by 922 reviews.
Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B Rear Wiper Blade Review: A Reliable Choice for Clear Rear Visibility
When it comes to maintaining clear visibility during inclement weather, Rain-X has been a trusted name in the automotive industry for over 50 years. Their Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B Rear Wiper Blade is a popular choice for drivers looking for a high-quality, easy-to-install rear wiper blade. Designed to fit Rock Lock 3 rear arm connections, this 12-inch composite wiper blade promises a quiet, smooth wipe and all-weather performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on customer feedback.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
1. Ease of Installation
One of the standout features of the Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B is its quick and easy installation. Many customers praised how straightforward it was to replace their old wiper blade with this one.
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Positive Feedback
- "Installed in less than one minute and has demonstrably better performance than the OEM wiper."
- "Perfect fit for our 2012 Kia Soul - pop off old, pop on new and away you go!"
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Negative Feedback
- Some users noted that the blade’s compatibility can be tricky. For example, one customer mentioned that the 16-inch Rock Lock 2 version didn’t fit their 2018 Prius correctly, leaving half the rear window unwiped.
2. Performance and Quality
Rain-X is known for its high-quality wiper blades, and the 850028 RearView 12-B is no exception. Customers highlighted its smooth and quiet performance, even in harsh weather conditions.
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Positive Feedback
- "Very clear instructions and does an excellent job of clearing the window from rain, snow, and mud."
- "These are great, nearly silent wipers."
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Negative Feedback
- A few users reported issues with the blade’s design not being compatible with certain vehicles. For instance, one customer found that the slots on the back of the wiper were too short for the J-hook on their 2019 Chevy Traverse.
3. Compatibility and Fit
While the Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B is designed to fit Rock Lock 3 rear arm connections, some customers faced challenges with compatibility.
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Positive Feedback
- "Once I got the correct Rock Lock 3 version, removal of the old wiper and installation of the new blade took less than 2 minutes."
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Negative Feedback
- "The 16-inch Rock Lock 2 says it fits a 2018 Prius. That it does, but it only wipes about half of the rear window."
- "These are not 'compatible' with the 2019 Chevy Traverse rear window."
Conclusion: Is the Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B Worth It?
The Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B Rear Wiper Blade is a solid choice for drivers seeking a reliable, easy-to-install rear wiper blade. Its smooth and quiet performance makes it a standout option, especially for those who prioritize clear visibility in all weather conditions. However, compatibility issues with certain vehicles can be a drawback, so it’s crucial to double-check your vehicle’s requirements before purchasing.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a high-quality rear wiper blade that’s easy to install and performs well, the Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B is a great option—just make sure it’s the right fit for your vehicle.
Specification Rain-X 850028 RearView 12-B Rear Wiper Blade, 12 Inch Composite Rear Wiper Blade, Fits Rock Lock 3 (Pack Of 1), Automotive Replacement Wiper Blades That Meet Or Exceed OEM Quality And Design Standards:
Comments from Amazon:
Installed in less than one minute and has demonstrably better performance than the OEM wiper - which was excellent. Very clear instructions and does an excellent job of clearing the window from rain, snow, and mud.
I usually buy Rain-X. When I bought these the first time, I selected 12-A, not thinking much about it as 12-inch wipers are what my model of car is supposed to have. Front wipers come with different attachments making them, for the most part, universal. This is not true for rear wipers! Each has different attachments. When I got the 12-A, of course, they did not fit as I needed 12-B. Thankfully Amazon understanding and gave me a refund. I didn't even need to return the incorrect wipers. However, if you learn anything from this, it is to make sure you have to correct ones before checkout!
The16 inch rocklock 2 says it fits a 2018 Prius. That it does, it will lock into place but it doesn't fit the vehicle correctly. It only wipes about maybe half of the rear window, unfortunately this was the second time I bought one of these wipers and afterwards I remembered the last time I replaced it with a wiper from a local auto parts store for less money and had a wier that worked properly. If you're buying for a 2018 Pruis, don't.
These are great, nearly silent wipers, but they're not "compatible" with the 2019 Chevy Traverse rear window. The slots on the back of the wiper are too short for the J-hook of the wiper arm to fit through. 1/4" longer and all would be good. Part of the reason for this issue is that Chevy designed the rear wiper to only lift from the glass by barely two inches, unlike the front wipers which can stand and stay straight up. In the case of the front, that lets the J-hook go through the slots perpendicularly, so the short slots aren't an issue in the front. If anyone finds this review and would have the same issue, FYI: I found a Duralast at Autozone which went on easily.
Perfect fit for our 2012 Kia Soul - pop off old, pop on new and away you go! Fast and easy install, compatible with our vehicle, great quality!
Works great.
Unlike other auto parts, Amazon doesn't specify which version of this rear wiper blade is the correct fit for my 2018 Mazda3 GT Hatchback. I thought it was the Rock Lock 2 fitting version based on what I read elsewhere online, but the correct version is actually the Rock Lock 3. The wiper arm will not fit in the Rock Lock 2 version (slot too narrow), but once I got the correct Rock Lock 3 version, removal of the old wiper and installation of the new blade took less than 2 minutes. It is helpful to know that both removal and installation is with the wiper blade at about right angle to the wiper arm, and installation is with the rounded end of the slot being up (away from rear glass). Hopefully this is helpful for others trying to figure out which version to get for this generation of the Mazda 3.