Rear Window Wiper Streaks

[Triton]

I just picked up my Vibe less than a week ago and the rear window wiper seems to streak quite a bit like it already needs to be replaced. For that matter the windshield wipers streak some also. I was just wondering if anyone else noticed this. Is it that I need to let them break in (which I have never done before with new wipers) or should I have them replaced?

[NSimkins]

My rear wiper seems to take a few passes to get the streaks out of the wipe path. Being colder temperatures, the blade is a little more rigid than usual. Another tip would be to run the rear window defrost in order to warm the window up some which will soften the blade a little quicker and make the wipe path clear.

[Triton]

I have run the rear window defrost and that does seem to help. I have also wiped the blade off with a paper towel which helped a little too. I guess I will have to wait until it warms up here to really check it out. What about the windshield wipers Nick? Any streaking for you on those? Thanks for the quick response to my first post!

[NSimkins]

I always wipe off all my wiper blades, but always eventually get streaks on the glass. The stock blades are nothing to write home about, but they seem to be pretty well. Once the time comes to replace the blades, you will notice the aftermarket selection and quality is far better than those from the factory. I would say you could get a good year out of the stock blades before they start to deteriorate.My windshield wipers do leave some very small streaks periodcally, but it is normally never consistent, probably due to temperature differences.

[Triton]

Thanks Nick. I just wanted to be sure that I was not alone in this minor problem. When it does come time to replace the blades, would you replace the holder also or just the blade? And is that rear blade going to be available through an auto parts store or will that be a dealer only part because of the size? I have noticed, especially since it has been raining here in Michigan for the past couple of days, that I do use the rear wiper quite a bit. It really helps to for a clear view since the window gets misted with water when you drive.

[NSimkins]

quote:When it does come time to replace the blades, would you replace the holder also or just the blade?I'm not sure. I can't look at my Vibe at the moment, maybe someone else can chime in here.quote:And is that rear blade going to be available through an auto parts store or will that be a dealer only part because of the size?I would hope so... I think I read somewhere that it was a couple bucks at the dealership to buy a replacement. I am not sure if it is widely available yet at auto-parts stores.

[Triton]

Sounds good Nick. Thanks a lot for your input on this. It has definately helped!

[Triton]

So you replaced the whole thing (blade and holder) with the winter blades?And I meant the holder that actually holds the blade for the front. I'm not interested at all in changing the holder for the rear wiper.

[Triton]

That's right Salsa. I had the name of the parts wrong. I forgot that the blade is considered the holder and the refill is actually the wiper itself. Sorry about the confusion.