what is up with the price of windshield wiper blades?

[2manyrocks]

I bought some 1995 Chevrolet Caprice that were about $4-5 each. The plastic retaining clip seemed awfully tight, but went on. Then the clips popped loose later.

So I go to the store to buy different blades with different retaining clips. Two blades cost $18.75 with tax. They went on, but weren't the easiest to install.

I can remember when wiper refills were $.89-.99. What is up with the cost of wiper blades?

 

[4get gto]

We're telling how old we are when we remember .99 cent wiper blades....

I personally don't have much luck with replacements. You can get ones for $20 a piece and they don't seem "that" much better. Change them probably 1 or 2 times a year..

 

[EddieWalker]

From experience and wasted money, I'm now in the pay more for better wipers group. The low end wipers just don't do a very good job at all.

 

[Jstpssng]

I picked up a set for my company truck and they were about $18.00 each. It's the third or fourth pair that I've bought for the vehicle and the only set which has ever done a good job clearing the windshield, so I consider it money well spent. For whatever reason they've done away with the wipers where you can buy refills.

 

[RNeumann]

Time to hit up rockauto.com. You will see your $3-5 wipers there. Parts stores are getting ridiculous for some stuff.

 

[Ford850]

I pay for some of the best, winter rated blades. It kills me to pay the prices but they last for years and are consistently good quality.

 

[jmc]

I paid $45 for a pair of Bosch blades, installed, at a tire store. They had also a cheaper version. F250 pickup-kinda long blades.

 

[TedReese]

As mentioned above, Rock Auto has your affordable wiper blades. I usually pay $2 to $5 each for name brand. I usually buy Bosch. They also have the correct rear blades for the same money. No local parts store around here carry refill blades anymore and I refuse to pay their asking price. Rock Auto does charge for shipping, but I will usually order oil and air filters at the same time making the purchase very reasonable.

 

[oosik]

Couple days ago I was clearing snow off the Power Wagon. I can do that now - I found my folding plastic step stool. I loosened and checked out the wiper blades. Oh, Lordy, those things had better last at least a year. I can see replacements being in the $40 - $50 range. The OEM are Bosch.

 

[newbury]

As mentioned above, Rock Auto has your affordable wiper blades. I usually pay $2 to $5 each for name brand. I usually buy Bosch. They also have the correct rear blades for the same money. No local parts store around here carry refill blades anymore and I refuse to pay their asking price. Rock Auto does charge for shipping, but I will usually order oil and air filters at the same time making the purchase very reasonable.

Also be careful when ordering from Rock Auto - I've found I'd place a small order, then get the shipment and there was often a short term coupon for 10% or 15% on my next order, but it was only good for a month or so.