Hey guys, so i have a 2004 4runner and have had Bosh traditional wipers on it for 3 years after replacing the original wipers. Well now it's time to invest in some new wipers since the windshield is very streaky and looks like it has oil on it when it rains making it hard to see (it's very bad). I live in North Texas so how it performs in ice/snow is not as important as its performance in severe thunderstorms (especially now!) but it would be nice to have blades that can work well in cold weather too.

So here are several sets of windshield wipers that i have researched through (i'll list them from most likely to buy to least)

1. VALEO ULTIMATE WIPER BLADE

Amazon.com: Valeo 900-22-1B Ultimate Wiper Blade - 22": Automotive

These are apparently the quietest blades out there (seen vids on youtube) They also seem to last a while and do well in all seasons.


2. PIAA SILICONE FLAT WIPER BLADE

Amazon.com: PIAA 97055 Si-Tech Silicone Flat Wiper Blade - 22": Automotive

So far the most expensive. Blade is made of silicone which is supposed to "bead up" water when it rains making it easier to see. Also comes with a rain x wipe.


3. MICHELIN STEALTH WIPER BLADE

Amazon.com: Michelin 5022 Stealth Wiper Blade - 22": Automotive

These blades are a combination of flat and traditional blades. It's apparently quiet too but i've heard complaints about its winter performance.


4. BOSH EVOLUTION

Amazon.com: Bosch 4822 Evolution All-Season Bracketless Wiper Blade - 22": Automotive

Nice looking flat blades but have read lots of reviews stating that these start streaking after a couple months.

5. BOSH ICON

Amazon.com: Bosch 422A ICON Wiper Blade - 22": Automotive

Again, nice looking wiper blades but reviews state that these don't last at all and they also fall apart and streak in some cases.



So these were the 5 i was looking at (i like the flat style if you haven't noticed) So which one would you get or if you have one of them are they any good? Also, if you know of any other flat blades that are good please share!

2004 4runner:
driver side wiper blade size: 22
passenger side wiper blade size: 20
rear wiper blade size: 14 <-----------any suggestions on this one?


Thanks!

i don't really care about the price. I just want good quality wipers!

i read a review on wiper blades a while back, i remember the valeos rated the best on a performance/dollar. I always just grab a set of the "cheap" rain-x...

here's one review

http://www.galttech.com/research/car...per-blades.php

OEM

Replace them every (2) years, because the rubber will wear out due to age & weather.

I had Bosch Icons for a day & returned them SO FAST.

They definately look sleek.

I matched it & got the same size as OEM.

When I did a test, it doesn't hit all the way to the top of the windshield.

Missing the few inches sure bothered me and many other Members.

I'm sure the other brands are the same deal.

If you want me to find the Original Discussion Thread...I'll TRY to find it.

PM me.

Thanks for replying. Yeah valeos seem to be the best i read several reviews about the rain x blades (particularly the Latitude rain x blades) and lots of people complained about the performance and quality.

I replace mine about yearly...Couldn't imagine going 2 years on one set...

This is a picture of what the Bosch Icons were doing in a review i read similar to your complaints:

This made me very weary of the Bosh wipers.

ok let me try to post that pic of the Bosch icons again.(sorry this is my first time posting so i'm still learning the ropes here)

Attached Images

 

For my 2005, I had to purchase the rear wiper blade from the dealer. It has a special little plastic tab on it that's needed to hold the wiper in place while it's not in use. I think it cost me about $12.

FWIW, I tried a standard aftermarket blade, but it didn't work

yeah i went 3 years on this set. I'm hoping that which ever one i get will have blades you can buy to replace instead of the whole wiper. I believe manufactures recommend changing out the blades every 6 months!

ok thats good to know. I have kept the same wiper on the rear window since i got the 4runner in 2004. It still works great!

I have been using PIAA silicon wiper blades for the past 5 years +, only had to change then 1 time in 5 years.

I've used Bosch Icon, Valeo Ultimate, and Rain-X Lattitude. I didn't think any of them were worth the price (and the Valeos were buy 1 get 1 free).

I'm trying PIAA soon to replace the Rain-Xs

Great link. Looks like valeos are really good

do they make any noise or are they quiet? because im torn between the PIAA silicon flat wipers and the valeo ultimate blades. 5 years? thats awesome!