For years, I had been using RainX wiper blades on all of my cars. However, on my most recent vehicle (2004 Volvo S60 T5), I bought a set and after some heavy rain for a few weeks, the blades were already toast. I couldn't find the receipt (oops) so I couldn't easily return them. I did some research to see what other options were out there, and came across the Bosch Icons.
Worth noting: The 2001-2004 Volvos are listed as incompatible. This is simply not true. You just need to get the 421 (passenger) and 424 (driver) series blades. The only difference between A and B is the wind spoiler on the blades themselves, so I get the 421A and 424A blades for my car.
Immediately, you'll notice these blades work GREAT. There's zero chatter, no streaking and only a clean windshield ahead. By far, they are the best blades I have ever used. And since they have no frame, they work in the winter and the summer, regardless of climate/snow/rain/etc.
However, they will start to smear after awhile (once they start to "go"). At first, they'll be "smudgey" when it's a light rain, but when they get more water on them, they clean the glass fine, even with light rain. So they do get finicky about getting dirty. I suggest wiping them down whenever you notice this happening. Then, slowly, they'll start to smear even in the rain. On my previous set, they only smeared on the down (yuck), but not on the up. Eventually, they'll start to chatter, and you know it's time to swap.
I honestly didn't notice how long it took for them to go, but I was using my previous set of blades for 3.5 years, but they had been going for awhile. I just put it off. I'm pretty sure they were solid for a least a year or longer, possibly 2 years. I'll be paying more attention this go around.
Either way, if you want really good performance at the cost of replacing them occasionally, these blades are the ticket. I highly suggest them.
| Manufacturer | Bosch Automotive |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bosch Automotive |
| Item Weight | 8.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 15.11 x 3.41 x 14.9 inches |
| Item model number | 424A |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 424A |
