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Are there better wiper blade assemblies than stock?

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Old 05-30-2007, 01:43 PM
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H2
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Default Are there better wiper blade assemblies than stock?

I need a new set of wiper blade assemblies (to be put onto the stock arms that have the spoiler foil to help them hug the windshield at high speed). I keep hearing of new blade material (silicone). Has anyone tried these? Is it worth the extra money? Also Bosch wipers talk a good story. What do you like best? Are stock rubbers and holders from Porsche as good as the modern stuff? Better alternates?

Related question: The special wiper arms with the 'spoiler' are pretty heavy and only installed on the driver's side traditionally (I think?). Would putting these on both sides stress the wiper motor as they are so heavy?

What's your experience?

Thanks,

Harvey
Old 05-30-2007, 01:53 PM
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Shane
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I like the Bosch micro-edge wipers in full on rain conditions, they do an outstanding job, but in light mist or sprinkles, they suck because they squeak too damn much.
Old 05-30-2007, 02:06 PM
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fabric
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I think the PIAA silicon blades are awesome. They are about the same cost as those Bosch Icon blades, but they age really well, and lay down a layer of silicon which makes water bead on the windshield. I've been very impressed by them when I had them on my other car, I still need to get them for the 928.
Old 05-30-2007, 02:17 PM
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I switched to the Bosch Icon blades because at highway speeds and beyond the blades lift.
Old 05-30-2007, 02:22 PM
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sharkmeister85
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Originally Posted by whitefox
I switched to the Bosch Icon blades because at highway speeds and beyond the blades lift.
Do they really work? I have an issue with lifting at highway speeds and have never been happy with the add on wings.
Glenn
Old 05-30-2007, 03:17 PM
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JHowell37
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Originally Posted by sharkmeister85
Do they really work? I have an issue with lifting at highway speeds and have never been happy with the add on wings.
Glenn
I've never tried them on the 928, but I use them on my other cars. After I bought the first set, I was hooked on the Icons. What sold me wasn't the fact that they have that aerodynamic BS. What sold me was that when you look at most wiper blades out there, you'll notice they're straight (although they bend easily.) But it always seems that the far edge on the passenger side never really makes contact. How many flat windshields do you see in this day and age? The Icons have a curve in them and actually follow the contour of the glass which results in better contact and removal of more water. They also seem to last for a while.
Old 05-30-2007, 03:24 PM
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Don't forget that the GTS arms have twin springs
Old 05-30-2007, 03:41 PM
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I have used the modern valeo style blades by several manufacturers on the 928. I have not had lifting problems, but have had several torn bladed. Cant say it has happened on the Bosch brand yet though.,
Hans
Old 05-30-2007, 07:44 PM
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The stock GTS wipers have the aero-foil on both sides...

I need wipers that last a long time in the sun. I've had new blades installed that have worn out from sun damage before I've ever used them (talk about a waste of time!....).

What are the votes on longevity in adverse (hot) conditons as well as effectiveness? Seems like votes for Bosch & PIAA on that score already...

Alan
Old 05-30-2007, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by sharkmeister85
Do they really work? I have an issue with lifting at highway speeds and have never been happy with the add on wings.
Glenn
Yes they do work. Several of us in DFW have them and love them. We went on a rather spirited drive in the rain this past Monday. No lift, very good wiper with no squeal.
Old 05-30-2007, 08:27 PM
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if you go to the dealer they can order you GTS wiper arm s and blades, you should be able to find replacement blades but the best thing is the GTS wiper arms have 2 springs instead of one so the arms are stronger and they have a slightly lower profile
Old 05-30-2007, 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by sharkmeister85
Do they really work? I have an issue with lifting at highway speeds and have never been happy with the add on wings.
Glenn
They work great, I doubt I'll ever buy a different type.
Old 05-30-2007, 10:32 PM
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I have excellent luck with the Bosch Micro-edge. Get the whole blade + insert, since yours are likely loose at all of the little pivot points. I've had them last two seasons on a car parked outdoors all the time with no protection -- same set on the shark for 3 years since it lives in a garage by night and a parking garage by day(during the week).

Two little tricks to get the inserts to last a long, long time:

1) When parking the car after using the wipers, lift each arm off the glass and set it back down. When the blades are folded over from friction after use, they tend to take a set. Lifting them allows them to rest perpendicular against the glass.

2) Periodically clean them with a wet towel -- squeeze the blade edge firmly in the towel and pull the whole length of the blade through the towel. Repeat on clean sections of towel until you can do it without leaving a black mark on the towel. Every time I think it's time to replace the blade, cleaning it this way makes it work like new.
Old 05-30-2007, 11:12 PM
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Bosch blades are worth the premium. Based on this thread, I'll try Icons or PIAA.

BUT ... RainX Rules, particularly if you travel at night. Not so much in daytime or a well lit city night, but you still have wipers. For those about to head for SITM, try it for the trip and decide.
Old 05-31-2007, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Fogey1
Bosch blades are worth the premium. Based on this thread, I'll try Icons or PIAA.

BUT ... RainX Rules, particularly if you travel at night. Not so much in daytime or a well lit city night, but you still have wipers. For those about to head for SITM, try it for the trip and decide.
Agreed, I RainX'd my windows the same weekend I put the Mico's on. Very nice.


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