Alright. I've found no other logical explaination, so I'm blaming Zaino for my windshield wiper problems. Here's the story...

I've had this truck 6 years now (bought it slightly used). For the first 3 1/2 years, EVERY 3 months or so, I'd have to change wiper blades. Even new ones would chatter, streak, smear, squeal, and SUCK. I've always used the same ones, whatever that A brand is (you'll see why I can't remember in the next paragraph). It was getting expensive, but it was a necessary item. Also, I NEVER wore down a set of blades, just replaced them because they cracked and turned to crap.

Well, in comes Zaino. I'm washing, polishing, and generally happy as hell. Then it hits me... about a year after I started using Zaino. I haven't changed my wiper blades in a while. Well, I leave em be, and I notice that in the rain, my blades are silky smooth and doing a perfect job. No chatter, no smearing, and crystal clear glass. WTF??? Well, I looked back, and it's now been over TWO AND A HALF YEARS since I changed wiper blades... coinsiding exactly with the length of time I've been using Zaino exclusively on my truck. Everything from the wash to the glass polish.

So, can anyone explain this? Does the Z7 actually condition/moisturize the rubber somehow? Could this also account for my 3 year, 40,000 mile old tires being 100% free of cracks? I've actually worn the blades DOWN this time. There's barely an edge left to them. And you know what? They still work PERFECTLY. I think I'm going to switch them out soon before they wear out completely.

Someone solve this mystery, or at least pass it on to Sal and see what he thinks!

 

Try PIAA wiper blades, they rule.

 

I've heard someone makes a Teflon blade. Comments?

 

I have not used these, but this may be what you are referring too...

http://www.tricoproducts.com/index.c...id=363&retry=1

And, here are the PIAA Carl was referring too I assume. http://www.autogeek.net/pisupsilwipb.html



Anyhow, I don't really know how to explain the extended wiper life, but here's something I thought of. The Zaino polymers that are in Z7, Z6, and the polishes do create a slick surface and obviously offer protection to painted and metal surfaces. Slickness basically means less surface friction, which in turn would likely mean less wear. Maybe before you started using Zaino, the excessive friction was causing them to wear much faster and also causing streaking and smearing problems due to "dragging" amd premature aging. Smearing, streaks, and chattering are sure signs of worn out blades. Even when you wash with Z7, a light layer of polymer coats the surface that provides more slickness and very very light protective quality. This extra slickness that was not present before you began using Zaino might be what is saving your blades, since they do not have to drag across the surface creating more wear and tear. I'm not sure how the Zaino polymers would protect/condition rubber surfaces, if at all, other than the Zaino tire dressing, but I'll bet that it may help in some way. So, basically, IMO, I think it may all stem from the surface tension on the glass as well as the zaino polymer itself providing some protection even for rubber.

All that is just speculation on my part, but I though it made sense to me.... You might call or email Sal and see if he has more definitive answers for you.

 

Bingo! Those are the blades.

Thanks for the description. Sounds good, and definitely well thought out for something that popped into your head. I'm actually heading out to the garage now to polish the crap out of my windshield.

I think I'll eMail Sal later on tonight.

 

I had those teflon blades on my red Overland, they worked very well, I have the PIAA's on the Escalade and they also work great.

 

I am sure keeping your glass smooth with Z-12 will help extend the life of any wiper blade, Z-7 does not have any harsh cleaners in it, that may help as well, and even the wiper blades maybe better quality as well, but your right about replacing the wiper blades, I put on a new set at the first oil change (replace to a better blade i.e. teflon or silicone) and I never replace them after that.

 

Well, glad I'm not the only one who's noticed it. Mine are about due for replacement though. They're actually wearing down this time from use! Albiet much slower than normal.

 

I just got off the phone with Sal after eMailing this thread to him. He pretty much says Mike's on target with his answer. You just end up with a slicker surface, which reduces the drag, friction, and extends the life.

Also, since the Z7 contains a small amount of the polish, you're actually polishing your windshield a little bit each time, thus making it even slicker. Z12 just makes it worse, to the point where water and dirt don't even stay on the glass. (ever notice the rain-x style water beading/run off we get with Z12 polished windows?)

Oh, and wiper blades are "made from the [worst] rubber out there" he says. Some of his customers "have noticed a 4 to 1 increase in wiper life."

And on a side note, Z2 can be used quite successfully on the glass.

Moral/Cliffnotes: Wash your car with Z7. Your wipers last longer.