Buying wiper inserts and oil filters

The wipers on my 2000 4-cyl Camry were never changed. On a rainy day, I can't see it clearly through the windshield. I went to Strauss and find a pair. But it requires me to cut and fit it on. Would it be better to get the exact pair from a Toyota dealer to save me some hassle?

Costwise, is Toyota dealers a good place to get parts? Is there even a better place to get Toyota parts than the dealers?

Also, is it a good idea to buy and keep a few genuine Toyota oil filters? I'm afraid that garage shops put different filter or inferior filter on my car each time they change the oil. Should I buy my own oil too so that I can be sure what oil runs in my car? Would garage shops frown on me if I ask them to use my filter and oil?

Reply to
Trueliar
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You can get replacement wipers and blades that are the exact size. Try a Pep Boys or Advance Autos. I have not had good experience with Toyota replacement blades.

There is no better place to get parts than the dealer. You're getting the real thing. However some of us are willing to trade off quality for lower price. You'll have to choose too.

My dealer sells four oil filters for the price of three. If you look at it that way you are getting a good deal. I buy my own filters and oil since changing oil is relatively easy to do. Most garages won't care if you bring your own stuff, but they will probably charge you something close to full price since they build the cost of labor into the materials they are using. Learn to do it yourself, it's not hard.

Reply to
badgolferman

I got quotes from the dealer: $8 for a pair of inserts, $24 for a pair of blades. But do I need to buy both inserts and blades?

Reply to
Trueliar

If the blades are not bent, then all you need are inserts (the rubber part)

Reply to
Ray O

Check the websites of your local dealers to see if they have any specials on these parts.

Reply to
Mark A

You should be able to get replacement blades at one of the discount auto stores for about 5 dollars. I go to VIP Auto where they even install them for you.

---MIKE---

Reply to
---MIKE---

If the blade holder is in good condition, just replace the insert.

Reply to
toyomoho

If the blade arms aren't tweaked you only need to replace the rubber inserts, and not the whole blade (more) or the arm (expensive).

There are two main refill styles - wide and narrow insert holder - a few variations on the securing latch, and they are available in many different lengths from 12" to 26" long. (No, I'm not going to do a metric conversion...)

The Parts Store should be able to look them up on a chart, but take the car with you to double-check.

WARNING: Do NOT remove the blade inserts and drive the car, period. Don't even leave the keys in the ignition to listen to the radio, use a portable. Put a big "Do Not Drive" sign on the windshield and hide the keys...

Because it's inevitable that someone will bump the wiper or washer switch accidentally, and two or three swipes of the metal tongs that hold the refill on the arm can permanently scratch the glass.

WARNING: You can damage the windshield from improper installation of the new refill - triple check it.

Make sure that the refill is in all sets of the little arm 'tongs' evenly, and they are secure (no side-to-side slop). You may have to tighten them up a bit (carefully) with needle-nose pliers. Not too tight, the middle and far end ones do have to slide a tiny bit on every pass because the windshield curvature changes.

Check the latch fingers at the end of the refill are securely engaging the last set of tongs, so the refill can't slide out. Tug on it to test.

And check that the other end of the refill sticks out of the far end tongs a good half-inch or more, so you can't flex the blade and have the refill pop out. Over an inch may be bad if the refill can hit the glass molding or the other wiper arm - go get the next shorter size.

You do have to go to the dealer for a few odd ones, like the 8" or

10" refills for some rear window wipers - they simply don't sell them that short.

For filters, there are some Dealers that do Web parts sales, and you can get a nice case price on factory filters. But note that most shops don't give you a price break on the "Oil and Filter Special" for providing the supplies.

Bulk oil from the shop's bulk oil tank is fine if you stay with conventional oil, as long as it's the right weight and meets the current specs - they will be glad to tell you what it is, Castrol, Shell, Chevron, etc. (Don't buy into "Toyota Oil" being "better" - they just have a normal high-grade oil custom bottled by a refinery.) Bringing your own oil isn't worth the trouble

If you want to switch to synthetic oil, then you bring your own - they usually mark it up /way/ too much at the dealer, and rarely have it available in bulk for less.

And if your car takes 5-1/2 Quarts of oil and you bring in Six quarts of Synthetic, make sure you specify ahead of time you want the leftover pint back - or it will disappear. (Into the mechanic's car.)

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Reply to
Bruce L. Bergman

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