Hey, gang, Nissan wants $20 for 04 wiper refills. Anybody using aftermarket stuff (either refills or wiper blades)?

 

Once in a while Nissan offers a free wiper refill when you go for an oil change. Oil change will cost you between $19.00 to $22.00. Wait for the special or just go to any parts store and bring your old blade and show it to the parts personnel.

 

You guys with '04's needing new wiper blades already or are you looking to upgrade to a better product that what Nissan provides?

 

I think the Nissan blades are acceptable, but mine are now four months old and the passenger's side is starting to streak.

 

I bought aftermarket winter wipers. They fit fine, and there are no issues with their performance. The sizes of the factory wipers are a little screwy. I think on one side I had to take a 24" and the other a 20". If I recall correctly those two blades were fractionally smaller than factory. But they work well. If you are getting winter wipers, just take your OEM ones in to measure up the new ones.

We're lucky the windshield isn't really curved like some of the mid 90's Dodge Caravans. You couldn't get anything to work well on those damn things.

CM.

 

The OEM blades are awful. Not only do they streak, but mine also hop at speeds above 30 MPH. I've tried cleaning them with alcohol, which usually solves the problem, but not this time. I'll be trying out another brand soon.

 

Hmm I'd say my summer (OEM) ones work well up to about 60MPH.

There are also aftermarket springs that attach to your wiper to provide additional downforce. I've tried attaching a wind foil style wing to the wiper arm with no success. The arm is too curved and bent to clip it on properly.

 

Has anyone tried any silica based wipers? I've heard they last a lot longer and don't collect bits of grime to scratch the glass.

 

I had some silica blades once but they had a big tear within 2 months or so. I wouldn't recommend them...

 

Thumbs down on the teflon wiper blades too. I found they left more streaks than the regular kind.

I've always found a regular premium wiper blade works best. As someone else mentioned cleaning them frequently also improves their performance. The windshield itself needs a thorough cleaning occasionally. Removes the buildup of rubber from the wipers and road crud.