Ah well nvm, tbh since I started using RainX I haven't even needed to use my wipers at all and it's rained pretty hard lol, whoever invented the first water beading tech was a genius

 

Totally off-topic, but...Oranje...the shift pattern in your avatar is different than the one in my car. I have Reverse all the way on the top-left, opposite of your pic. Did they change the gearbox since they started making the 8, or is your pic just not accurate?

 

I believe that in 2009 reverse was moved from next to 6th gear to next to 1st gear.

On topic: Bosch Icons are great . . . expensive, but great. I first got them for my old BMW 325xi. Since then they've been on every car I've had as well as my wife's MPV. Definitely the best wiper I've ever used.

 

Yes, reverse was moved to left of first in 2009+ 6M models.

 

So after reading 4 pages.. I've come to the conclusion.. I'm buying some Icon's.
Been too lazy to replace my wipers.. And it's been raining like crazy here in Miami.

 

Rain-X wiper fluid in your windshield wiper reservoir.

As for blades, ever sense I've tried them on differnt cars (currently on my 8 because their so badass) *michelin all season*

Like $15 per blade.

Their a godsend, by far the best wiper blade I have ever come across...ever

 

Bosch Icons ftw

 

They are used on the Speedsource RX8.

 

I am rarely impressed for the most part but let me tell you, Grungepup and cornholio135 recommended the Bosch Icons to me and I picked them up on sale at Autozone for $30.00 (buy one, get one half off).

It just so happens that it has rained everyday for the past week since I put them on and they are amazing. I have had others but they are super quiet and clear the windshield with ease.

 

I just got some Bosch Icons.. I jizzed in my pants when they were put to the test today when it rained. Wow.. The price was worth it. I'm telling everyone to buy one now lol..

 

Bosch is having a $15 rebate for buying two wipers. effective till Feb. 28
http://www.boschautoparts.com/promot...bateOffer.aspx

 

^ Damn.. I just paid $40 at advance auto parts today.. Oh well..

 

I got mine from Amazon for $30

 

Just a note to everyone. This post I made was on 11/09/09. I had just purchased the Valeo wipers off Tire Rack. I installed them as soon as I received them and have loved them ever since. I have recently thought they were wiping less than perfect, so I just placed an order for a new pair. I didn't take any special care of the blades or attempt any renewal tricks to them. 2+ years of great service out of a pair of $28 blades sounds good to me.

Note: Tire Rack is no longer offering the BOGO deal. But Amazon has them very cheap. Free shipping over $25, so the total equals almost exactly what Tire Rack's did.

 

EDIT - Just saw your update. Sorry.
I'll leave my post below in case it is of use to anyone else.

I just replaced my wipers on my 05 with the inexpensive ANCOs on Amazon (they were just under $6 each) and they work better than I had expected them too, and we had some heavy rains today.

I plan on using Rain-X washer fluid, too, but to be honest, am not even sure if it's necessary (not to mention that it doesn't do too well in preventing ice buildup in very cold temps).

I was going to spring for the expensive Bosch Icons but am actually glad that I didn't now.

I also tried to source refills (keeping the original blades) based on the OEM inserts that shipped with the car from the factory, but I couldn't find out whether Denso or Trico (or whoever) made them or whether they could be found (two Mazda dealerships were of no help).

 

I've never had good results with Anco, which seem to be all that mass market places sell. Trico is the traditional good aftermarket brand. I always thought the name Anco was made up to trick people. Like Belkin vs Belden.

On my old Honda and my wife's Camry I've always gotten good results with OEM inserts from the dealers. My 8 has either the original blades, or OEM replacements from a 30k service at the dealer, and they work fine.

When the Toyota dealer was out of refills for the Camry, I found that Rock Auto carries Trico, at under $3 for the whole blade assembly. Shipping was around $8, but the total was still less than what's been discussed on this thread. Those worked nicely in a recent long rainy drive.

Ken

 

Consumer Reports just tested 13 brands. No correlation between price and quality. The winners:

Valero 600
Rain-X Latitude
Anco 31 Series (only $7)
Michelin RainForce

"You don't have to spend a lot of money to get good performance windshield wipers, but you might need to replace them every six months or so. In a group of wiper models we tested, three of the top four were among the least expensive. That includes the top-rated Valeo 600 Series, the Anco 31 Series, and the Michelin RainForce."

 

Good info to know.

The ones we all buy at Tire Rack are the Valeo 900 series (only ones they stock). Replacement every 6 months is a bit excessive. Even at $7/each, that's $28/year. I just spent $28/pair on the Valeo 900's, which the last pair lasted me 2+ years.

On top of performance, I'm also really hooked on the frame-less design. It looks 10X sexier. I'm willing to pay a touch more for that.

 

Right! If you need to change wipers every six months (as CR suggests), switch to a different brand. They last way longer than two years for me.

Typical Consumer Reports. They test what they can, sometimes in a useful way and sometimes not, and blow past what they can't.

Ken

 

I echo what you have to say about longevity, but find Consumer Reports at least generally helpful on a lot of subjects, Ken (I agree with you that their suggestion of expecting to replace wipers every six months is ridiculous).

Most sets of wipers I've ever used here in the 4 season midwest have lasted me two years, as you've stated, at least.

I'm also really liking the Anco 31s I just installed more and more, too. That they were just under $12 for the pair is a bonus.

 

I have Anco blades currently...and they are starting to skip...I just bought this car about 5 months ago...The dealer really spent good money on the wipers, I guess. lol Anyway, just wondering if anyone knows about these PIAA silicone blades vs. Bosch icon or evolution blades? I like the look of the "Icon" blades. Looking to keep that 1 inch or so on the 18" blade against the glass.
Any Suggestions would be a great help! Thanks!

 

I just got these cheap double blade wipers from Autozone-Pilot brand. They were like $10 each. I don't know how long they'll last but they work really well now and have a cool carbon fiber look that matches my hood

 

Thanks I'll have to take a look when I go over to Autozone. I know one set of new blades has got to be better than what I have right now.
And I'll have to apply rain-x to the inside and outside of my windshield.
That combination should be great!
Thanks again!

 

Do Not Apply RAIN-X to the inside of the windshield.
It will cause the condensation to bead up and cause a problem. The Rain-X company sells something for the inside called Fog-X.

I have been using Rain-X for about 25 yrs and it's a great product. But it's only for the outside.

 

Sorry meant, FOG-X. Yeah, Rain-X inside would cause a little trouble. Thanks again!