After deciding to go out yesterday for a quick blat, then not being able to see much due to the wipers on the car being about as much use as a chocolate radiator. I've decided to get some new ones. Am using Bosch blades with Bosch arms at the mo. Anyone got any recommendations???

Dom

 

ermm.. try and get the ones that work, they're probably the best Dom

Seriously thou, I think half the problem is due to the wiper arm lifting off at high(er) speeds, thus contact with the windscreen is limited... you could try fitting some ickle spoilers to help down force..

 

earlier this year, when my wipers need replacing, I tried a variety of ones from Halfords (own make), with and without spoiler, and also the Bosch ones. All were far worse than the ones that were taken off (and those were worn!), and useless above 60mph.

After several weeks of frustration, I bit the bullet and bought replacements from a Subaru dealer. They may have been expensive, but were worth every penny, as with additional levers (4 instead of 3), the wiper blade stays against the window at high speeds.

 

John, are you talking ARMS as well?? both Subaru factory items??

 

Phew...I'm not the only one with this dilemma

I have tried the Bosch ones from Halfords and they have only lasted 5 months!

I also will 'bite the bullet' as the OEM wipers are generally better than any replacement ones.

Tim

 

Dom,

This may sound stupid, but use some v.good screen cleaner as it'll stop the windows smearing as much.

Our company use a local mobile valeting service and they used some professional cleaner on mine. Now the water forms small beads on the windsreen instead of the usual puddles.

I'm using only my 2nd pair of blades in 2yrs and that includes the 1st set that came with the car.

Stefan

 

i'm gonna use some RAINEX, but wanted to get the best working wipers I could, i may try putting the Bosch blades on the original Subaru arms tonight..

 

Dom,

I still have the original arms on my Impreza (which includes the spoiler for additional downforce on the driver side).

I just changed the blades themselves, complete assembly, and not just the blade refills.

I know a few people who have found similar problems, which the OEM wipers cured. However, at £20+ each, they are hardly a cheap item, but my original set lasted 3 years, which makes them reasonable value for money. Certainly lasted a lot longer than a tank of fuel which cost the same amount!

 

Oi Mullet, speak to Peter at Spring Park. I bought some Bosch blades from him a while ago, and havent had a problem with them yet.

Dan

 

Get some "rain wizard" or similar. Best six(?) quid I've ever spent on the car. (I've not tried rainex so can't comment). You'll hardly use your wipers at all. BTW if you clean your car, clean your wiper blades, and make sure they're sat at right angles to the screen.

 

my wipers are knackered as well (some would say that fits the rest of the car then )

but it's a jap import, so doubt that any scooby dealer is gonna give me any wipers, as they are a little **** about stuff like that, hell, they would not sell me a set of locking wheel nuts!

so, where can i get decent blades in the kent area?

 

When I recently had my windscreen replaced, I asked the Autoglass guy about RainEx etc. He said it will eventually destroy your windscreen, as it somehow bonds to the surface, and can damage the laminate. The glass eventually goes cloudy.

Believe it or not - not sure myself,just a comment.
Zip

 

Have to say Zip that I reckon he is talking out of his @rse. I've used RainX for years on a variety of cars and I've never had a problem - I consider it one of the best safety 'devices' you can have on your car as it improves visability so much. I've tended to use the Bosch wipers without too many problems. I normally clean the windscreen & wipers with washing up liquid (very strong degreaser), then wash the car and apply the RainX at the end - also helps if you use the RainX screenwash as it tends to smear less than the normal stuff.

Chris

 

PIAA, aswell as selling lights and bulbs also sell silcone wipers and wiper arms, never tried them myself but might be worth a look.

 

i bought the bosch and found they were not as good as oem.

 

Blimey guys, must be onto something here, one of those impreza probs that nobody dares speak about.. well, i've just dismantled the Bosch arms and have transferred the blades and metal strips to the original subaru arms (what a God of a mechanic I am). So all I need now is some rain..shouldn't be too long... thanks for the replies...i'll let you know how I get on...

 

OEM replacement blades only. £10

MUCH better than Halfords and an improvement on Bosch.

Rain-ex - good, but in misty/foggy conditions seems to keep a layer of condensate on the glass of the side windows - anyone else notice this?

Mick

 

One's that go from side to side

Hope that helps

Martin


PS. See you soon

 

Try the Tottenham Hotspurs ones Dom, they dont leak one bit

 

I use Champion wipers.

always have - no smearing... wipes so clean... one of the first things i put on any car i have had..

used to be able to get em from B&Q, but now can only find them in Kwik Fit!

 

To all who slate bosch wipers - sorry to tell you but I know for a fact that OEM wipers are made by bosch .

Derek

 

Rainex I use on my windscreen as my wipers are uselss at high speed

It is great

 

Ronnie, who let you stay up sooo late!!!

Michelle, don't you EVER sleep!!!

SCOSaltire, have been looking for Champion, will try KwikFit...thanks

Martin, hehehoho..funny man

Markus, I find it hard to beleive that a Subaru dealer wouldn't sell you either wheel nuts or wiper blades, have you tried saying PLEASE???



ok, OEM arms with Bosch rubbers (removed from Bosch arms) seem a lot better this morning, won't really know till tonight when i'm gonna ring the nuts out of it...

 

turbo 7397
don't dobt what you say.
but i can only go on my experience to date and bosch did not last very long.
of course it may mean that the bosch wipers are not the same "grade" or "spec" as the oem even though they are made ny boasch.
eg
fuji film used to make the base layer for kodak photo films .the spec for kodak was a lower one than fuji.hence fuji took good photos kodak did not ..fuji wiped the floor with kodak in the 80's.
cheers

 

Bosch supply (or used to supply) a couple of different quality levels of blades to the aftermarket.

They are now switching to supplying only the better quality ones, thought this may take some time to filter through to your suppliers shelves.

Interesting to hear your views though.

Rich

 

I take it an import has the same size as u.k spec.
19 " n/s 21" o/s
Darren