It Does Rain in California - Time to Check or Replace Worn Windshield Wipers

So, it has been raining cats and dogs in California this week and was lucky I had snagged myself some RainX wipers recently. Of course, they were in my garage as I drove in a torrential downpour (it was almost like a hurricane. Almost.) and used my three-year-old, stock wipers. Oops. Lesson learned the hard way. When I got back home, the first thing I did was install new wiper blades. Turns out you don’t need a special tool. You just pop ‘em off and pop ‘em on!

There are a couple different types of arms out there: J-Hook arms (I have these), Pin arms, and Bayonet arms. J-Hook arms are easy because you simply hold down the end of the clasp underneath the blade and slide the blade down toward the car and it becomes unhooked. To clip a new one on, simply slide the new blade along the arm away from the car and you will hear it click in place.




With Pin arms, you will need to replace the pre-installed connector with the connector provided with the new blade by clicking the clip’s smaller arch onto the frame’s center post. Be sure to align the engagement hole that matches the pin’s diameter. For Bayonet arms, replace the pre-installed with new connector provided and slide into place.

The new RainX Latitiude wipers (check out their site because it is super cute!) I got not only look slick but they keep my windshield cleaner and smoother when it rains. It doesn’t leave all the streaks my other ones always did. Also, try using some type of window treatment to help water beading. I tried RainX Weather Beater 2-n-1 Glass Cleaner and Rain Repellent and it worked like a dream. You can find these in your local Pep Boys or AutoZone. Get it. It's amazing.

http://www.rainx.com/

Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com

Related links:
http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2007/11/rain-driving.html
http://www.blogher.com/node/18145
http://www.blogher.com/node/14111
http://www.blogher.com/project-runway-recap-its-raining-men-top-13

There are a couple different types of arms out there: J-Hook arms (I have these), Pin arms, and Bayonet arms. J-Hook arms are easy because you simply hold down the end of the clasp underneath the blade and slide the blade down toward the car and it becomes unhooked. To clip a new one on, simply slide the new blade along the arm away from the car and you will hear it click in place.




With Pin arms, you will need to replace the pre-installed connector with the connector provided with the new blade by clicking the clip’s smaller arch onto the frame’s center post. Be sure to align the engagement hole that matches the pin’s diameter. For Bayonet arms, replace the pre-installed with new connector provided and slide into place.

The new RainX Latitiude wipers (check out their site because it is super cute!) I got not only look slick but they keep my windshield cleaner and smoother when it rains. It doesn’t leave all the streaks my other ones always did. Also, try using some type of window treatment to help water beading. I tried RainX Weather Beater 2-n-1 Glass Cleaner and Rain Repellent and it worked like a dream. You can find these in your local Pep Boys or AutoZone. Get it. It's amazing.

http://www.rainx.com/

Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com

Related links:
http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2007/11/rain-driving.html
http://www.blogher.com/node/18145
http://www.blogher.com/node/14111
http://www.blogher.com/project-runway-recap-its-raining-men-top-13

There are a couple different types of arms out there: J-Hook arms (I have these), Pin arms, and Bayonet arms. J-Hook arms are easy because you simply hold down the end of the clasp underneath the blade and slide the blade down toward the car and it becomes unhooked. To clip a new one on, simply slide the new blade along the arm away from the car and you will hear it click in place.




With Pin arms, you will need to replace the pre-installed connector with the connector provided with the new blade by clicking the clip’s smaller arch onto the frame’s center post. Be sure to align the engagement hole that matches the pin’s diameter. For Bayonet arms, replace the pre-installed with new connector provided and slide into place.

The new RainX Latitiude wipers (check out their site because it is super cute!) I got not only look slick but they keep my windshield cleaner and smoother when it rains. It doesn’t leave all the streaks my other ones always did. Also, try using some type of window treatment to help water beading. I tried RainX Weather Beater 2-n-1 Glass Cleaner and Rain Repellent and it worked like a dream. You can find these in your local Pep Boys or AutoZone. Get it. It's amazing.

http://www.rainx.com/

Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com

Related links:
http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2007/11/rain-driving.html
http://www.blogher.com/node/18145
http://www.blogher.com/node/14111
http://www.blogher.com/project-runway-recap-its-raining-men-top-13

Comments

[Ray Sands Glass]

The white or orange residue is not only ugly and annoying, it can also rob your wiper blades and moldings of their ability to retain their natural moisture - eventually your dried out wipers could cause permanent and irreparable damage to the glass. But don't worry, the filmy Rain X residue can be removed with household soft scrub and a soft towel.
But next time you want to treat your auto glass with rain repellant try PPG Aquapel. Unlike RainX, it bonds to the glass and stays for six months on the windshield and up to a year on side and rear windows -and it doesn't leave any residue.
You can visit our blog at
http://raysands.wordpress.com/category/aquapel/ for more info on removing RainX or tips for applying Aquapel.

[Michael Sparks]

I have been using the water repellent that goes in your washer fluid. I love it because anytime it rains all I have to do is hit the washer for a few seconds and my window is charged with the repellent.

I used the rain-x product for a while but it's orange and leaves a white film on the sides of the window that doesn't get hit by the wipers. I found the generic brand at walmart which is blue to be just as good and doesn't leave that white film.

It's always to good to have new wipers as well. Can't be to safe out there.