Should I change the wiper blades or wiper blade inserts?

 

I've always just bought new blades from Jag. They're only $20 and worth it, IMO. The inserts worked for about 2 swipes when I tried them.

 

I have swapped just blades in the past (trico), have just ordered aerotwins to try them out.

 

If you are using OEM blades, which are made by Trico, and they are still in good shape, then Trico inserts can be had for ~$10 from places like OReily's. They often keep the inserts behind the counter, as the industry seems determined to sell complete blades with inserts. the inserts come in various standard lengths, and 3 different types of grooves which interfaces with the blade. Our Jag's use the rectangular groove. I've not had longevity issues with buying just inserts.

 

The OEM blades have the windshield wiper fluid nozzle built in. It is simple to replace the blades and retain the OEM windshield wiper fluid nozzles.

See my previous "HOW TO" on this subject.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...xj-vdp-110698/

 

If you still have the Jaguar OEM blades, then simply peel off the rubber inserts from those blades. From then on, just slide in Anco N-19R & Anco N-24R wiper refills onto the Jaguar blades.

 

Bosch Aerotwins (blades) also have nozzles attached and have the advantage of being much lighter (plastic) than Jag OEM metal blades.

For some reason they seem very difficult to get in N.America, but if you can get them (for a reasonable price) they are a definite improvement. I've fitted them to both my cars and will definitely stick with them.

 

My aerotwins are on the way across the pond!!!! Cant wait. The main reason for the aerotwins vs my old routine of swapping blades (very affordable) is that winter and snow is coming and the metal framed wipers trapped ice and snow which didn't go well, as you cannot raise the arm up to clear/de-ice like other cars. The pivot points of the metal wiper frame freezes up. The single blade does not have that issue.