Wiper Replacement - Aero vs just the blade?

[MrBrady]

Typically I get my wipers from the dealer because they include the aero plastic guard. But is there a way to buy wipers from a big box store (Walmart, Autozone, etc.) and transfer the aero parts onto those blades? Or if aero is needed, does it need to be purchased all-in-one piece from the dealer or someplace like Rockauto?

I saw this post Wiper replacements? about buying wipers at Costco, but from the look of it, it's just the blade (no aero).

 

[MrBrady]

I just replaced the blades with 24"/20" Michelin Guardian Beam Wiper Blades from Costco. It was the easiest installation I've ever done - no adapters needed and they were very easy to snap onto the arms.

The Michelin's certainly aren't as pretty or premium looking as OEM, but they were very reasonable - about $11 each vs OEM at $40-50 each from the dealer.

To clarify my original post, when I say "aero" I'm referring to all the plastic bits on top of the wiper. Is that just for looks or is it functional? I didn't find any aftermarket blades have it. At least not at big box stores.

 

[Grover]

Typically I get my wipers from the dealer because they include the aero plastic guard. But is there a way to buy wipers from a big box store (Walmart, Autozone, etc.) and transfer the aero parts onto those blades? Or if aero is needed, does it need to be purchased all-in-one piece from the dealer or someplace like Rockauto?

I saw this post Wiper replacements? about buying wipers at Costco, but from the look of it, it's just the blade (no aero).

Why not just buy the rubber pieces from either Hyundai or KIA this way you keep all the hardware. I have been doing this for several years, it takes me about 20 minutes to remove the old "rubber" and replace it with new rubber.

 

[MrBrady]

Why not just buy the rubber pieces from either Hyundai or KIA this way you keep all the hardware. I have been doing this for several years, it takes me about 20 minutes to remove the old "rubber" and replace it with new rubber.

I didn’t know just the rubber was available from the dealer. The dealer always sells me the whole part.

But if it’s just replacing the rubber, can’t that be done with any blades? Meaning doesn’t need to come from the dealer.

 

[AgentSmith007]

I just replaced the blades with 24"/20" Michelin Guardian Beam Wiper Blades from Costco. It was the easiest installation I've ever done - no adapters needed and they were very easy to snap onto the arms.

I use them two. Costco had sale on those wiper blades two times within last year, so I bought a bunch for $7 each. I also use them on my wife's Pacifica.

 

[jep604]

I use the Bosch Evolution wiper blades, they take about 2 minutes to replace. They are about $ 18.00 each with tax but seems to last longer than the Rain-X brand that is more expensive.

 

[MrBrady]

Based on the replies, it sounds like the extra plastic bits on the OEM wipes aren't a necessity. Thanks for chiming-in!

 

[AgentSmith007]

Michelin Guardian+ Beam Wiper Blades go on sale at Costco.
March 5 - March 31, 2024.
Sale price is $7.99.

I bought two (24" and 20") at regular price and install it on my Genesis. They work good.

 

[MrBrady]

Michelin Guardian+ Beam Wiper Blades go on sale at Costco.
March 5 - March 31, 2024.
Sale price is $7.99.

I bought two (24" and 20") at regular price and install it on my Genesis. They work good.

That's what I've had on my car for about 2 months and we've had a fair bit of rain recently. When it's raining, they work great! But when it's drizzling or very light rain, the 24" (driver's side) squeaks like crazy (like the scene in the Matrix when Neo is watching the window washers outside his office). I tried deep cleaning my windshield with a clay bar and it didn't help much. I've heard some people polish (not wax) their windshield and that helps dramatically, but I haven't tried that yet.

Have you noticed any noise?

 

[jep604]

Michelin Guardian+ Beam Wiper Blades go on sale at Costco.
March 5 - March 31, 2024.
Sale price is $7.99.

I bought two (24" and 20") at regular price and install it on my Genesis. They work good.

Great price and I have used the Michelin brand and have always gone back to the Bosch brand.

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[jep604]

That's what I've had on my car for about 2 months and we've had a fair bit of rain recently. When it's raining, they work great! But when it's drizzling or very light rain, the 24" (driver's side) squeaks like crazy (like the scene in the Matrix when Neo is watching the window washers outside his office). I tried deep cleaning my windshield with a clay bar and it didn't help much. I've heard some people polish (not wax) their windshield and that helps dramatically, but I haven't tried that yet.

Have you noticed any noise?

Interesting thought. My windshield after 9.5 years is pretty sand blasted from the gravel/sand trucks are semi-harsh winters in the Mid-Atlantic region. It has 213,500 miles so I guess this normal.
I just can't stand the rigidness of max wiper speed and the crossover line which is just to the right of my eye view...leaves a drip trail.