Topic: Standard lifespan of windshield wipers

[Annabelle]

I am currently leasing a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt that has about 18,000 km on it. At my semi-annual inspection, the dealership told me I needed to replace the wipers - at my own expense. I was very surprised by this because my wipers work perfectly fine and I have no visibility issues. His argument was that they could ''damage'' my windshield, but that it could probably wait until my next semi-annual. I would appreciate anyone's input on this.   

[vdk]

replace them when YOU want to...

[Annabelle]

This is my first experience leasing a car. The service people are pretty intimidating and I'm rarely satisfied with the answers I get to my questions. For example, when I asked if changing windshield washers is standard practice, the answer was ''well, we changed some just yesterday.'' At my last semi-annual, I was TOLD that I needed a ''scheduled'' wheel alignment. I found this odd, and looked it up in my manual at home only to find that GM Canada specifically states that this car does not require ''scheduled'' wheel alignments. Same people who insisted I needed an oil change every 6 months, even though my car is equipped with an oil life monitor and I had had an oil change six months previous. My monitor indicated that my oil was at 62%. Am I being taken for a ride by this dealer? I feel stuck because I'll be handing them back the car in 2.5 years and don't want a load of hassles.

[Snowman]

I avoid dealerships for regularly scheduled maintenance for this exact reason and only go for major milestone checkups. I would find a reputable quick lube retail outlet that won’t try to force unneeded cash grab items at you.

[tpl]

In this climate changing blades once a year at onset of spring isn't a bad idea. They get very beaten up over a winter of salt, grit and ice.

[Schmengie]

Windshield wipers should be replaced when they start streaking. They're easy to change yourself and non-OEM replacements are a lot cheaper.

The car's service manual spells out what the service intervals are. Follow that and ignore the dealer, they're just trying to squeeze money out of you.

[kevlar]

sounds like the dealership is getting greedy.   if your wiper blades aren't cracking and are doing the job, don't replace them.  the dealership should also present you with a "must have" maintenance schedule to keep your warranty in good standing.  (also by checking with another dealer you can determine if this is a dealership list or an official head office directive)  a bad wheel alignment will show up as an unusual wear of your tires and/or result in a steering issue that makes the car want to veer to the right or left or create a abnormal vibration.  

[Annabelle]

Thank you all for your responses. The dealership provided a pamphlet that is titled GM Maintenance Schedule and lists ''scheduled'' items for ''certain models'' of GM vehicles, highlighting what I needed. These are not in my manual: ''brake maintenance'' every 20,000 km, ''wheel alignments'' every 25,000 km., and other items. I've just called GM Canada to ask if my vehicle fits into their ''certain'' categories... they didn't know what I was talking about. They've never seen the brochure, and explained that they are not responsible for what dealerships ''suggest'' to their clients. But its in your name, I argued! It's your reputation! Just follow your manual, m'am. Fine, I think I'm figuring out that this dealership is pushing the limits of ''customer service'' and I'll just have to put my foot down. Again, thank you all for your advice. Much appreciated.

[vdk]

WOW! That's a bunch of ...

Put your foot down, seriously, when you take the car in for service, take the manual with you and tell them you want this and that, or the whole service whatever you prefer and NOTHING else! If it's not in the manual don't do it, they're just ripping you off there.

And damn manufacturers should take care of their dealers...

[wing]

Wow wheel alignments ever 25k? haha

[RunsinLight]

Show them the maintenance schedule and underline the part that says

Wiper Blade Check
Check wiper blades for tears or cuts and replace as required.


http://charm.mminteractive.com:8180/mg/en_ca/guide_details_print.jsp?vID=6e1dec:111842998a0:-54b4

[dr_spock]

That's a probably a brochure created by the dealer for what they wish scheduled maintenaince should be.   I'd follow the one by the manufacturer's service manual or owner's manual.  Unless your wipers are giving you problems you don't have to replace them.   My OEM wiper blades lasted 5 years before I had to change them.

[airbalancer]

Is there another GM  dealer in town
Remember SA make commission on each sale 

[Annabelle]

They are the only GM dealership in Sherbrooke. The closest one is in Magog, about 30 minutes away. But I think I'll call the Magog dealer and ask what their policy is, just to compare. Thanks for suggesting that. And I think Dr. Spock is correct on that, the pamphlet was created by them, which is very misleading. GM doesn't seem to care about this, which disappoints me. I realized after pulling out the pamphlet that they changed the air filter and pollen filter when their own brochure says ''every 40,000 km or 2 years.'' I've had the vehicle 18 months and it has about 18,000 km on it. So in effect, they have breached their own recommendations. And yes, I'm going to bring the pamphlet AND my manual with me tomorrow when I pick up my car and demand they justify the work they did.  I really hate confrontations, but I've had enough. Thanks for your support!

[Leviathan]

Put your foot down? When you get to the dealership you may find a better place to put it 

I replace them once a year whether they need it or not as they're cheap enough.

[Annabelle]

It isn't about the money, its about the principle. On page 3 of my GM Canada Warranty, Maintenance and Owner Assistance Information manual it says, and I quote ''Our commitment to you. When your GM vehicle needs servicing, we will do what needs to be done, not what doesn't.'' That's in writing. So when my local GM dealer pushes work on me that I don't need and isn't required by GM Canada with regard to my warranty, that's being abusive. This particular dealership has a monopoly in the area and I suspect they bring in a LOT of money to GM Canada who, I suspect, turns a blind eye to their tactics. If this is how its done everywhere and I'm just naive about the business, I think I'll stick to purchasing used vehicles and just find a reputable mechanic. I've learned my lesson. Thanks to this forum, I've had an outlet for my frustrations and I thank everyone who provided feedback and support. 

[dr_spock]

You could have the maintenance work done by an independent shop or yourself if you are so inclined in Sherbrooke and keep all the paper work.  Use the dealership for warranty work.

What's the dealership in Magog like?   Last time I was in Magog, I had a bad experience.  I let my friend, Annabella, drive my new car and she left the parking brakes on for several kilometers. 

[maritime_storm]

I find wipers blades have a life expectancy of about a year, if you get longer than that great. A wheel alignment once a year isn't a bad idea, I have both of mine done in the fall when I put my snows on, they are both typically out of alignment slightly every year. Most new cars should be thrown on the rack before they leave the dealer lot, most get pushed out of alignment by being tied down during shipping, some models more than others, the Saturn ION, Chev. Cobalt, Pontiac Pursuit/G5 are almost always toed out by the time the land at the dealers.

[safristi]

..standard lifespan of W/wipers...in the WILD or CAPTIVITY..... i likes it when they STREAK.......here comes anuffer ONE....WIPE_OUT time.....

 I waits till the lil bits O' torn rubber finally fly off into the Stratosphere..then sandpaper the wee bit left till the metal thingie wears thru ma windshield.....

[slybry]

As far as wipers go I change them every year in spring when I putting on my summer tires. I find after a year they do not clean as good as new.

It is a good idea to check them every once and while to see that blade is ok. If it falls apart and allows metal piece of wiper to rub against window it will damage window in no time.

As far as dealers are concerned I would stay away from them. I would find local independent mechanic and keep good records. Dealers encourage too much work and charge you too much for it.

For example I have a 2000 Accord with 80,000 kms and have never had a wheel alignment. I drive it easy avoid potholes and check the tires for even wear. Granted though this is a Honda. I know some GM models have their fair share of front end problems so their design may not hold alignment as well.

Also a lot of the dealers big service checks are just glorified oil changes. They have a long list of things they check to make the list looks impressive. When you examine it they are not changing or fixing anything. They check lights, check wipers, check squirker fluid level, check air filter, check exhaust system, check coolant level, check suspension. These check do not take long and in the end they charge you hundreds to do it. Not only that but they are more or less shopping to work to do to charge you even more.

It is a lot of fluff and little substance. My mechanic checks my car charges me a fraction of what they do. He is also honest and does not rush me to change stuff that is really ok.

That is my take on it.