Windshield Wiper Blades

[xfactor78]

Originally Posted by parasolgirl

Brendon, My wiper blades streak really bad. They have from the start. Toyota replaced them but during the rain today they really didn't perform. They clear the rain on the up motion but streak on the down motion. Really unsafe. That's why I joined this forum. Are you still happy with your Valeos? If I order them for my 08 Matrix do I need to get 21" for the drivers side and 18" for the passenger side? You said something about the one side being too long. Thanks, Debbie

Hey Debbie,

I don't know my toyotas that well, but i believe the measurements should still be the same as it isn't the new body style. I would call your local dealer and ask them for the measurements and to make sure they are the hook lock wipers. I ordered the wipers off of Tirerack.com. They have a deal that is buy one get the other free. So essentially, you're only paying for one. The wipers still aren't streaking. The passenger side is about a half inch to long. So when the wipers go back down, you hear it hit the plastic trim. It's something you get used to, but it doesn't really make a difference. You'll be very happy with the Valeo wipers, really easy to install, just follow the instructions. Also, if you mess up you can always look at the other wiper. Pretty straight forward, my dad has only had it on his car for about two or three weeks. So far so good. I can't say much about durability and snow performance. But I'll try to keep you guys as updated as possible. Hope this helps Debbie.

[rugsucka]

The passenger side will hang over the trim and even rub the pillar if you put on the 20" winter or 21" standard blade.

I spent three trips in and out of Crappy Tire to get it right just 2 months ago. The kid at the service desk thought I was a bit OCD but I assured him it WASN'T OK for the wiper to rub anything BUT the windshield and that maybe they should just update their database.

BTW just buy cheap blades and RAIN-X washer fluid both pink for summer and yellow for winter - rain will sheet away so you don't need to use the wipers above 75km/h (45mph), bugs and ice scrape/clean off easier when the polymer seasons the window plus the de-icer works far better than old fashioned blue stuff in colder climates.

I'd rather replace a $7.00 blade every 9 months than twitch over how poorly my $20.00 blade works since I spent so much.

[MetaGear89]

What are the correct size wiper blades for the driver and passenger side?