Wiper blade

[jordanthompson]

I know this has been addressed in the past, but I wanted to get some current information.
I went to the local parts store and they let me try a few on the car. Either they looked enormous for the car or they didn't lie along the glass.
What blade is everyone using these days (and they are happy with)?

 

[augkuo]

Here's what I've been using -

Bosch 426A ICON Wiper Blade, 26" (Pack of 1)

Available on Amazon for $20

 

[Btrflyl8e]

Http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-28OE-ICO.../dp/B005JU61D6

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-17OE-ICO.../dp/B00F9VNPC0

 

[jordanthompson]

The two suggested blades look pretty similar. I think I tried one (that looked more or less the same, I couldn't even tell you the brand) and it looked like I was driving a wiper blade with a car attached :tongue:
I just noticed that the two blades Btrflyl8e suggested are not the same size as what I have. I am pretty sure we use a 25 1/2" blade (which translates to 26".) Just noticed that Btrflyl8e is probably a Model S guy...

 

[Btrflyl8e]

Oh good lord. You'd think I was a rookie here!

Sorry, and I'm a model s girl

 

[jordanthompson]

or girl

- - - Updated - - -

I could not find anything for $20. The best I could find on Amazon is $30 (including shipping.) Am I looking in the wrong spot?

 

[Doug_G]

The ICON 426A is massively better than the stock blade. Highly recommended. Worth the money.

 

[m0rph]

I used a 424, that also works fine

 

[JohnGarziglia]

See these posts:
wiper blade - Page 5
wiper blade - Page 5
wiper blade - Page 5

I have now had the PIAA Super Silicon Wiper Blade from Tire Rack (http://www.tirerack.com/wipers/detail.jsp?ID=1043&autoMake=Tesla&autoModel=Roadster+2.5&autoYear=2011&autoModClar=) for a year and am very happy with it.

 

[Amped-Up]

Http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-28OE-ICO.../dp/B005JU61D6

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-17OE-ICO.../dp/B00F9VNPC0

Get these blades. Just put them on - far superior to the crap that was OEM. BTW - SC says Tesla switching to Bosch so newer vehicles might have better ones.

 

[gregd]

Get these blades. Just put them on - far superior to the crap that was OEM. BTW - SC says Tesla switching to Bosch so newer vehicles might have better ones.

Just had my yearly service a few weeks ago. New wiper blade. Mine says "Napa" on it...

 

[mknox]

Here are a few pictures from my "unboxing" and installation of the Bosch Icon OE blades.

This is the packaging. I didn't realize the size difference between the driver's side and passenger side until they arrived:

Here are the two blades side by side. The Bosch is on the left and the OEM blade is on the right:

The Bosch blades have an adapter that can be configured several different ways to fit a couple of different vehicle styles. The OEM blade is designed only to fit the style of arm used by Tesla. You have to remove the plastic piece (left) before installing the blade:

Apart from the connector, the OEM blades appear identical to the Bosch Icon ones. My guess is that Tesla is having their OEM blade made by Bosch with the only modification being the connector. Admittedly, the OEM blade connector is "cleaner" looking than the universal one on the Bosch blade.

Here's a shot of the Tesla branding on the OEM blade:

It rained quite hard on my way in to work this morning and the blades worked great, although I don't believe any better than the OEM blades did when they were new.

 

[supersnoop]

Here are a few pictures from my "unboxing" and installation of the Bosch Icon OE blades.

...

FYI: You're in the Roadster forum.

 

[Habious]

FYI: You're in the Roadster forum.

Oh Whew! I thought it was just me that was confused by his very-detailed post!

 

[mknox]

FYI: You're in the Roadster forum.

Argh! My apologies... I had a couple of "Wipers" threads open and posted all of that in the wrong one! :redface:

 

[mknox]

Argh! My apologies... I had a couple of "Wipers" threads open and posted all of that in the wrong one! :redface:

If a moderator would cut-and-paste this over to to a Model S Wiper discussion such as this one, I would appreciate it!!

 

[Fabrizio]

I use the PIAA 93465 Super Sporza Silicone Wiper Blade with Carbon Fiber Spoiler 26". What better to add than a carbon fiber wiper blade? It goes for $28.99 on Amazon.

 

[slcasner]

The ICON 426A is massively better than the stock blade. Highly recommended. Worth the money.

Amazon shows the 426A as having been replaced by 26A. Anyone know the difference between the two? Anyone using the 26A?

 

[Roadrunner13]

I had installed the PIAA Super Silicone from TireRack (#95065) last year but they obviously got replaced at the SC this spring during tune-up...with a Bosch.
(I totally had forgotten to tell them not to)
So it does seem that they've improved on the default blade they install.
I got caught in quite messy raining conditions with it and the front visibility was not the most unnerving thing that I was worrying about, so that's a good sign!