2008 Fit
Does anyone else experience the issue where in cold weather (below 0) where the passenger side wiper misses a sizeable part of the window (like a rounded triangle right in your view)?
I'm still using OEM blades and have looked for aftermarket ones but the consensus from everything I've read is that OEM are the best for the vehicle. I notice on the OEMs that there are 2 flex points in the blades which get frozen. I have to manually flex them back and forth to break up the ice and that works a bit better but not always. Same with the pivot point at which the blade hooks onto the arm. This gets frozen in place and I have to break it up. Just wondering if anyone has found any better way to do this. I don't think I need new wiper blades but I don't recall that ever helping. It almost appears that the arm isn't putting enough pressure on the blade. Has anyone bent it more to force it down?

 

Been using Anco blades for years. Don't have your problem. The factory blades may trap water and freeze and not flex.

 

When you say you're still using the OEM blades, are you saying that you've never replaced them and that these are the same ones that came on the car when it was new?

If that's the case, replace them. They're old and the rubber is already hardened and folded/creased from sitting against the windshield for years.

 

Haha god no! I've replaced them maybe 5 times (usually once a year). I mentioned this symptom to a co-worker and he said that he gets the same thing (different spot, different vehicle) and he thinks it's because the windshield isn't quite a smooth plane and minor warping prevents the wiper from making good contact... (Guess that sounds plausible).

 

Did you have to modify them or do they fit like the stock blades? (I've heard about people having to cut the passenger blade to fit properly.)

Also, where did you get them?

 

Oh hahaha I see

 

I would blame it on Harper

I have not had a problem with my 09 wipers. When bad weather is forecast I do lift the wipers up off the windshield. Keeps a lot of the ice build up off them. Also prevents ripping the blades if you had left the wipers turned on the last time you drove.

 

Drop in fitment. I get full wipers, not refills. Get them at Wally World about 5 bucks each. The right wiper length is close but still fits. You could get it 1 inch shorter than spec if close clearance to the windshield edge bothers you.

 

I had the same issue with mine, but like the others suggested just raise the wipers up when you park so it does not get frozen to the windshield. I do change my wiper inserts 2-3 times a year and I don't have this problem anymore.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

 

My wipers are original and nearly three years old. I haven't noticed much of an issue with missing spots. My annoyance is that stupid spot right above my line of sight where the passenger side doesn't swing far enough to the left for the water to be wiped away by the driver side. That constant drip just drives me nuts.

I do keep my car in the garage at home (which assumes heated in this area.) Maybe that makes a difference. Gives any ice build-up time to thaw. Maybe you get ice build-up in the blade assembly that is designed to wiggle around for conforming to the shape of the glass?

 

RandomSkratch, I have the same issue and to me it's very bizarre... and the issue is there even with new wiper inserts.

 

I go to the dealer, get the refills (slide right in, cheap, no issues). Haven't had a problem in any weather. I do have to keep a set on hand because the nearest dealer (60 miles) doesn't carry any Fit parts. I'm still using the original blades.

I have found that the OEM blades (on my Acura) and the Honda refills really last a long time and maintain a flexibility that is superior to any aftermarket blade I've used. Some of you have had good luck with other solutions, but this works great for me and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Cheers.

 

Maybe the problem is caused by not replacing the blade/refill frequently rather then weather itself, as rubber will lose flexibility over time.