[Question] best brand/type of windshield wiper blades?

I am having a hell of a time getting any windshield wiper to last more than a couple months with any reliability. anyone have any advice other than keep trying different brands? I am using beam blades right now because its winter in Minnesota, but I could try traditional tension arm blades when the cold ends for the year.
 
I haven't used them yet, but PIAA 95055 Super Silicone Black Wiper Blade on Amazon are getting good reviews and are supposed to have a one-year warranty. The Q&A section says some people have them for 4 years and they hold up to Minnesota winters.

http://www.piaa.com/supersilicone

They're on the more expensive side, but if they last that long, it'd be worth it.
 
As in questions regarding glue or tires, the question is, "For what?"
There are closed-body blades to prevent the hinges from icing up or make them more aerodynamic, but they are heavier and more expensive.
There are blades with an integrated spring steel blade to ensure wiping pressure, but this is more expensive.
There are blades with compounds other than rubber to keep them soft in cold weather, but this is more expensive.
etc.

Once you identify your specific situation, then you can start winnowing the situation down to what's available that matches your needs.

--Patrick
 
As in questions regarding glue or tires, the question is, "For what?"
There are closed-body blades to prevent the hinges from icing up or make them more aerodynamic, but they are heavier and more expensive.
There are blades with an integrated spring steel blade to ensure wiping pressure, but this is more expensive.
There are blades with compounds other than rubber to keep them soft in cold weather, but this is more expensive.
etc.

Once you identify your specific situation, then you can start winnowing the situation down to what's available that matches your needs.

--Patrick
its minnesota so the first and last most of all, followed by the second. I am using rain-x glide beam wipers right now that i bought in october. they are already streaky and we have only had cold snaps twice this winter.
 
Stienman kinda touches on what I was getting at. No matter how wonderful your blades are, if you run them back and forth across an irregular icy surface, you'll scar the blades' wiping edge, which will lead to streaks. Some blades have a secondary wiping edge that's stiffer to try and shovel snow/ice out of the way when the blade is leaning over further than usual, but that's one of those "features" that may or may not actually be worth the extra money. It's probably just better to chip the ice off yourself, apply enough heat to melt what's left, and then use your wipers to wipe the remaining moisture from the windshield.
That said:
Silicone blades will resist cracking and stay soft much, much longer than any rubber blade.
"Beam" blades have an inner rail that maintains the downward bend to force the blade against the windshield.
Covered/sheathed blades help prevent ice/dirt buildup that would clog the hinges which allow the blade to flex during use.

All of that being said, take a look at blades like the ANCO Winter Extreme, which claims to have all the good-for-Winter features.

--Patrick
 
oh god, im getting the "you must be an idiot, you are doing something stupid and causing them to prematurely fail" speech. no, I dont run them across a frosted snow-covered window, I have lived in this sub-arctic madness almost 30 years, give me a little credit. The issue I think is the combination of extreme temperature changes and heavy salt/sand application in winter is just wrecking my blades. I am trying the Bosch beam blades this time, im hoping they will stay good til summer.
 
oh god, im getting the "you must be an idiot, you are doing something stupid and causing them to prematurely fail" speech.
Not from me, you aren't.
I doubt you're the only person reading this thread and thinking, "I could use new wiper blades." Advice is for all. Skip over the parts you already know, and hopefully pick up a new thing or two.
Also, if you've lived in your frost-capped wonderland as long as you say, then you should have plenty of experience with types/brands/usage that you might be able to enlighten us with a little of what you've discovered.

--Patrick
 
I try not to assume anything when I get into troubleshooting mode, and I'm sorry I was insulting/condescending. I'll delete the offending post.
 
I try not to assume anything when I get into troubleshooting mode
To do so would make for poor troubleshooting.
Always start with the basics. Always. Better to look like a fool for starting with the simple stuff than be one by realizing much later that it was something that should've been discovered much earlier (fuse was blown, tank was empty, that sort of thing).

--Patrick
 
im just a sarcastic, sardonic, smarmy, asshole. dont take me to seriously.

neither @stienman nor @patrhom were personally the target, i just got off a double, so i am more cranky than normal. you guys are cool. :3
 
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