the right time. I'll take the choice list with me and see what is available around.

I was thinking that given the diff sizes I might need to buy 2 different pair$$$, but shoot, I have 2 of the same friggin' cars, sooo Duh! LOL

[OilGuy]

Consumer Reports tested wipers last fall. Rec'd these 4 - Valeo 600, Rain-X Latitude, Anco 31, and Michelin RainForce. They also found most beam blades do not provide any noticeable wiping advantage (though I think think they all provide a winter ice build-up advantage).

[coolmazda5]

Cool, more choices, thx

[DoubleT]

Consumer Reports tested wipers last fall. Rec'd these 4 - Valeo 600, Rain-X Latitude, Anco 31, and Michelin RainForce. They also found most beam blades do not provide any noticeable wiping advantage (though I think think they all provide a winter ice build-up advantage).
Just bought Rain-X Latitude blades at Wally's yesterday for my wife's 2006 Honda Accord. So far I haven't seen any Bosch Icon blades anywhere in the GTA area (mind you I haven't looked super hard). If the Rain-X's are good for the Honda, I'll get them for the Mazda 5.
And with the dark clouds coming just as I type this, my wife is going out into the downpour. Will see how the Rain-X's test.

November update...
I got the Rain-X Latitude, 16" and 26" but I find when they are "resting" at the bottom they are actually almost touching. I'm not sure if I hear clicking noises when the wipers are in motion and meet at the bottom. Am I doing something wrong or maybe I shouldn't worry? I did return them but I sure did like how they clean the windows.

[m5pa]

I've used Valeo frameless wipers from www.tirerack.com on my VW and our Honda. They are usually running a BOGO on them. Works out to about the same money as buying a set at the local parts store.

I've also used the PIAA wiper blades they sell. Not bad, just like the frameless better for all-season.

It will be a toss-up for the 5 when it needs blades.

FWIW, the rule of thumb is to change wiper blades every six months to a year. I let them go about 15k miles and then change. The frameless seem to last better, but not as good as the silicon blades from PIAA

[coolmazda5]

I looked around and I finally had to go for Anco AeroVantage (http://www.federalmogul.com/en/AftermarketSolutions/NorthAmerica/ServiceSolutions/Products/Wipers/Blades/AeroVantage/). They had a bunch of the ones you guys recommended above, but I found that the Ancos were the only ones which I could pair a 26" with a 16". The rest were missing one or the other (protest).

Next time I'll order online with good enough time in advance, not when they are already falling apart, lesson learned.

Cheap and decent enough to start with (it was pouring so changed them on the spot), let's see how long they last now...

[petitevan]

my driver side blade is doing a very poor job with drizzles. after all it's been two years and a lot of rain in my area. there are so many different wipers out there, which one should i get? bracketless/frameless, hybrid silicone, flat silicone, performance, stealth, oktane....? from the posts here it seems like bosch icon is a safe bet? i just want them to wipe quietly and wouldn't mind paying a higher price if the fancy name refers to any unique feature. :)

[Rockin03mp5]

my bosch icons lasted 2 years with 2 crappy MI winters on my protege and still were doing a great job when i got rid of it. my stock wipers on my 5 have lasted 2.5 years, and it is about time they get replaced as well.

[petitevan]

thanks, i did get the bosch icons and they have been great! i'd be happy if they last for two years.