What products do you professional detailers recommend to keep the windshield wipers from becoming brittle. If I give them a quick wipe-down with my 303 will that do the trick? Additionally, I've read there are some windshield waher fluids that with deteriorate or break down the rubber of a wiper quicker than others. Which ones should I stay away from?

 

OK, sorry for the nonsense in the first post; I was typing quickly because my boss actually wanted me to work. First of all, I meant to ask if treating the wipers with a product like 303 EACH TIME I wash the car will help prolong the life of the wiper. Also, I apologize for all the typos, I'm usually a little more particular than that with my writing. Please read the following corrections:

waher = washer
with deteriorate = will deteriorate

Maybe with these corrections, the first post will make a LITTLE bit more sense!

 

I'm guessing you're talking about 303 protectant? It's amazing stuff, but I don't think I'd use it...or any other protectant...on wiper blades. Even if you follow with a dry towel, I've got to think there will be residue that will mix with rain water to streak the windshield.

There is a 303 product designed for this purpose, however. Here's a link:

http://www.detailcity.com/303-wiper-treatment.html

I've not tried it, and honestly I'd be a bit skeptical, particularly in a harsh climate such as Maine. Here in NorCal I replace the blades every six months, and I'm guessing you'd want at least one more set to get you through the coldest months.

 

016 76620-SEP-A01 BLADE, WINDSHIELD WIPER (650MM) (DRIVER SIDE) 20.10 16.75
017 76622-SDA-A01 RUBBER, BLADE (650MM) 4.45 3.71
018 76630-SEP-A01 BLADE, WINDSHIELD WIPER (475MM) (PASSENGER SIDE) 15.81 13.18
019 76632-SEP-A01 RUBBER, BLADE (475MM) 4.45 3.71

I couldn't say for sure if there is anything that would prevent the blade from getting brittle. I usually change my blades late fall/early winter. Replacing with OEM is much cheaper than aftermarket items like PIAA.

 

I thought I remember someone mentioning on here somewhere that certain washer fluids eat away (i.e. - bug removers?) at the wipers. Can anyone lend any insight into that?

 

Just wipe the blade with some rubbing alcohol to clean it.... works well on the silicon nose pads on most eye glasses too.