I’ll drive the car next time it rains, and we’ll see if the new wiper blades are Ok.

And…regarding the ‘clunk’ on the underside of the Lexus SUV, I think it’s the shocks/struts. They’re at 90k miles.

Probably not using pfc/pfas in chemical coating anymore. The banning in Cali, DC and New Yorks messed up the water repellent world

Rain-X 810165 Latitude 2-In-1 Water Repellent Wiper Blades

These are terrible and left a really bad film over my windshield and anytime it would rain I couldn't see out the window because of whatever chemical these put on my windshield. Never again.

Replaced with ICON 22A/22B and they were better as in not putting chemicals on my windshield, but the passenger side does a "hop" now every time regardless if the windshield is wet/dry/damp doesn't matter.

Looking for a good set to replace them with right now.

That brine crap is harder on vehicles then dry salt.

When I replace wiper blades I place something on the windshield. I my case it is an old moving mat. Have a wiper arm slip out your hand and you will find out why.

Nobody uses RainX to pre-treat your windshields any more? I can drive in most rain without even using the wipers. Also seems to make my wipers last much longer, I usually get at least a year.

I agree that bugs will tear up your blades. I will sometimes stop twice between Lubbock-Goldthwaite during bug season to clean the windshield at a gas station. I can't stand a dirty windshield.

Yup, I've noticed a significant decline in silicone wiper quality over the last few years.


I use the Rain-X washer fluid and love it. Although like the wipers, I think it's less effective now than it used to be.

I quit using RainX. I now use ceramic coating. It has other uses and works as good or better then RainX. What I don't get, and see it a lot, are people running wipers, sometimes on high, in a drizzle or mist when I might be using momentary.

Same ones who drive around with their bright lights on all the time, and probably wear face masks in the vehicle too.

I recently had a clunk fixed. It was the CV axles. $700. The boots had degraded and lubrication leaked out. 140,00 miles of wear.

The sway bar connectors were replaced on my first trip to the auto shop. That did reduce, but not eliminate the clunking. Second trip was for further examination for what might be the problem, and they put their senior guys on it, and they couldn’t find anything . They even went into the trunk area and found nothing there either. So, my thinking is that it’s something that can’t be seen, such as the shocks and struts. I was gonna replace them at 100,000 miles, and I’m at 90k, so I’ll have them replaced before too long. The internet suggests that worn shocks will cause a clunking sound.

Just bought some PIAA Silicone wipers. Hope they're better than the RainX I've used.

Did PIAA go out of business? I found these on Amazon, but the PIAA website doesn't work and they're out of stock most places.

Driving 45 in the left lane with their hazards on, also.

True, But here's the thing, same exact blades at oreillys were $32.

I went on a Pheasant hunting trip to Kansas with Texaslefty several years ago and he had me stop at a Wal-Mart as he couldn't stand how nasty my windshield was. He got 0000 steel wool, glass cleaner and paper towels. The 0000 steel wool with the glass cleaner removed all the stuck on bugs and crap then he cleaned it again with just glass cleaner and paper towels. Cleanest my windshield has ever been.

Toyota OEM

Hmm... not sure. I normally go Amazon, but have also bought them from Tire Rack over the years too. Website is definitely down.

Yep, I bought refills from dealership for my Tacoma and they worked great. When I went to buy them for Tundra they said I had to buy 10. I remember the old days when you just replaced the rubber.

TL does love him a clean windshield! True fact: TL will pick certain stopping places JUST because they have great amenities (good cleaner and squeegees) for window cleaning.

That’s actually pretty handy info. the coast kills me, gallon of spray and new blades it seems like every trip.

Thanks Lefty!!! You unknowingly passed on great wisdom!!!