My Honda dealer advertised on their website a 10% discount on Honda wiper blades and refills.

I went there and was surprised when the parts clerk asked for my VIN number.

He then said the VIN (Japanese) had a new part number and he'd get them for me today.

The refills seemed to be grayish and were sealed in Honda packaging.

My FIT was under 7 months old but the OEM blades would chatter in light rain. Cleaning them made no difference.

Well, it rained today and the new refills did not chatter and did a better job. Perhaps Honda changed the refills with an improved set.

Front blade part numbers on my invoice are 76632-T5A-J02 and 76622-T6A-J02.

Way better performance.

 

Aside from physical differences, many replacement parts are often sourced from the USA. So they look (and perform) differently than the parts that came on the new car.

Oil filters are one part that sticks in my mind. Not only are they very small compared to dealer filters, but it always seemed as if they were tightened by moonlighting Sumo wrestlers!

That said, I'm sure the chattering blades had taken a 'set' on the long boat-ride from Japan. (Several of my car-collecting friends prop up the wiper arms during winter storage for that reason.) In my experience, you won't have that issue with the replacements.

 

When I have been too lazy or couldn't get down to the auto supply store, I have treated the chattering blades with Armor All. That returns the blades to smooth operation and buys some time.

 

use some paint sealant on the glass. that will rid chattering. it's a waste to replace refills just for chattering.
even those wax as you dry products will help.

given said that, i do replace the refills every spring and fall. we have harsh winters.

 

The front wipers on my one-week-new 2016 EX groan, stick and skip like crazy even in steady rain. I assume it's because - while the car is new to me - it could have been sitting on a storage lot all summer and fall. If I take it to the dealer will I be charged for replacement blades or will it be treated as a warranty issue?

 

My new 2016-bought in September-almost immediately had problems with drivers side blade.
Replaced with new blade at dealer...you can buy them separately...$6.00..and so far the problem is gone.
Maybe if I had complained sooner I could of got it replaced for free...but for only $6.00 i just bought em.

Might need a rain storm or two more to really know if the problem is gone. It's a lot better for now.

 

They should replace them on warranty if they are malfunctioning.

 

Just replaced my rubber on the driver's side. Difference is night and day. $12 CAD at the dealer. Bought some coolant to top off the reservoir while I was at it.