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.