I just replaced the wipers blades on my F250 and realized that there is a whole lot of unnecessary packaging. And I also considered the fact that a person used to be able to buy a blade refill which was mostly just the rubber portion. The only options from a brick-and-mortar store seem to be a complete assembly. I am aware that the refills are probably still available from certain sources, specifically in the instance of the older vehicles but I am not even sure if the way the new assemblies are made that a person could simply replace the rubber blade portion which honestly is what usually wears out. Finally, the assemblies are only available in singles, not pairs. I am also aware that many cars have two different sized wiper blade assemblies, or in the case of a vehicle with a rear window there may be a need for only on blade. This brings me to question is all this necessary or is just marketing? Any opinions or insights that I may have missed?



Oh, and one more thing, notice the little symbols on the mounting head of each assembly? (These are the old assemblies; I took those off of the new assemblies they are just little stickers). When the stickers are removed there is a little window revealed which I guess is supposed to tell you when it is time to replace the assembly. I am betting that the window triggers before you even notice a degradation of wiper performance.

 

2 of the last 3 sets of wipers I've replaced consisted of removing all the plastic backer crap and just replacing the rubber (which you used to be able to buy as a refill). Nothing in the whole packing fit correctly except the rubber portion

 

Remember: we're saving the earth. It's all for the greater good. Stop asking completely obvious questions.

 

I just read in the F250-350 group that you can replace the stock 20" blades with 24" blades for improved wiper action. Add that into your mix.

 

O'Reilly's sells a blade refill kit by Trico. Its cut to fit length. They don't have them in stock here but you can order and they will be here next day.


TRICO offers the industry's only metal Break-To-Fit narrow refills. The stainless steel metal rails in these refills are scored at 1 Inch intervals to make customization a snap. All Break-To-Fit part numbers come with two refills per package. Refills feature precision-cut natural rubber for clear vision and enhanced driving safety and are available to fit TRICO , Original Equipment and competitive blades.

• Wiper Refill Sets
• 8.0mm Claw Size is available from 17 to 26 Inch
• 7.0mm Claw Size is available from 15 to 22 Inch
• 6.0mm Claw Size is available from 16 to 22 Inch
• Easy to use
• Includes two refills per package
• Stainless steel metal rails in these refills are scored at 1 Inch intervals to make customization a snap
• The industry's only metal Break-To-Fit narrow refills
• Precision-cut natural rubber wiping edge
• Accommodates a variety of wiper arm designs from Original Equipment to Aftermarket

 

Per the description: narrow refills

These will not fit the "wide" blades used on our cars.

 

My biggest complaint is the life time or longevity of the blades. Like a lot of things, I wish they lasted longer before degradation.

Speaking of Trico, remember they were part of First Brands Group which has pretty much gone out of business. There is more to that story, Along with Fram, Raybestos and many others. My point being, that some of these products will no longer be available when supply runs out.

 

I had to get 22 inch blades for my truck.

 

And also, watch your fingers when opening, these packages have the capability to make a really nasty cut that will keep you from playing golf for weeks.......

 

While I agree that the packaging seems excessive, most companies do not incur costs like this for no reason. I suspect that a large part of the package design is to prevent damage to the blades during packaging, shipment, and storage.

 

And the price...$$ 60-80 dollars for wipers...

 

Saw refills a my local Autozone in the back. I asked about them and they said it was just for their only vehicles and they only sell complete wipers not the refills. I found the refills I needed on-line. Sorry Autozone,,

 

Cost more dont last... Na... that cant be true...
Can't find the nice, completely enclosed winter blades anymore. What nuclear physicists decided that was the right move...society has gone completely numb. These guys are in charge now...

 

this is heading straight to a shutdown.

 

After what I just went through replacing blades on the 02 Grand Marquis, I want to know why they're now so difficult to change.

Marquis and the 08 F150 both use J-hook wiper arms. I have never had any issues changing blades on either, or on any other vehicle I've owned that had them. Push the latch on the blade, pull the old blade out of the arm, replace. Easy-peasy 5 minute job, right?

I fought those blades for close to an hour and never got the latches to release. Finally CUT them off with side-cutter pliers.

Buddy just went through the same thing on his daughter's 04 F150.

I want to put new blades on the truck before it goes in for state safety inspection next month, but if I'm gonna have to go thru all that I might let the parts store guy do it. To quote Joe Jackson, "Dat buhshit 'Raldo!"

 

Who needs to replace the wiper blades, just take it to the dealer or get a new car?

 

So FYI- I get my wiper blades at Advance Auto, and they offer a 1 year free replacement warranty if your wipers fail, it costs a couple bucks for the warranty.

The idea is, you buy the blades and pay a couple bucks for the warranty, and every year, you go back and get free replacements. You only pay a couple bucks for the warranty. At $25 each (or more) for wiper blades, it's a good way to get free wipers for life- or, as long as you own your car.
This applies only to my Ram truck and my wife's jeep. I don't drive my Olds in the rain so I don't use the wipers.

 

I buy Napa Classics and strip the inserts out.

 

The days of buying Anco refills for 6-7 bucks is long gone.

 

The whole "DEF" thing is the same. An enormous amount of boxes, and plastic jugs - that go right into the landfill. Nobody takes the time to "recycle" those jugs and boxes. It's all a scam.

 

Let alone the fact all your "recyclables" go into the landfill just like the garbage. Don't fall for that garbage lol. It's just a way for the garbage collection company to make more off of you. Here's a neat trick. I called my garbage collection company and asked if they would meet the lowest price in my area. W/ out a hitch they said yes. Saved me half ($500 per year). Sorry for the drift.

 

Thats not entirely true. Not all garbage and "recyclables" go in a "land fill". It kinda depends on your local refuse processors. Most sort out the aluminum and steel and bale it. Others can process "plastics", bale and ship to plastic pellet companies. Whats leftover can go to a "garbage burner" that generates steam and electricity or a landfill.

Cardboard can be recycled to make "new paper". Its ground up, combined with water and chemicals to produce a slurry. The slurry is fed through a series of steam heated rollers and compressed. The final product is a strong 16-20 mil paper on 5' diameter X 8' rolls.

 

“Can”be recycled doesn’t mean things “will” be recycled. The local news station had a report where they put trackers into various items in a recycling bin then tracked them. Some ended up in landfills and some ended up in different areas across the country. From what I recall, few of them actually went to a recycling facility.

 

Never under estimate the asshattery of a company trying to boost their bottom line. This seems to have accelerated in the last 25 years. They're all about, "ecology" until it effects operating margins. Then it becomes unnecessary to the process, all of a sudden. All a sham. Seems the country has turned into one big grift machine. Recyclables included.