I flunked the wiper blade IQ test

[Dale_K]

Thought I'd replace the wiper blades today since the truck is over 2 years old and the old blades aren't cleaning perfectly. So I bought Bosch beam type blades and the little book at the Walmart had a symbol "OE" next to the Bosch units, which I think means original equipment.

 

I got home with the blades and could not figure out how to install them. The instructions were a small paper with little pictures (none bigger than a postage stamp) for the different type of configurations. I could see the one that looked like the GMC but I just couldn't figure it out. I had to take them back for a refund and buy a set Trico beam units at O'Reilly, where the counter guy put them on for free.

 

I'll never make a mechanic if I can't even figure out a simple set of wiper blades. Sort of a humbling experience, quite honestly.

[00Silverado4x4]

It's all good. We all had to start somewhere. Wiper blades kicked my butt more than a few times in my day too. Still times when I have easy jobs, or so I thought, give me the biggest challenges.

[AGT]

I learned how to change my thermostat and others before I changed wipers...we all had some new experience

[scz71864]

some of the rainex ones you buy today can be tough to put on. it took me a bit to a set on my dads 07 sierra

[Dale_K]

I was in the Walmart again today and looked at the wiper blade rack more carefully. I might have purcahsed the wrong blade earlier. There are 2 styles of Bosch beam blades and one of them has an "E" suffix. That blade had the squeeze clamps in the right place so I think it would work. I still flunked the IQ test but it was a problem with reading comprehensioin rather than not being able to figure out how to fit the blade to the arm. So a mistake was still made but at least it was a masculine mistake (can't read the catalog). I was going to have to turn in my man card if I couldn't fit a wiper blade to the arm, lol.

[00Silverado4x4]

Lol, it's all good. Been there, done that.

[GPGuy]

some of the rainex ones you buy today can be tough to put on. it took me a bit to a set on my dads 07 sierra

 

I have to agree! I have the RainX ones on my truck currently and they were a PITA! Doable but still the little diagram and instructions aren't a lot of help either. Bottom line don't feel bad...I think we've all sworn at wiper blades once or twice.

[Garrett Street]

No worries, one time I broke my girlfriends windshield installing wiper blades. Just imagine that, it could have been a lot worse.

[Gurrzt]

Thought I'd replace the wiper blades today since the truck is over 2 years old and the old blades aren't cleaning perfectly. So I bought Bosch beam type blades and the little book at the Walmart had a symbol "OE" next to the Bosch units, which I think means original equipment.

 

I got home with the blades and could not figure out how to install them. The instructions were a small paper with little pictures (none bigger than a postage stamp) for the different type of configurations. I could see the one that looked like the GMC but I just couldn't figure it out. I had to take them back for a refund and buy a set Trico beam units at O'Reilly, where the counter guy put them on for free.

 

I'll never make a mechanic if I can't even figure out a simple set of wiper blades. Sort of a humbling experience, quite honestly.

 

 

Take the blades and the receipt back to the Walmart auto center, and they will install them for free.

[brainpause]

Wiper blades are a science all their own.

[MikeNH]

some of the rainex ones you buy today can be tough to put on. it took me a bit to a set on my dads 07 sierra

 

I have to agree! I have the RainX ones on my truck currently and they were a PITA! Doable but still the little diagram and instructions aren't a lot of help either. Bottom line don't feel bad...I think we've all sworn at wiper blades once or twice.

 

 

The Rain-X ones are a total bastard to install! Of course, I did mine the day I needed to pack up to move. In a snow storm.

 

 

[j-ten-ner]

lol

No worry's. You're not alone.

 

I've learned to change blades the hard way too.

Because of a stupid movement the wiper arm snapped back to the wind shield.....w/o the blade attached...

 

Guess what happened...

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[GPGuy]

some of the rainex ones you buy today can be tough to put on. it took me a bit to a set on my dads 07 sierra

 

I have to agree! I have the RainX ones on my truck currently and they were a PITA! Doable but still the little diagram and instructions aren't a lot of help either. Bottom line don't feel bad...I think we've all sworn at wiper blades once or twice.

 

 

The Rain-X ones are a total bastard to install! Of course, I did mine the day I needed to pack up to move. In a snow storm.

 

 

 

That must have been fun!

How do you find them in the snow? I find that mine freeze up quite a bit....

[sonjaab]

Thats why you shouldn't buy those brand X "me too" blades !

 

Guys in the great frozen north should have a set of the good old rubber covered winter blades

for when blizzard season sets in !

 

The new "pinch mount" beam style blades on many new vehicles are sure easier to find than

a couple years back. NAPA stores carry the direct fit replacements .