Trico Windshield Wiper Blades FAQ's
How often should I change my wipers?
It is recommended that wiper blades or refills be changed every six months to maintain maximum driving safety. As an easy reminder, you should change your wipers when you change your clock at daylight savings time.
What indicates that my wipers need replacing?
Deteriorated wipers produce an uneven wipe, which prevents proper contact with the windshield surface. This will create streaky or unwiped areas, severely impairing your driving vision. And remember - what you can't see, can harm you!
If any of these conditions describe your wipers, replace them today with TRICO blades or refills:
Streaking
Caused by dry rubber that has hardened and cracked. Streaking can also be caused by tree sap, road tar and other foreign substances on the blade rubber.
Chattering
Caused by the "permanent set" or "curve" in the rubber some wiper blades develop while they are parked. This condition is characterized by the chattering sound the blade makes as it passes over the windshield.
Worn Rubber
General rounding of the wiping edge caused by long service.
Split Rubber
A condition found on blades that are old. Sometimes due to the effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the rubber
Bent Refill Vertebra
Sometimes caused by ice scrapers, automatic car washes or vandalism. CAUTION: Do not attempt to refill wiper blades that are distorted, bent or badly worn. Replace them with new wiper blades to avoid the possibility of damage to the windshield.
Bent Wiper Frame
Sometimes caused by ice scrapers, automatic car washes or vandalism. CAUTION: Do not attempt to refill wiper blades that are distorted, bent or badly worn. Replace them with new wiper blades to avoid the possibility of damage to the windshield.
Why do I need to install new wipers when I live in an area where it hardly ever rains?
A wiper blade that hasn't been used for an extended period of time can dry out or develop permanent set, as described in the question above under the "Streaking" and "Chattering" section. Even if you don't use your blades often, they still need to be inspected for damage every six months.
What is the difference between a wiper blade, refill and arm?
As the diagrams show:
the wiper blade is the complete unit which is comprised of the superstructure and rubber element, while a refill is simply the rubber wiping element. The wiper arm is the metal device, which attaches the wiper blade to the vehicle.
Should I buy a blade or refill?
Many people replace the entire blade, as it is quicker and easier. With a blade, you don't have to worry about the replacement refill not fitting your current blade.
However, unless your wiper blade's superstructure is damaged, you should purchase refills. Refills are typically priced at half the cost of a blade. However in order to properly replace a refill, you must know if the blade on your vehicle is the original equipment unit or an aftermarket replacement. If your blade is an aftermarket product, you must also know the manufacturer and type of blade.
Do I need to replace both wipers?
It is always recommended to change both wipers at the same time. This will help ensure clear driving vision from the entire windshield. Don't forget the rear blade, which is found on most Sport Utility Vehicles, vans and station wagons.
How do I choose the correct wiper for my vehicle?
All you need to know to replace your wipers, is the make, model and year of your vehicle. Most stores have either a paper catalog and/or electronic computer by the wiper display, which list all the vehicles and their corresponding blade and refill part numbers. Please contact us if you need assistance.
Do I need to clean my windshield before installing new wipers?
Before installing new wiper blades, be sure to clean your windshield and wipe the rubber element of the blade with the TRICO Optimizer pad, which comes inside each blade package. This will ensure the freshest rubber for your wiper.
Car wash wax, tree sap and road contaminants create a thin film on your windshield which reduces clarity of the windshield. It is recommended that you use non-abrasive cleaner and warm water to remove the film from the windshield. Check the labels of the cleaning product you are using to make sure they are not petroleum based, as this will cause damage to the rubber element and produce an oily film.
How difficult will it be for me to install my own blades?
TRICO has made installation simple and quick. This is especially true with our Exact Fit blades where the correct adaptor is always pre-attached to the blade. This will allow anyone to install a new blade in mere seconds, as there are no complicated parts to assemble. You no longer have to be a rocket scientist to install your own blades. Click here to see installation videos for all our wiper blades.
What can I do to prevent snow and ice from clogging up my blades?
TRICO invented the "Winter Blade" back in 1953 to solve this problem. TRICO's winter blades are protected with a rubber boot, which prevents the blade's metal superstructure from becoming packed with ice. A blade superstructure that is clogged with snow and ice will not flex adequately and start to streak, not allowing you to see properly. After the winter season is over, you should switch back to a new pair of "summer" blades.
Why do my blades lift off the windshield at high speeds?
If you blade is not aerodynamically designed, like our Innovision blades, the air pressure around the blade will cause it to lift, right off the windshield, like an airplane wing.
Why should I purchase TRICO wiper blades?
TRICO created the wiper blade industry back in 1917 when it invented the first wiper blade and continues to this day at the forefront of product innovation and technical expertise.
TRICO is the leading Original Equipment wiper blade supplier in North America. TRICO's quality is unequalled and the one most trusted by the major vehicle manufacturers worldwide. That is why TRICO is the leading wiper blade manufacturer in the world.
All TRICO wiper products (both Original Equipment and consumer replacement Aftermarket) are manufactured using only top quality materials like high strength steel, corrosion resistant epoxy coatings and superior caliber natural rubber. Thus producing the clearest, safest windshield wiping action of any blade on the market.