oh and to any of you who aren't using a Rain-X / Aquapel type of treatment... you may want to think about doing so. having nothing on your windshield is like not waxing your paint as far as the effect it creates. It makes it much harder to see clearly as water lays flat vs beading up and sliding off.

 

To respond to this post:
I've had my drivers side rain-x latitude on for... Oh 6ish months, and Had Nothing but great results from it.... At the start.
It didn't streak, smear, or anything. It gave a perfect view everytime I used it.

Recently though, within the past 3 months, I can't say I've had the same result. I've notice alot more steaking now, and the bottom side of the blade skips across the windshield. I'm really disappointed with them at this moment.

I also recently put on my passenger side (Within the past month), and have had nothing but problems with it. It bounces at the bottom, just like the drivers side, like others have said, the last 2-3 inches of the blade don't even make contact with the windshield. Another thing is due to the curve in the windshield, about a 3 inch peice near the top 3/4ths of the blade on the passengers side doesn't make contact when the wiper is 1/2 way up, to the top most point of it's swipe. Not at ALL satisfied with the passenger blade

 

Maybe I need to try Aquapel, because I kind of hate Rain-X. It works well enough, but getting the glass completely clear after applying it is difficult. And I've been using the stuff for many years.

Actually, Majestic Solutions in Raleigh, NC, sells a product called "Enviro-Shield" that does great on glass. And the application process couldn't be easier - you spray it on, let it sit for a couple minutes, and rinse it off. Rinses cleanly, doesn't leave a film. Great on wheels too - it's not a silver bullet for brake dust, but it certainly helps.

 

Aquapel is the ish. I buy it by the case.

 

I found that rain-x and aquapel leave a slight haze on the windshield that makes light refract at night, like an oily windshield. I prefer to keep the windshield waxed, and good wipers.

BTW, I have the ultra-premium-rape-me-price OEM wipers from Audi on the A4, and they are good. But the Icons on my M3 are better. I also run Icons on the Jeep. The Icons do not have the problem of freezing joints, which leave un-wiped areas. They are, IMO, worth every penny. The Icons on the M3 are about 2 years old.

I think it was wednesday I took the Ram out for a spin, to get it warmed up and charge the bat a bit since it sits most of the time, and the temps were high enough to not have ice. But it was raining all day. After about 10 minutes in the truck, I headed to the auto parts store, bought some Icons and threw them on. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! In 2500 miles the stock pass wiper blade was coming apart, and they were very noisy. The Icons in contrast are super silent, like quieter-than-the-Audi silent. Small things make a big difference. Plus they just look more simple and elegant.

Oh well, back to the snow

 

I just bought the rainx ones today and I love them. I bought them right on time too cause it started to rain an hour after I put them on!