15-20 years ago, I was able to find re-fill wiper blades, there are not in the store anymore. I remember many of open packages, and returned items laying around. At the time, there were multiple wiper systems, and vehicles begun to use non-matching pairs blades as vehicles became more aerodynamically shaped with curvy windshields, lead to a lot of "damaged, open goods".
I missed those days. I could have a pair for less than $4.
Couple years ago, the re-fills were off the shelves completely. Then it came the "complete set" - wiper arms with new blades assemblies. The stores had fewer "open items" on the shelves then. It was annoying to have to by pairs of 2 different lengths wiper sets, one for the driver side, and one for the passenger side. Still, for $10-$15, I had both wipers replaced with fairly ease; I quantified the added costs for improvement of installation. Those days are gone too.
I went to couple auto parts stores recently to buy replacement wiper blades, and came out the store without buy it. Ones on display, a single, individually packaged blade ranges from $12 for short 17" to $28 for a long 24" "high-tech" blades. Having the car in the hot Texas sun, the blades pretty much stop working after a year and half. I was wondering whether the $28 "high tech, high dollar" blades will last more than one and half years. The "high tech" wiper blade product information help line - said - "we recommend to have the blades replaced every year". What? That's $55 a year if I want to keep the blades in working condition - it's same amount of money the States charges to have the vehicle registered. What's going on?
The wiper arms are made off metals - they looks pretty good years after years. Only the blades wear out and need to be replaced. Can we go back the ways of doing things? It's getting to be a bit ridiculous now - tossing a way millions of good wiper arms into land fill every years. I am getting a bit tired to sending a lot money on Chinese goods.
