[Katscan]

So I wanted to try out the RainX Latitude wipers for my '10 Escape (*sidenote* I REALLY HATE how Ford decided to switch to this weird C clamp style wiper arm.....makes it EXTREAMLY difficult to find replacements) :topic:
Anyhoo, so my choices are limited and these were the only aftermarket blades I could get and...well...they SUCK. Ive replaced two so far as both had broken, one of which broke off on the highway and the other is broken but still functions....just the center drags cause a piece broke that holds the blade onto the arm. So, with that I do not plan to go back to these wipers ever. Im going to try to order some of he BOSH wipers and pray that these work better.

 

[Billyk]

I have had good luck with the Michelin Radius wipers.

 

[gman1868]

If the Bosch Icon will fit, they are the best.

 

[Katscan]

Remember how I said I replaced 2 so far? :rant: Well I had to replace the driver side twice and well the passenger side one just broke as well :wall: so that makes 3 :cuss: . Ill try to take some pics and show you the defect. From what I can tell, the RainX wipers are a piss poor design as there is an extra adaper they use to make it 98% compatible with cars. Because of this adapter the arm sits higher and possibly subjects the wiper blade to more torque than it was designed for. :bang:

 

[jonas1022]

Or option three is that they are crap. I wouldn't fool around with them. Save yourself some problems and go to another brand before you screw up your glass.

 

[tang]

My dealership sells OEM wipers for about the same price as the 'brand name' stuff... so I dunno if there is any benefit for me going to a different brand...

 

[Katscan]

My dealership sells OEM wipers for about the same price as the 'brand name' stuff... so I dunno if there is any benefit for me going to a different brand...

Well that depends on the type of wipers you get. Now for the '10 since its this new wierd c clamp thingy, options are rather limited as the only type we can use(so far) are the new blade style wipers, I have not seen the traditional stile for the c clamp. Now the differences in the wipers depends on the type of rubber used and style and a bit on the actual blade design(yes it can make a difference).
Im a bit of a nut when it comes to the cleanlyness of my windshield and probably replace my wipers more often than needed :bang: (almost every 6 months I replace my wipers). My GF laughs at me because I constantly clean my windshield :blush: . So Ive shopped around for wipers on previous cars Ive owned. Im no expert but I did notice a difference between brand name wipers and off brand.

 

[Mantruck101]

I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that it says in one of the books that came with my Escape that Ford will replace your wipers (free of charge) during the first year of ownership. Given that you have a 2010, you should probably fall into this category.

 

[Katscan]

Ahh well I didnt know that. But that still doesn't make these RainX wipers any better Just sharing my experiences with them and hope that others dont share the same fate as I did.

Thanks for the info though! Im sure a lot of new Escape owners would love to know that!

 

[sinister mob]

I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that it says in one of the books that came with my Escape that Ford will replace your wipers (free of charge) during the first year of ownership. Given that you have a 2010, you should probably fall into this category.

Interesting. I am coming up on my 1 year. I think I will stop in and have them replaced before the 365th day of ownership!

 

[Mantruck101]

I just went outside to get the books out of the glove box. In the "Warranty Guide" booklet on page 14, it says:

"wiper blade replacements will be provided during the first 12 months in service, regardless of miles driven"

Free wiper blades for everybody!

 

[johnnymossville]

I really like Trico NeoForm, havent tried any others with this vehicle yet.

 

[BurghBeagle]

I have used premium blades in the past, and I don't see any difference in performance or durability in the expensive blades versus el-cheapo ones. I usually go with ANCO blades, for the money they are fine.

 

[slavrenz]

I have used premium blades in the past, and I don't see any difference in performance or durability in the expensive blades versus el-cheapo ones. I usually go with ANCO blades, for the money they are fine.

Well, I'm afraid that I have to disagree with you 100% on that. Most of the cheap blades I've used end up streaking within a few weeks - with the newer beam-style wipers, I can change them once per year, instead of once every 6 months.

Interestingly enough, I've been using the RainX latitude blades on my '10 Escape XLT for over a month now without any problems - I also use them on several of my other vehciles without any streaking or anything. Then again, I also use the RainX water beading wiper fluid, which is freaking amazing. I think it's weird that Ford specifically says in the owner's manual not to use wiper fluid with water beading technology - they say it's to prevent streaking, but if I'm not experiencing any streaking, I guess I'm fine to use it

 

[RobtRoma]

I'd have to disagree as well. I've tried Anco and they were terrible. Within a few weekes they were streaking. I typically use Bosch...

 

[Four_Eyes]

I've tries Bosch before. They were "ok". They lasted 6 months on my wife's minivan.

I dunno what brand to try next. Maybe the RainX since I switched to their fluid last winter.

 

[RobtRoma]

I get about a year out of the Bosch. Definitely not "the best". I change them every spring. Winter typically messes up the wipers I use...

 

[andjayik]

i still have the stock going on 2 years.

 

[08HybridOK]

I have had good luck with the Michelin Radius wipers.

+1 on the Michelin brand.

At first it was the only brand available at Wally that was the new style; but I tried something I found at Sam's, and they chattered after just a week or 2. I can't remember the name, but it was a division of Peak.

I've only replaced my Michelin's by time (about a year old) as prevenative measure, not due to lack of function or failure.

 

[Katscan]

Interestingly enough, I've been using the RainX latitude blades on my '10 Escape XLT for over a month now without any problems

Ahh, well I had 3 wipers break on me within 60 days and well I am very dissapointed with them on this.

As for Cheap blades being the same as the higher quality blades.....yea I have to disagree with that entirely. I am a big stickler when it comes to a clean windshield and clean it more often than I should. Now, with that said, I have seen the difference between elcheapo brands and big name brands, while yes an elcheapo blade will move water from your windshield, they dont do it as efficiently or do they last as long. Esp if you are moving more than just water from your windshield (like dirt or bird poop or bugs.....hate bugs).