Winters coming and the wiper blades on the matrix are done. They streak way to much, anyways I just wanted to see what wiper blades you guys have. I was reading the mixed reviews on the reflex wipers. Some like them, some hate them, I was wondering which ones you guys recommend, the one on our Infiniti have a similar design to the reflex. They work really well and don't streak. I would like some recommendations, also I hope I measured correctly, is the driver side wiper 21 inches and passenger 11 inches? Lastly, what style of arm is it called that is on the matrix?
I got the Michelin ones that are like the reflex ones at Costco last fall. Still going strong. But I think your sizes are off, 24 & 21 if I remember right.
I been through 2 sets. They haven't lasted all that long for me. They'll tear if your windshield ices up. Also, if you ever get something stuck between the blade and glass like a little twig, the rubber seems to have a good memory and will "mold" so when you finally get rid of the twig, the rubber stays off the glass and doesn't wipe in that spot where the wiper was raised.
I'm sorry if my answer seems trite, but really, I'm fed up with wipers. I spend a lot of effort trying to keep the rubber conditions (special wipes), not wear them out prematurely by overusing them. I turn them off going under an underpass so they don't wipe a dry windshield. And what do I get? Streaking and tearing.
I've given up, and just replace them with the Petro Canada branded ones with my points and don't worry about it...
I'm also probably getting Aquapel or Rain-X, which I've seen on others' cars and loved.
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2004 Matrix Base • FWD • 1zz-FE • Manual • Gislaved Nordftost 5 (NS) 205 55 16
Up-to-date info about my car is here.
Y'know, stock wipers aren't all that bad. If you're by the dealership for an oil change you may get lucky and complain about the wipers and they'll replace them for free. I've been offered it a few times.
When the flexible springs get jammed up with snow and ice, they don't press evenly on the windshield across the length of the blade. The frameless ones don't collect snow and melted ice and cause the same problem.
When the flexible springs get jammed up with snow and ice, they don't press evenly on the windshield across the length of the blade. The frameless ones don't collect snow and melted ice and cause the same problem.
I had the Reflex collect snow/ice/slush earlier this year. I remember that drive home pretty clearly cuz it took forever to get home plus I had to get out twice just to take the accumulation off. Then again, it was a pretty extreme weather situation. But it's these extreme conditions that you depend specific things to work properly.
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Last edited by mistamatrix; 10-13-2008 at 09:40 PM.
Well he ordered the Valeo ones that are like the reflex. I was reading the description and it said that they're used by many OEMs so theres a chance it's what is on the infiniti. They work really well so I'm hoping they are. I'll let you guys know when they get here.
I understand visibility is the most important thing, but its not necessary to achieve it by having to take out a loan to finance set after set of wiper blades. I think the best thing is preventative maintenance. Rather then spending the $$$ every time the blades start to streak, clean the windows often so you're not moving the road grime over the windshield and you will prolong the life of the blades. When I finally had to replace my wipers, I used factory blades and they've been on for about 14 months. I just clean the windows, make sure nothing catches between the blade and the glass, and use Rain-X. I love the stuff.
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'03 XR - Lunar Mist, AEM Short Ram Intake, Borla Catback Exhaust, Vibrant Strut Tower Brace, Tein S-Tech Springs, De-badged Hatch, TYC Black Tail Lights, LED Front Signals, LED Rear Lighting, I-Series Stubby Antenna, DRL Disable, 17" Gloss Black Falken Torque 5 wrapped in Falken Ziex Ze 912
I understand visibility is the most important thing, but its not necessary to achieve it by having to take out a loan to finance set after set of wiper blades. I think the best thing is preventative maintenance. Rather then spending the $$$ every time the blades start to streak, clean the windows often so you're not moving the road grime over the windshield and you will prolong the life of the blades. When I finally had to replace my wipers, I used factory blades and they've been on for about 14 months. I just clean the windows, make sure nothing catches between the blade and the glass, and use Rain-X. I love the stuff.
I think I do a fairly decent job cleaning the cars. Every weekend or so, not so much now as it's getting cold I clean the cars. I do interior, exterior, windows, doorjams. I'm in no means a detailer but I've always done a decent job and the windows were always kept clean. I also wipe off the grime on the blades after each wash.
got them on Thursday. Well install, how hard can it get, just replacing wipers... That was a given, after installing them luckily for me it was pouring out. So moved the car out of the garage to see how they performed. Mind you I only replaced the driver side while doing so to see the difference. The difference.... amazing, not streaks at all. So went ahead and pulled it back in to get the passenger in. Once done that, I put it back down, and noticed that it doesn't sit right. It's about .5" to long. It sits on the plastic piece right under the top of hood. That doesn't really matter though, just can get annoying when you have the wipers because you hear it hit. But so far so good, glad I got them done before the real vancouver weather starts. Thanks for the help guys!
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
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