Wiper blade rejuvenation?

singist · 21 Nov 2009 at 11:58

Anyone had any experience of rejuvenating the rubber edges of wiper blades? .... the reason I ask is that replacement from Citroen for my new Berlingo van is £57 for the front two and from Motosave £32; there mst be a way to get 'em back to smear/line free; any ideas?

These are the 'new' type that don't have the spring/lever arangement, they look like a big wedge of rubber.

I remember the days when one could replace blades for a few quid, £57 seems a little OTT.

Dave L · 21 Nov 2009 at 12:00

Thats criminal!!!!!

Once blades loose their keen edge, there is no way of bringing them back to life IMO.

Make sure the screen is clean and grease free.

Blades are recommended for change every 12 months believe it or not.

InvaderGIR · 21 Nov 2009 at 12:14

WiperBlades.co.uk costs slightly less.

Still not cheap, but they aren't ever really.

Dave L · 21 Nov 2009 at 12:17

They're much better prices aslong as the blades are correct for the application!

beermonster · 21 Nov 2009 at 12:18

I had some bosch ones fitted almost a year ago and after 8 or 9 months they leave lines and don't clear well at all, definately won't be going for these again.

Dave L · 21 Nov 2009 at 12:39

beermonster said:
I had some bosch ones fitted almost a year ago and after 8 or 9 months they leave lines and don't clear well at all, definately won't be going for these again.

Hmmmmm Bosch blades as a guide aren't bad - but OEM all the way for me.

Defcon5 · 21 Nov 2009 at 12:58

If you know someone with a costco card they do michelin ones for about £7 each

Phil W · 21 Nov 2009 at 13:02

I buy Halfords own, better than Bosch and Valeo that i used to buy, IMHO.

I just make sure when i was the car i give the rubber blades a wipe with the sponge, and every now and again give them a clean with vinegar or something like Cillit Bang!

Vampire · 21 Nov 2009 at 15:01

I bought some OEM Honda blades for my Accord the other day, from the main dealer down the road.

I was a bit apprehensive going in, as they quoted me £1600 for a clutch/flywheel a couple of weeks ago. But I was pleasantly surprised the OEM blades only cost £8 each, and that's for the aero ones.

Batf1nk · 21 Nov 2009 at 15:52

Another vote for vinegar or white spirits. Should make them last a bit longer at least.

shifty_uk · 21 Nov 2009 at 16:10

beermonster said:
I had some bosch ones fitted almost a year ago and after 8 or 9 months they leave lines and don't clear well at all, definately won't be going for these again.

Same. Mines are pretty knackered.

Are the Halfords blades worth while?

Gaygle · 21 Nov 2009 at 16:12

I got some cheap flat ones off of ebay just to see what they're like and they're brilliant!

daveydave · 21 Nov 2009 at 16:51

Batf1nk said:
Another vote for vinegar or white spirits. Should make them last a bit longer at least.

This, I do it every time I give the car a bath

Leeum · 21 Nov 2009 at 16:54

I use Valeos from wiperblades.co.uk and can't fault them for the price.

Phil W · 21 Nov 2009 at 18:09

Gaygle said:
I got some cheap flat ones off of ebay just to see what they're like and they're brilliant until it actually rains!

Sounds about right

Cheapo eBay ones (IMHO) only really last a couple of months before they start skipping, screaching and jumping across the screen.

Gaygle · 21 Nov 2009 at 18:15

Phil W said:
Sounds about right

Cheapo eBay ones (IMHO) only really last a couple of months before they start skipping, screaching and jumping across the screen.

What's the problem then?! Still got a good couple of weeks left on them!

SaBBz · 21 Nov 2009 at 18:25

Gaygle said:
I got some cheap flat ones off of ebay just to see what they're like and they're brilliant!

Are these on your 330i? I need some new wipers and wasn't sure which to get.

Gaygle · 21 Nov 2009 at 18:28

SaBBz said:
Are these on your 330i? I need some new wipers and wasn't sure which to get.

Na, they are on the Primera. They've only been on there for about 1.5 months so i can't comment on the longevity, but they have been brilliant at cleaning the screen.

SaBBz · 21 Nov 2009 at 18:46

Ah ok. I think I'll just got some OEM Bosch ones on the 330i then

PhillyDee · 21 Nov 2009 at 18:57

beermonster said:
I had some bosch ones fitted almost a year ago and after 8 or 9 months they leave lines and don't clear well at all, definately won't be going for these again.

Same here. Im going back to Wilkinsons own make. £1.49 each and last 6 months as opposed to Bosch which are 10 times as much and last only 3 months longer.