Explorer eating windshield wipers?

[93explorer317]

I read some people talking about the wipers but I am wondering does the explorer eat them away? I have the Rain X Latitude I believe I know its rain x. They work perfect when I got them but now they leave streaks on the windshield. I add rain x glass treatment to it every now and then, and it helps but still streaks. Now I only had these wipers for about 3 months now and they shouldnt be doing this at this time. I had other vehicles and I dont think it had ran x on it but they last alot longer than 3 months, most of the time they last a year till I trade the vehicle. So is it rain x or the explorer? What wiper should I get that will last long and not be eating by the explorer? That I can buy at a auto store. I dont' care about the cost I just like being able to see in the rain. Thanks.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Clan your windshield with BonAmi next time you wash your ex. Sprinkle some on, mist it, and wash the windshield with the paste using your hand. BonAmi is a virtual non-abrasive, and it will help clean the road grime off. I do that every few weeks when I wash, and have no streaking issues with my Rain-X blades. Also clean the blade surfaces obviously...

 

[93explorer317]

Clan your windshield with BonAmi next time you wash your ex. Sprinkle some on, mist it, and wash the windshield with the paste using your hand. BonAmi is a virtual non-abrasive, and it will help clean the road grime off. I do that every few weeks when I wash, and have no streaking issues with my Rain-X blades. Also clean the blade surfaces obviously...

Thanks I am going to try that. I do though clean the blades with a baby wipe lol I have a kid so they are handy. When I do clean the blade there is alot of dirt that comes off of it.

 

[Joe Dirt]

That could be part of the problem... Usually alcohol wipes are good for cleaning off the gunk... The baby wipes probably have lanolin or something in the moisturizer and that's probably streaking.

I usually flip the blades up and wash them with the paste when I'm doing the windshield. Just rinse well, and help it wash off with your hand when you're rinsing.

 

[BigRondo]

Clan your windshield with BonAmi next time you wash your ex. Sprinkle some on, mist it, and wash the windshield with the paste using your hand. BonAmi is a virtual non-abrasive, and it will help clean the road grime off. I do that every few weeks when I wash, and have no streaking issues with my Rain-X blades. Also clean the blade surfaces obviously...

Joe, got a couple of questions:

Is this the BonAmi you are talking about?

Would this work as well?

Thanks - Rondo

 

[beauboy]

Bon Ami? Comet? Using anything to clean the grime off of your windshield will be effective. I just use the squeegee at the gas station whenever I fill up. That, and ensure that you tap the debris from your wipers before using them. Both of these 5 second tactics will help even the cheapest of wipers last a good 6 months.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Use the Bon Ami, not sold on SF Comet. Comet is an abrasive cleanser and will scratch your glass- the SF Comet is supposed to be scratch free, but I haven't seen the abrasion ratings of the SF Comet yet, and I know the Bon Ami is safe.

I use this one (I think your pic was just of the newer can design)

You can also use Barkeepers Friend if they don't have BonAmi.

It is much more effective to use a purposed cleaner to remove road grime, as it imbeds itself in chip-pores in the glass, coats the glass and is also very resistant to removal with plain water, glass cleaner, or windshield washer fluid- as found in most filling station tubs.

I've been using that solution to road grime for years as a detailer.

 

[BigRondo]

Thanks Joe. I'll look into getting some. - Rondo

 

[Joe Dirt]

Also- if you still have some claybar left, clay your glass- you'd be surprised at what comes off there... (All of the windows)

 

[BigRondo]

Also- if you still have some claybar left, clay your glass- you'd be surprised at what comes off there... (All of the windows)

Great idea :biggthump I do have a bar left. So I use it normally, using the quick detailer as lubricant?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Sure- or sometimes when I clay I just use soapy water when I wash the car the second time. On my glass I just use water, I'll clay at the same time. I haven't used the QD in a while- cheaper to just use soap, and it has adequate lubricity.

 

[Tony H]

The original baby wipes ( years ago) did have alcohol in them.... I bet Joe Dirt is right, the new ones are probably loaded with some oil based softening product that is greasing up your windshield

 

[Joe Dirt]

the new ones are probably loaded with some oil based softening product that is greasing up your windshield

Yep- but they sure make your wipers smell nice!

Actually, as an aside- one of the best things to use to remove dried-on stubborn bugs from the front of your rig is a wet fabric softener sheet. My car smells like Bounce now...

 

[93explorer317]

Yep- but they sure make your wipers smell nice!

Actually, as an aside- one of the best things to use to remove dried-on stubborn bugs from the front of your rig is a wet fabric softener sheet. My car smells like Bounce now...

Lol I have so many bugs on my front end its not even funny.

 

[BigRondo]

Also- if you still have some claybar left, clay your glass- you'd be surprised at what comes off there... (All of the windows)

I attempted the clay bar treatment on all windows, but it was in direct sunlight & it was extremely hot that day. The clay bar reminded me of bubble gum. Live and learn I guess. I am on the hunt for Bon Ami. There website says that Ace Hardware sells it so that will be my first stop.

 

[Mudboy]

Thje clay bar will pick up contaminents that no cleaner can get off. It's just important to use water/ soapy water or a quick detailer as a lube, otherwise it's gonna be sticking.

 

[Jason94sport]

Also- if you still have some claybar left, clay your glass- you'd be surprised at what comes off there... (All of the windows)

X2
I do it once a year on all my cars windows.

Also these are pretty good blades. 5 year full replacement warranty. At 5 years call them & they will send you news ones.
http://www.silblade.com/

 

[Currency]

X2
I do it once a year on all my cars windows.

Also these are pretty good blades. 5 year full replacement warranty. At 5 years call them & they will send you news ones.
http://www.silblade.com/

Those are out of my price range.

I generally use rain X blades, the ones from walmart but not the expensive flexed ones. Also use rain X washer fluid. For bugs and ice.

 

[Jason94sport]

Those are out of my price range.

If you replace them once a year or better, it's not really expensive cause you get 5 years with these & if they fail before that they send you new ones free. So add another 5 years from that set. $ up front but long run costs are low.

At least where I live the FL heat & sun eat wiper blades.

 

[Currency]

If you replace them once a year or better, it's not really expensive cause you get 5 years with these & if they fail before that they send you new ones free. So add another 5 years from that set. $ up front but long run costs are low.

At least where I live the FL heat & sun eat wiper blades.

Yeah Your most likely right. A recent, few months ago, hail storms cracked my front windshield right under the drivers side wiper. The crack spread up during/after the second hail storm and that is when I noticed it. Of course, insurance did not cover the damages. Therefore I get to bite the bullet. The windshield installed will be around $180 from a friend who will come to my house to do it.

Not really paid any attention to the wipers since that storm, they are still working pretty good but sliding across that/those crack(s) cannot be helping them any.