
My wiper blades are made from a proprietary rubber blend called "FX dual rubber compound". I was able to find a list of the ingredients in Rain-ex original formula. Is it possible that the problem is simply a matter of being absolutely, 100% sure not to allow any liquid Rain-ex to come into contact with your wiper blades? Until today, I would have been one of the latter. I've read through a number of other forums, most of which seem to degenerate into the "Rain-ex will ruin your car and make you sterile" people versus the "I never have any problems, you must be doing something wrong" people. I imagine that Rain-ex contains a number of solvents, and that letting the wipers touch the Rain-ex before it dries could damage the rubber. I am fairly sure (but not 100%) that I followed Rain-ex's product instructions - which involves wiping and polishing the windshield to remove any residue after application. Is it possible that the Rain-ex has (chemically) damaged the blades? I've used Rain-ex before on my windshield, and I've never had this problem. When I next used my windshield wipers, they were clattering and slipping like crazy across the glass, to the point where I was afraid they would damage my car! I tried wiping the blades down with some isopropyl alcohol, which left heavy black streaks on the cloth, but it didn't seem to resolve the clattering. I have also been using the Rain-ex windshield washer fluid. Recently, I washed my car, wiped down the blades, and applied Rain-ex to the windshield. – Place them back against your windshield, being careful to ensure they don’t rush down and cause a crack.I've had a set of Bosch flexible wiper blades on my car for a little over a year now, and they've always worked great. If there is, give your blades another clean. – Run a fresh paper towel over your wiper – there should be no residue left. – Apply your cleaner using a few paper towels, a decent rag or general household cloth. – If you have a specialized cleaner, you can wait for the wipers to dry or wipe them down, before using this. Simply use a good quality sponge and bucket, with warm (not boiling) water and a little dish soap. – You can use hot, soapy water to get rid of a larger build-up of dirt, before using a cleaner. – Bring your wiper up and away from your window, and decide which angle is easier for you to get into the entire length of the wiper. The best way to clean your wipers is to do the following: It’s also a good way to keep a freshly washed car nice and clean – especially if your wipers are starting to smear or leave a residue after being used. Best Silicone Wiper Blades FAQ:Ĭleaning your wiper blades is key to getting a greater lifespan out of them. They are, however, better suited for heavy rains and snowy weather, as they can shift the buildup much easier. While still effective, these options are a little heavier duty and can be harsher on your windscreen. They can also be made up of a harder, rubber inner with a silicone surround.

They also come with the added benefit of being longer lasting overall, as their material is usually of a higher quality, while the silicone stands up to extreme temperatures much better.Īs the name suggest, dual silicone wipers are made up of a compound of silicone and cheaper plastics.


These are generally more weather-resistant while being gentle on your windshield. Pure silicone is made up of nothing but silicone (as the name suggests). For this reason, it can sometimes be worth opting for a dual rubber option which incorporates silicone, giving you the best of both worlds. For example, rubber is much heavier and can handle a greater level of weight, particularly as the likelihood of tears or small damage increases with silicone. That’s not to say that rubber doesn’t come without its own strengths. While it can be tougher to gauge this when buying online, a good way to check is to look at the descriptions and check with reviews, to see how well the wipers are made. Think about the material of the frame and the quality of the silicone wiper itself, as well as how well they fit together. The quality of your new silicone wiper blades is easily one of the most important considerations. Instead, look for good quality materials that are more resistant to these, giving you greater longevity. The summer is no better, with increased traffic on the roads and the blazing summer sun, you’ll find that pollution and UV rays can quickly break down most windshield wipers. Instead, opt for silicone wipers that are designed to allow this buildup to quickly and easily fall away with the help of gravity.

The buildup of snow and ice on your windscreen can be difficult to shift at times, and can often damage your wipers. Increased weather resistance is one of the key reasons to buy silicone wiper blades and this is especially true with winter coming up.
