Factory windshield wiper question

Since new I have hand washed our T4R.
As winter is approaching; last week I took a look at the wipers.
They have been working great. However with the UV exposure over the summer & the (expected) use of the heating element in the winter. I don't see them lasting long.

Long story short. The factory wiper (I just found out) are a 3 piece unit that curve to the windshield amazingly well.

Who uses the OE wipers vs Bosch or any other parts store brand?
Again, this will be our first winter with the 4runner! I need somewhere to play. Stupid state...
Thanks all!

 

I went with OEM just because. On my '13, I changed them after 3 years. That said, it was always garaged and only had about 30K miles.

 

In case you decide to get new blades, you might try aftermarket and order just the blades (not a new frame and blade). I have found that the manufactures still make just the blade refill (maybe $7-$10 bucks for a pair instead of $15-$25 each for the frames with the blades already attached). Since they they make more $$$ on the frame and the blade, that’s all that places like Autozone and O’Reillys stock in the store. However, you can probably order just the blades either in-store or online. Check it out and see if it works for you.

 

Bump.
Need some opinions please.
Thanks.

 

Currently running a brand called Aero. 24 and 20 together in a 2 pack on Amazon. I paid $17 for the pair. They seem fine to me...quiet and no streaks, but I haven't used them through a winter yet. For as cheap as they are, I don't even care how long they last.

Tried to post a link for you, but I couldn't get it to work

 

I get a year+ with Bosch Icons. That's all I'll use. I like the low profile and they just plain work well. I could probably use them longer than a year, but I just like to get a new set before each winter.

I recently discovered... as I approach the year mark and performance fades a bit, I soak them with Aerospace 303 and they'll perform like new again. Really soak them good, let them sit wet overnight (not on the glass). In the morning, wipe them off and you're good to go.

 

I HAVE been getting the Bosch Blade only refills.
Now, I found a set on Amazon, that beat the store...and so I have them set up for Auto Delivery - every 6 months.
They are about $7 Each(x3 total). I also use Rain-X as well.

 

Aquapel is awesome stuff. It works Much better than rainX.

 

Try using a household degreasing cleaner like 409 or stronger. That should take the rainex off and get you down to the glass. Also wipe down the edges of the blades with the cleaner

 

The best cleaning of glass is done with an abrasive polish. Remove the polish residue with a glass cleaner.

Duragloss NuGlass is a great glass cleaner. Removes water spots. Glass looks crystal clear after using it. McKees 37 Glass Restorer is also good.

When you deep clean/polish the windshield, any coatings you use (ex. Aquapel) will adhere much better and last longer. They'll perform better too.

 

I got my refills here for my Subaru. $8 for both wipers.

http://www.wisewipers.com/

 

I appreciate the knowledge that there are refillable blades.
22 yrs of driving & I have replaced every pair.
Here in Nebraska we get 6 months of snow & salt. Then 6 months of 90°+ temps.
I buy wipers every 6 months (spring & fall).
The link for refills does not apply to the T4R.
Please advise. I do like the OEM performance. Not buying from dealerships!
Thanks all!

 

I'd be interested in a link to the Refills for the OEM blades, as well.

 

I am debating between OEM and bosh icon. Have OEM and they are about done at 30k. I know someone with icons and has about 50k on them and still doing good.

 

Pretty sure you'd be happy with the Icons. They're a solid performer. And they don't stick up as much as the OEM blades when not in use. Not that that's a significant problem. But it's kinda neat how low the icons sit.

 

Same with Icons. Best wiper I've ever ran and I've tried many!

 

I had similar with rain x . After awhile it would be scraping. auto geek recomend groits garage glass claybar. Took the glass down to new!

 

The OEM wipers worked great and they lasted a few years. Things got busy and I didn't order new factory inserts and one day the OEM's ripped and I needed blades that day. Stopped and got some pretty fancy Bosch blades. They suck and the drivers side for some reason doesn't completely wipe the windshield right in my line of sight.. I still need to order the new OEM inserts and it's a good thing I kept the factory blades cuz I will be switching back to the factory blades. They are superior IMO.

 

Where do you get the OEM inserts? I will go that route.
Thanks.

 

Any dealer. Online, Olathe Toyota or similar

https://trail4runner.com/2018/01/22/windshield-wiper-blade-refill-5th-gen-4runner/

 

Could have googled it I guess.
I had never heard of such a thing before last week.
Thanks.

 

The Toyota part numbers for the refills are 85214-06140 & 85214-06130. You should be able to get them on Amazon or any Toyota online sales. Also, don't forget your dealer parts dept. Some stock them and some don't - might be able to save a $ on shipping.

 

Trico blades have been around for decades. They’re pretty much bulletproof. Used them on all the fleet vehicles when I was a fleet mechanic. The catch is that a lot of the “Saturday mechanic” stores (Autozone, O’Riley, Pep Boys, etc) don’t carry them. You have to get them from a source that professional mechanics frequent.

 

https://www.oempartworld.com/search?search_str=Wiper+blade
you need to order both left and right as they are not the same size.

 

Try Aquapel (available on Amazon). It’s awesome stuff. Lasts about year. Totally different animal than RainX. Night and day difference.

 

I’ve noticed my drivers side blade jiggles/chatters on the bottom few inches. Im gonna try a 22” blade instead of 24” and see if it makes a difference. 24” is just so long. And the short path of travel at the bottom of the blade kinda jams it up.

I looked at it today and it’s just not necessary to have a 24” blade.

 

That is what she said!
Sorry... couldn't help myself.