Nerd Report: Wipers

[tower]

Being thoroughly UNimpressed with the PIAA silicone blades, especially for the price. I decided to next try the new flat or beam type wiper blades (e.g.Valeo ultimate 9000, Michelin Optimum or Bosh Icon and Hindsight (rear blade). I have always had good luck with Bosch blades. I love their relays, too. I guess PIAA should stick with what they do best: NOT horns and NOT wipers.
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By the time I got out this morning, the rain had mostly subsided. Thats fine. In my experience wipers streak the worst in a light rain or mist. As expected, the Bosch Icons worked flawlessly. No streaking. Absolutely none! I have never had that from any other wiper blade, even when brand new. Of course the true test will be if they can maintain this level of performance over time. Others report favorably.

Unfortunately, the Hindsight is not the beam type of blade. I have yet to find an 11" beam type blade, but will report here if I do. Please do the same if you find one first.

*Bosch seems to have redubbed the Icon, now calling it the Aero-twin. Seems identical.

*In the 2003 owner's manual, the front blade size is listed as 22". I don't know if this has been corrected in subsequent owner's manual editions, but it is definitely wrong. The correct size is 17".