How long should the MB-supplied wiper inserts last on the single-arm?

[Will_w202]

This thing just got replaced less than a year ago, and it's been skipping over certain parts of the windshield for the past 2 months. Who makes these things? I've been maybe 25k since it was installed. I don't live in a rainforest.

[softconsult]

The inserts are fairly cheap. Bosch is OE. It's not the mileage. Think North Carolina summer time heat.

I always replace mine every 6 months.

Steve

[trueog]

My first factory wiper lasted me 4 years. After that I'm lucky to get a year out of them, mine start to wipe like crap after 6 months, but i change them yearly. I only use the OEM ones from the stealership, as i've had lots of probs with the knock offs, for quality reasons and install.

[Will_w202]

Wow! surprised to hear that. Ok, at least I now know to go ahead and pick a new one up. Thanks guys

[ProV1]

yup it's the heat (and maybe the bitter cold also) that kills the rubber and make em brittle. these inserts are not cheap, $25 or so.. when you get a new one, always clean em once a week so dirt does not accumulate

[softconsult]

Looks to me like Bosch inserts for that car at less than $10.00 at several on-line sources.

Steve

[Hatterasguy]

About a year, bit longer on the SDL since she sits in a garage for six months out of the year.

[manny]

Normally install new blade every 6 month ( spring & fall ).
Also keep your windshield completely free of oil/grease/wax build up.
Scrub it really well every 2-3 month.
Beware,.... some " smoking-hot " deals on wiperblades are many times old stock, with age- hardened rubber.

[G-Benz]

Environment dictates frequency of replacement. Even in arid climates where wiper use is seldom, the heat will render the rubber useless in a year or so.

I don't change out blades unless broken, but go for the Bosch inserts.

I keep my original blade(s) because they have the vehicle model embossed on the top (and I like that for some strange reason)...new blades don't.

[softconsult]

Just for clarity, when G-Benz says Blade he means the Wiper Blade Assembly, which comes with a new blade. The blade is what is often called the Blade Insert.

Another little tip. There are old style Wiper Blade Assemblies which use the thin metal strip to retain the blade. The new style WBA uses plastic and plastic end caps. In my opinion, the old style works better. They can be obtained on-line, but doubt that dealer would have anything but the plastic version.

Steve

[ProV1]

where are you guys getting the blade assemblies for $10?? oem bosch blade costs me $25 for my 97 E420

[softconsult]

No, not blade assembly. Blade insert.

Steve

[e300D97]

On a side note. I highly recommend the washer additive that is sold at the Dealership. I think its called "summer fit" it comes in a small tube and you add it to the washer fluid. It does a great job of removing wax and road oils. I am sure a few drops of Dawn would do the same

[manny]

Originally Posted by G-Benz

I keep my original blade(s) because they have the vehicle model embossed on the top (and I like that for some strange reason)...new blades don't.

Any new blade assemblies I've ever purchased from the dealer, have always had the model designation embossed.