Windshield wipers
- Thread starter Dog5911
- Start date
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This is a tough one, because there're so many different reactions to wipers on the 4runner.
Stock-
These fit well, and wipe well. I ski a lot in the winter, and these also hold snow well and ice up in the frame, which means they stop wiping well. But if it's just rain you're lookin' at, these work just fine.
Rain-X Latitudes-
"Frameless" design which looks sexy and puts a Rain-X sheen on your windshield when you use the wipers. These actually work pretty well, but many members report that the top of the windshield does not make contact with the wiper (or vice versa, rather). This is a minor annoyance, but it's still there. Some guys go shorter than the recommended length on the driver wiper, some don't care. Be careful setting your wipers down, so as not to slam them (accidentally). I broke the bracket on mine (kinda cheesy).
Bosch Icons-
These are just like the Rain-X above, but with an attachment bracket that is sleeker, and without the Rain-X protection applied to the windshield while wiping. They have the same issues as the above Rain-X wipers too (windshield contact at top-wipe). These brackets are not quite as fragile as the Rain-X's...
I hope this helps a little...
Stock-
These fit well, and wipe well. I ski a lot in the winter, and these also hold snow well and ice up in the frame, which means they stop wiping well. But if it's just rain you're lookin' at, these work just fine.
Rain-X Latitudes-
"Frameless" design which looks sexy and puts a Rain-X sheen on your windshield when you use the wipers. These actually work pretty well, but many members report that the top of the windshield does not make contact with the wiper (or vice versa, rather). This is a minor annoyance, but it's still there. Some guys go shorter than the recommended length on the driver wiper, some don't care. Be careful setting your wipers down, so as not to slam them (accidentally). I broke the bracket on mine (kinda cheesy).
Bosch Icons-
These are just like the Rain-X above, but with an attachment bracket that is sleeker, and without the Rain-X protection applied to the windshield while wiping. They have the same issues as the above Rain-X wipers too (windshield contact at top-wipe). These brackets are not quite as fragile as the Rain-X's...
I hope this helps a little...
JustSomeName
New member
I use the Bosch Icons for all my cars. have been for years, love em! very effective in rain or snow (i snowboard quite alot), and they last a good while as long as you don't wipe bird doo doo with them, use a tissue!
kenski
New member
I put this question out there a while ago and got responses of all different brands.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/129967-time-new-wipers.html
Everyone's got their favorites and since it's such a simple product, they all work well enough to some extent.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/129967-time-new-wipers.html
Everyone's got their favorites and since it's such a simple product, they all work well enough to some extent.
Atlanta_man
New member
MICHELIN® Wiper Blades (Stealth)
the best I've ever used by far
will try the 'stealth ultra' if the current ones ever wear out
the best I've ever used by far
will try the 'stealth ultra' if the current ones ever wear out
I normally get Rain-x weatherbeater wipers. They are traditional design. Toyota put on brand new OEM blades before I bought the truck and they were the loudest wipers I've ever had. Tons of squeaking and chatter.
I tried Rain-x Latitude wipers on my last car and I thought they wiped well but were not worth the hype at all. They hugged the windshield too tightly and you could tell it was making the wiper motor work harder. In fact, the wiper motor was starting to wear out on the car before I sold it for the 4Runner. It was an 01 Accord with 130,000 miles on it, so I blame the wiper blades for the premature failure...
I tried Rain-x Latitude wipers on my last car and I thought they wiped well but were not worth the hype at all. They hugged the windshield too tightly and you could tell it was making the wiper motor work harder. In fact, the wiper motor was starting to wear out on the car before I sold it for the 4Runner. It was an 01 Accord with 130,000 miles on it, so I blame the wiper blades for the premature failure...
BlackWorksInc
New member
I found the factory ones to work great as long as the frame is good; nice benefit is that the inserts are replaceable. That being said, the newest models seem to use what look like the frame less style units.
Nuke
New member
I use the cheapo's from WalMart. I have 3 vehicles that use 22" drivers side and 20" passenger side so I keep 1 spare set in the garage at all times. In the Florida sun, they don't last long so depending on which vehicle, the change frequency is anywhere from 3-6 months; typically 4-5. When they don't clear well (and it's pretty obvious), time for new ones.
singleshot
New member
CookieRoe
Senior Member
I used to get Anco wipers, but decided to try Bosch Icons. They streaked after a few months on me. I tried them a few more times and got the same results so I'm done with them. Really wanted to like them.
Tried the ones you get at the dealer. Love em. Cheap, reliable and easy install.
Done.
Win.
Tried the ones you get at the dealer. Love em. Cheap, reliable and easy install.
Done.
Win.
KingPrat
New member
Had a Cicada divebomb me on the highway and take out my Weatherbeater, so I put a Michelin Stealth on the driver side to try it out. It's their "Hybrid" style wiper. I love it so far - it still leaves a small gap at the top of the swipe, but not nearly as noticeable as the Rain-X Latitude.
Will be putting one on the pass side before Winter.
Will be putting one on the pass side before Winter.
truckmike26
New member
O.E. gets my vote. $25 for the two different length front refills and one small refill for the rear. Works like, uh, new! And the fit and swipe pattern are perfect, of course. What will help any wiper is giving the windshield a really good scrub by hand.
chitown40
Member
X 3.
Don't over think this. Its rubber on glass with a flexible frame. Go cheaper and replace more frequently for better results.
WXman
New member
The reason the ones with the open frames suck is because ice/snow makes them unusable in winter...and because they typically are also constructed in a cheaper manner. As the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for".
The Bosch Icon blades do a much better job for me when the winter weather hits. ALL blades may start to streak a little and when they do you just clean the rubber by hand with a sponge and soap to free the debris and they'll wipe a clean line again. The Michelin blades sucked. They were toast in less than 6 months. Guess it's kind of like their tires...the rubber compound blows.
This year I've been trying the Trico NeoForm blades and so far they are performing similarly to the Bosch Icons. It might be one of those situations where I stick with these two and buy whichever ones are on sale at the time.
The Bosch Icon blades do a much better job for me when the winter weather hits. ALL blades may start to streak a little and when they do you just clean the rubber by hand with a sponge and soap to free the debris and they'll wipe a clean line again. The Michelin blades sucked. They were toast in less than 6 months. Guess it's kind of like their tires...the rubber compound blows.
This year I've been trying the Trico NeoForm blades and so far they are performing similarly to the Bosch Icons. It might be one of those situations where I stick with these two and buy whichever ones are on sale at the time.
