$18 wiper blades!

[Fiesta33460]

I was having trouble finding wiper blades for this car. None of the parts depts. at my usual stops (Wally's, Tar-get, etc.) had them. Until I went to replace them, I'd never really noticed(even when washing the car) how different they are. It's called a beam blade. One solid piece that unclicks/clicks to replace.
Finally found the drivers' side at a auto parts store. It's made by Delco and cost me 18 bucks. Yikes! They didn't have, nor could they even identify, anyone who makes the rear window blade. Had to go to another chain to find the passenger-side Rain-X Latitude which was also $18!
I'm sure the dealer has them, but I'd be afraid to see what they're asking for them. Speaking of dealers, the owner's manual say that wipers are a FREE replacement for the first 12 months/unlimited mileage, so save yourself some money and get them replaced in the first year!

[GapBoyPCS]

Originally Posted by Fiesta33460

I was having trouble finding wiper blades for this car. None of the parts depts. at my usual stops (Wally's, Tar-get, etc.) had them. Until I went to replace them, I'd never really noticed(even when washing the car) how different they are. It's called a beam blade. One solid piece that unclicks/clicks to replace.
Finally found the drivers' side at a auto parts store. It's made by Delco and cost me 18 bucks. Yikes! They didn't have, nor could they even identify, anyone who makes the rear window blade. Had to go to another chain to find the passenger-side Rain-X Latitude which was also $18!
I'm sure the dealer has them, but I'd be afraid to see what they're asking for them. Speaking of dealers, the owner's manual say that wipers are a FREE replacement for the first 12 months/unlimited mileage, so save yourself some money and get them replaced in the first year!

If folks are stuck in trying to find wiper blades, they can always try your local dealer. For the best price on OEM wiper blades, get in touch with FORDSVTPARTS.

That being said, if people purchased Ford's maintenance plan, wipers blade replacements should be included.

[BondiBlue]

My father and I have been using the Bosch version of these "beam" blades in our cars for years. Much nicer than those spring loaded $3 deals you get at WalMart.

[psi chick]

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

That being said, if people purchased Ford's maintenance plan, wipers blade replacements should be included.

a wear item is included in a maintenance plan?

[GapBoyPCS]

Originally Posted by psi chick

a wear item is included in a maintenance plan?

It depends on the plan.

My particular plan covers brakes, shocks/struts, and wiper blades, in addition to fluid changes.

[Cobra348]

I got Rain-X Latitudes for Phantom at the local AutoZone. Both sizes were readily available and the adapters worked fine.

[BigEd]

My dealer will replace both for $19.99 (parts and labor). Login to the ford customer site and see if you have any wiper blade coupons for your area.

[mamiata1]

I used to work in Materials at Ford and one of the last projects I was involved with was those beam blades. I wasn't tied into the money side but my guess is that they are cheaper to make than the old style blades. We are paying for the newness of the technology. I am going to check my owner's manual however. It would be nice to get a free set before the year is up!

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by BondiBlue

My father and I have been using the Bosch version of these "beam" blades in our cars for years. Much nicer than those spring loaded $3 deals you get at WalMart.

Yes. They've been around for a few years. My daughter's 2008 GMC Yukon uses those. I think they're great. No joints to get clogged up with ice and snow. Little or no chatter unless the the window is very dry.

[jubbyboi617]

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

It depends on the plan.

My particular plan covers brakes, shocks/struts, and wiper blades, in addition to fluid changes.

Don't most of these plans only cover 3 years/36k miles? That was the one I was offered. I found it to be a complete waste of $300-400 when they wouldn't use the oil I wanted(I'm not paying $5/qt extra!) and I shouldn't need brakes, shocks/struts, and most fluids changed that early... unless I'm completely mistaken. I did the quick math in my head at finance time and 12 $25 dollar oil changes plus $50 worth of misc. things didn't make a difference, I'd pay the amount either way... I don't need to pay the financing charge on top of that.