Just picked up new OEM inserts from ebay. All rubber. The originals have a solid silver bracet to the back. Do the inserts go on that, or am I missing something? Seems like an all rubber blade isn't good.

 

When changing the wiper blades on my GD3, I merely removed the metal inserts from the OEM wiper blades, and reuse them with the new refills. Sounds like your "solid silver brac(k)et to the back" rubber blades weren't OEM. Those OEM refills from ebay require those metal inserts to install.

 

All rubber - they slide into the metal bits.

 

Thanks for that. They said I needed them at inspection last summer but frankly, they're fine. They're old enough to change but aren't acting worn out.

 

Ypu mean the State tells you to replace your wiper blades? I thought NY was part of America. Guess I was wrong

 

No, that was dork Rick Perry who wanted texas to sucead from the union, not NY. We're still part of the gang.

Not sure if it's a check point thing, but I suppose it's a saftey issue so why not. Maybe they were just looking to make a few bucks more and push blades on me. But it didn't happen because they didn't have anything that matched so they just said I should get new ones along the way. Been going to them for years- they probably just noticed and said I should. I suppose the blades are somewhat worn- it'll be 3 years soon. But they work fine to me.

 

It is a safety check and they did right by pointing the need out to you. Nice to have friendly service watching out for you.

 

What happened to taking care of yourself, without the need for big brother to micro-manage your life?

 

Micro managing would have been failing the car because of it. Urging me to change them out asap and passing the car is...letting me take care of it myself.

 

So they suggested instead of ordering you to do it? in that case fine. I recall when I was in Oklahoma, they failed you for anything, including headlight alignments. Even a brand new car would always fail, and you had to pay them to adjust, or no license.

 

Suggesting the replacement wiper blades when worn is a good thing...if you are in the car that gets hit because the other car's wipers weren't doing their job in a downpour! :}

 

NJ, PA, VT are all the same way (many other states are this way as well - these are where I have lived). you have to have wipers that will wipe away water or your car won't pass inspection. It's more for the safety of others than it is for your own personal safety. Part of the problem is that too many people barely know how to do anything more than turn the car on, let alone know how to periodically inspect their cars or perform routine maintenance. Sometimes, it's because they are ignorant about cars (and may not have the mechanical aptitude for automotive maintenance), sometimes it's because they are just stupid. It takes all types to make the world go 'round... And last I checked, the world is spinning just fine!

~SB

 

you talking about the two long thin metal strips that run along the side of the refills? if so you will reuse them from your stock blades.

 

Yes reuse metal strips when replacing rubber you have to. I replaced my rubber recently way better than wasting money on new wipers