Sometimes it’s not the blade, it’s the windshield.
Buy from Amazon. They have good prices. Don’t buy in a store.
I’ve read on the internet (so it must be true), that the reason that original wipers seem to last much longer than their replacements is that windshields become microscopically pitted over time and consequently are harder on blades. Any truth to this or would cleaning as you mentioned take care of it?
I won’t argue that silicone rubber is far more UV and weather proof than any natural rubber, but simple aging and weather exposure are only part of what causes a wiper blade to go bad. If you’ve got a blade that’s crumbling or so hard it squeals, the basic problem is that you didn’t replace it in a timely fashion.
Nothing keeps blades from getting nicks, tears and wear that make it leave streaks, even if the un-nicked parts still wipe fine.
Despite the price ($50 for 2), I think I’ll spring for the PIAA’s.
Rain-X latitudes are also silicone and depending on size may be cheaper. I got my last set from Target.
Another vote for the silicone rubber blades - and living in a snowy climate a big plus is they don’t get FUBARed by ice on the windshield.
I still change them out every year or two though.
And if your wiper arm is bent, the best blades in the world won’t help much.
The silicone rubber blades sound like a good idea. I also have some Bosch ICON wiper blades that I like a lot, they’ve been on my (garaged) car for 2 years with no problems.