How often to change wiper inserts?

[abimanyu]

Toyota recommends 6 months or 5000miles, so it's like every oil change. Is this really necessary? The last time I changed the inserts was when the car was 2 years old. Now three years old.

[REN69]

I do mine once or twice a year regardless of what Toyota or whoever says.. that's all they last anyways.

[Joe B]

Originally Posted by abimanyu

Toyota recommends 6 months or 5000miles, so it's like every oil change. Is this really necessary? The last time I changed the inserts was when the car was 2 years old. Now three years old.

Just changed 'em this weekend.
First change at 9 months.
Just started to streak.
I like everything running in tiptop shape.
Bought a set of Bosch wipers.
A 24" and a 18".
I've bought Bosch before.
They're expensive but last longer.

[Excidium]

I would agree with REN69, you wouldn't normally get much more than 6 months of use out of them before you start seeing them streaking. But if you want you can prolong your wiper blades if you clean the rubber inserts with some glass cleaner. It gets rid of the build up and helps. But you will have to change them eventually. LOL

[touringcamry]

I change mine when ever they start streaking or not cleaning the windshield clearly. Where you live and if your car is garaged or covered can affect how long they last. I've had inserts last well over a year without any problems when I was living in Northern California and garaged my car.

Now I live in Southern California wasteland with no garage and the inserts last barely 6 months.

If you are really cheap, you can get two sets of blades and store one set in the trunk and only take them out when it rains and then put them away when you're done. Pain in the ass but it works.

[abimanyu]

Joe B, can you provide me with the parts number for the BOSCH wipers, are those the blades or just inserts? Thanks

BTW are those wiper additives such as Rain X, Prestone Bugwas, P21S Wiper Additive, etc works or will they eventually ruin your paint?

[Joe B]

Originally Posted by abimanyu

Joe B, can you provide me with the parts number for the BOSCH wipers, are those the blades or just inserts? Thanks

BTW are those wiper additives such as Rain X, Prestone Bugwas, P21S Wiper Additive, etc works or will they eventually ruin your paint?

A specific part number isn't needed.
Just buy a 24 and 18 inch in the brand you choose.
I buy the blades.
They'll probably last a year but winter's ice is tough on any brand.