Windshield wipers?

[GreatLakes]

Recent events have me wondering what style of wiper blades will be used?

Successfully changed two blades out of three on someone's Subaru Impreza a few weeks ago. Turned into a ~90 minute effort to not replace the passenger side blade...

My first stop was at Costco (going there anyway). The good news was they had the reasonable Michelin ones on sale for $7. The bad news was the book said the Impreza front used two different sizes, and they didn't carry the 16" one. And nothing was listed for the rear.

I met up with the Impreza at a YaYa's chicken place. After lunch I worked on the 26" drivers one. It took me about ten minutes trying to decipher the 10(!) styles it covered. Trying to read the small B&W drawings to pick the style, getting the correct plastic converter, and snapping everything together. I was perfectly happy with old style hook ones!

There was an Auto Value next door, so I went in there for the 12" back and 16" passenger ones. They only had one brand for 16" that supposedly fit. Those two blades were $46. I stared at the instructions for a while, but eventually asked someone to come out from the store. The first guy worked at it for ten minutes, then called the second guy out. A third guy finally came out, but after 15 minutes we gave up. The senior guy then went in and fought with the computer for a while, decided maybe another brand would work. Another ten minutes and we completely gave up.

I was refunded $31 for the one that didn't fit. I think I could have converted everybody to Communism, Socialism, or at least heavy government regulation of wiper blades. I guess all these "little things" can make a big difference!

 

[bartflossom]

I just went through that on my Maverick. Had to literally use a magnifying glass to read instructions.

 

[Duke Slater]

Knowing Slate, they’re probably 2 identical blades that will be super affordable and always in stock online.

 

[skidoofast]

It’s likely they will use the common j-hook design that’s been used for many vehicles until manufacturers decided to get proprietary with them

 

[OldGoat]

It’s likely they will use the common j-hook design that’s been used for many vehicles until manufacturers decided to get proprietary with them

I sure hope you are right. Ford has a very poor designed rear wiper on the Mach E. Doesn't clear the window for one and many have broken the arm mechanism while trying to replace. As they say in the Big Lebowski "this aggression cannot stand". Was surprised to read that the Subie was such a problem child since when we had one (2008) it was easy to work on. Several friends have learned that trying to put a hitch on their Buick's and Chrysler vehicles require tricky and expensive steps that are crazy. Just so folks have to pay double/triple to get install at the dealership.

 

[Luxrage]

It’s likely they will use the common j-hook design that’s been used for many vehicles until manufacturers decided to get proprietary with them

My Hondas have the J hooks and it's lovely. My LTD has the Ford 'pin' style that always makes me second guess if I have the right wiper hole. All I ask for is a simple pair of 18'' wipers on the front with J hooks!

 

[Dorbiman]

My 2005 Silverado and 2012 Tahoe both use the J hook style, which is simple and easy. I hope Slate goes with that as well.

 

[cadblu]

Looks like a standard J hook configuration to me 🙂

 

[E90400K]

I wonder if they are vacuum operated, to match the manual roll-up windows.

 

[Sparkie]

Looks like a standard J hook configuration to me 🙂

Wow, nice catch @cadblu .
We might have to change your username to HawkEye.

 

[Trace26]

Just buy the rubber refills. Cheaper, less waste, and you don't have to worry about getting the wrong wiper.

 

[Sparkie]

Just buy the rubber refills. Cheaper, less waste, and you don't have to worry about getting the wrong wiper.

I would love to do that.
Unfortunately, nobody (including dealerships) in New Hampshire or Massachusetts sells those rubber refills anymore. It's been that way for 12 or more years.

 

[Trace26]

I would love to do that.
Unfortunately, nobody (including dealerships) in New Hampshire or Massachusetts sells those rubber refills anymore. It's been that way for 12 or more years.

You can buy them on eBay or Amazon, they're a standard cut to length item. "Windshield wiper refill"
If you want something in store, just buy the cheapest wiper the correct length and pill the wiper rubber out and put it in your wiper blade.

 

[Benjamin Nead]

I wonder if they are vacuum operated, to match the manual roll-up windows.

That's funny. What we tend to forget, though, is that vacuum wipers took their feed from the intake manifold of the car's engine. Whenever you hit the accelerator hard, manifold pressure would drop and the wipers would suddenly slow down or even stop moving. I'm sure Slate will include electrification for the back-and-forth wiper function.

 

[E90400K]

That's funny. What we tend to forget, though, is that vacuum wipers took their feed from the intake manifold of the car's engine. Whenever you hit the accelerator hard, manifold pressure would drop and the wipers would suddenly slow down or even stop moving. I'm sure Slate will include electrification for the back-and-forth wiper function.

Well, if we're going retro with roll-up windows... so Slate would have to drive the wipers with an electric vacuum pump.

LOL, or, a hand-driven vacuum pump (handle on the dash) to store vacuum in a big 'ole vacuum tank.