How often do you change your wiper blades?

Just curious to know how often everyone here changes their wiper blades, and if they go OEM or not.

I always go OEM, I change them when the rubber separates from the blade itself, about once a year, In AZ the sun does a lot of damage...

I replace as needed - usually every 7 to 9 months. Not exactly twice a year, but more than once. I probably could get more time if I cleaned them with alcohol wipes more often. However, I've only replaced the rear blade once. I just don't use that very much to bother. I suspect it will work out to every other year.

I usually wait until they actually start falling apart!!!

Bosch wipers SUCK, BTW.

As needed but I use rainx washer fluid so I dont even bother using wipers in light rain. Are they replaced at the 10k and 20k service? I have not changed them on my own yet and Im about to do my 20k.

Got new BOSCH wipers from Pep Boys and they do better job than the OEM wipers.

Only when necessary. On three VW diesels (they are out in the elements 24/7) they have lasted 11 years /4 years. The jury is still out on the third one as it is only 2 years old (2012) So far I have used oem replacements. If anyone can clue me in which aftermarket replacement wipers can last past 11 /4 years, I'd consider switching.

Four tricks that I am guessing will extend wiper life: 1. use of rain x or rain x type products on the windshield, they seem to reduce friction as well as letting a lot of water sheet off 2. when using wipers using the wipers variable interval settings, rather than on @ all the time (consistent with safety obviously) 3. using a scotch brite sponge, one with the scour pad and on some schedule running it up and down each blade with a soapy water solution to remove dead rubber. 4. in hot sun, rather than let the wipers BAKE onto the windshield, put wipers in the AWAY (from windshield) position.

Change the oil once a year at dealers and they install (no labor charge) new blades.

ruking said:

Only when necessary. On three VW diesels (they are out in the elements 24/7) They have lasted 11 years to 4 years. The jury is still out on the third one as it is only 2 years old (2012) So far I have used oem replacements. If anyone can clue me in which aftermarket replacement wipers can last past 11 /4 years, I'd consider switching. Three tricks that I am guessing will extend wiper life: 1. use of rain x or rain x type products on the windshield, they seem to reduce friction as well as letting a lot of water sheet off 2. when using wipers using the variable wiper interval settings 3. using a scotch brite sponge one with the scour pad and on some schedule running it up and down each blade with a soapy water solution to remove dead rubber.

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It doesn't rain that much in San Jose, does it?

Once a year when Costco has the Goodyear blades on sale.

DogParkGuy said:

It doesn't rain that much in San Jose, does it?

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Got to love this "global warming" We also got to Tahoe a lot (winter ice, slush, rain and snow)

I try to maintain mine and keep them clean. Lately it seems that I get tagged with blade replacement at inspection time when a tech gets picky... I find that maintaining them at each wash seems to give lots of life.

I forgot to mention that I am also an Aquapel user.....

With the new wipers like once every two years. I used to an every 6 month type.

My Only if necessary was 4 times last year all OEM from one dealer, new set put on in November from Dealer #2 have seems to be the best. Dealer #1 was Valeo's priced at $55 for the pair. Dealer #2 are Bosch and I got them with a 10% off coupon for $40 out the door, including a new rear. Had a special going on. Some punk stole my rear wiper a few nights later went back to Dealer #2 and they replaced it for $15 with a Bosch. Funny How dealers can charge what they want and what brand they chose. Dealer #1 does not even stock the rear wiper for the Golf or JSW and are labeled under Special Order Only. Dealer #2 Stockes 10 sets for both Cars.

The Valeos seemed to get eaten up fast, this time of year since I park out side the car gets covered in pollen, and with all the farm machinery running around on public roads making them nuddy it just seems to eat the Valeos up. The Bosch seem to be doing well so far, only complaint is on the last wipe it leave a thin trail of water at the outer most edge of the arc. The courtesy wipe or what ever its called that wipes 20 seconds after they stop usually takes care of it..

vwracer said:

I always go OEM, I change them when the rubber separates from the blade itself, about once a year, In AZ the sun does a lot of damage...

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+1...unfortunately

happy to see so many responses on this thread.

Interesting to see that 70% report changing when necessary (Reactive), although I wonder what that means for each responder, and 26% report changing once yearly (Pre-emptive).

My blades are sixteen months old (!) and are finally beginning to streak. Think it's time to replace them, though only after a good cleaning to see if I can squeeze a little more time.

I used to be a Rain-X user many years ago but got bored (frustrated) by the application process and replacing so many blades. The Rain-X was drying out my blades and causing them to crack early.

Thx for all of the responses everyone!

msantram said:

happy to see so many responses on this thread.
Interesting to see that 70% report changing when necessary (Reactive), although I wonder what that means for each responder, and 26% report changing once yearly (Pre-emptive).
My blades are sixteen months old (!) and are finally beginning to streak. Think it's time to replace them, though only after a good cleaning to see if I can squeeze a little more time.
I used to be a Rain-X user many years ago but got bored (frustrated) by the application process and replacing so many blades. The Rain-X was drying out my blades and causing them to crack early.
Thx for all of the responses everyone!

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Interesting. I'm a long time time Rain-X user and have never had an issue with blade life. One of the advantages of Rain-X is that, since you rarely need to use your wipers, the blades last much longer. Our 2011 still has the OE blades on front and they still perform like new when we need to use them.

About once a year with OEM. I just like them better. Also use Rain-X.

I think the OEM wipers perform great and last longer then average.

When the Texas sun bakes them. About once a year.

Our '06 went three years with the original blades and I'm a freak when it comes to streaking blades!! In fact I think I've only changed those blades twice since '06 and 127,000 miles.

My blades are 18 months old and the car has 44k miles on it. I apply rainX when I wash the car and the wipers are still doing their job fine. I do have a set of oem blades in the trunk for when the time comes.

Just did mine, replaced with Trico NeoForm from AutoZone (wanted the Bosch Icon, but they didn't have it and the ice ripped it the rubber right off that morning). Still made it right up to the 2 year mark with no issues (except the rear, that went quite a bit faster due to the road grime on the rear).

i use the wipers more for dirt and bugs than rain.
generic blades usually last about 3 "winters"

As often as necessary and not a moment sooner.

Just replaced my original blades on my '12 JSW as they just started seperating. Got some Michelin Ultra's at Advance Auto. They have the correct plastic bits so they go on easy. Waiting for rain

I decided that wipers are a pretty cheap pre-emptive replacement part. Why wait for them to start streaking (cracks, nicks) or chattering (getting hard)? So after the winter beating they take with road salt and sand/grit, I replace the front wipers every spring with fresh rubber. And the rear wiper every other spring.

For the first replacement, I used the Bosch that are considered OE-equivalent. But I found them to have harder rubber, and not work as well. So I've gone back to the OE-VW blades, which I believe are made by Valeo.

Good point Frugality. Driving through the rain in NYC yesterday I realized that my crappy blades are done. Streaking in the center of my line of sight. I've tried cleaning them to no avail. Like your handle, I was trying, butTime to order a new set of Valeos...

My blades last about a year in the CA desert. Like the Bosch OEM blades, but went with the Costco Goodyear blades a few months ago @ 7.99 each. Much better value and they have performed just like the OEM since installed. We'll see how long they hold-up.