Anyone else having issues with the '11 HL wipers freezing? I'm finding that water and snow gets in behind the wiper element and freezes. It makes the wiper assembly stiff and it doesn't conform to the windshield. This is obviously a common problem with any wipers but given the low profile of the Toyota wipers, once water freezes inside it can't be easily be broken free.
If they have hinges, they will freeze. I think you already know the solution. Just one thing to point out: Make sure your wiper fluid has the correct freezing point! Most are good to 32 degrees (F) and I always get the kind good to zero degrees (and I top it off before taking it to the dealership so they don't put in the summer blend).
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chalkie
That's why he be a moderator and we be the peons... cleverness!
If they have hinges, they will freeze. I think you already know the solution. Just one thing to point out: Make sure your wiper fluid has the correct freezing point! Most are good to 32 degrees (F) and I always get the kind good to zero degrees (and I top it off before taking it to the dealership so they don't put in the summer blend).
Well, I took it to the dealer to find out how the wipers come off the arms. Stupid, I know. But it wasn't in the manual anywhere and it was VERY cold outside so I didn't feel like fiddling with them. After I found out how to remove them, I asked if they sold winter blades. The service adviser said that the OEM blades were all they had and that they were "very good blades". I tried to explain that in the WINTER they were horrid once they froze. He didn't want to hear it.
So I went to Meijers and bought a set of Bosch Evolutions (I think that is the product name). They look like decent single beam blades, so the worst that can happen is that I have to flex them to break off any ice. No mechanism to foul. They are pretty low profile so they look pretty much like the OEM blades. We'll see.
Any of the "beam" wiper blades will work...those are all I use because of snow. I used to use the Anco Contour blades and they were very good (I would recommend them). Lasted long and never had any build quality issues. Personally, I'll never buy bosch again. Their build quality is horrible. I went through 4 beam blades in a month because they all streaked out of the box when new (I've read a lot of people have that problem too). I finally gave up and lived with them for the last year. Was glad to get rid of them. Even the store where I bought them (O'Reilly's) noted that they get a lot of Bosch returns. This year though, I'm trying out the ones from Napa (rebranded Trico blades). So far out of the box, these are amazing...even compared to the Anco. We'll see how they do in the long term.
FYI, our Toyota dealer sells OEM beam blades now (not sure who's brand they really are since they're in the Toyota packaging). I guess yours isn't carrying them?
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chalkie
That's why he be a moderator and we be the peons... cleverness!
Well.... the Bosch blades were fine above freezing but below freezing they seemed to get stiff and chattered HORRIBLY. Like so loud they drowned out the radio! I took them back and got a set of Trico beam blades. So far they seem fine above or below freezing but it hasn't rained yet to see how they actually wipe.
Why it is so hard to get decent wiper blades is totally beyond me. You would think with 100 years of automotive experience under our collective belts we would have it down by now.
And no, my dealer is not selling beam blades. All they had were conventional bracket blades.
Anyone tried the Rainex blades? I have heard good reports but they are more expensive than the Tricos or Bosch.
I have the rainx ones, I would not recommend them. They lose the ability to wipe cleanly across the entire windshield above 70-75mph. At slow speeds they are pretty good, but at higher....not a fan. I had Michelin Stealth hybrid wiper blades before the rainx's and they were much better IMHO. They wiped the entire windsheild at any speed I was driving at (and not skipping/bouncing due to wind). They handled the snow we got down here last winter fine, no freezing. But as soon as the rainx ones I have now are used up I'm going back to OEM. They were just a lot better than aftermarket.
__________________
2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
I have the rain-x ones... doesn't fully clean the windshield as I would like it to. Slightly better than my OEM. After this one is done, I'll be getting the PIAA ones.
Had the PIAA Super Sporza carbon fiber w/spoiler on 2 of my RAV4s and never replaced them for over 6 years. Still wipe clean.
Debating on either getting the Super Sporza carbon fiber one for the HiHy, the Sporza Hybrid, or the Silicone Flat Wiper Blade.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
