I have never owned a set of windshield wipers

[Orrex]

That didn't leave a 4x5 inch square of smear/ice/film/filth in the absolute center of the driver's field of vision, thereby perfectly obscuring the part of the windshield most in need of transparency. This has been the case for several cars and countless sets of wiper blades.

Even when the rest of the windshield is crystal clear, I can always count on a near-opaque blotch hovering before my eyes and making my commute an adventure.

Lately I've taken to sticking my head out the side window. Sure, it messes up my hair and presents a decapitation risk, but at least I can see clearly up until that point.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Have you ever used Rain-X on your windshield?

It really helps in keeping the windshield clear.

[Orrex]

2. A fine suggestion!

Actually, I use the Rain-X washer fluid, and it helps for a while, but then the universe reasserts itself, and I'm back to viewing life through a smudge-colored windshield.

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. I use the handy Rain-X wipes

Easy on, easy to reapply when needed, and easy to store in the car.

[XemaSab]

4. Rain-X is scary

I was caught in a DELUGE once coming over the pass between the town of Mt.Shasta and Redding.... it was WAILING out, and the person I was with didn't really even need to turn her wipers on. :P

Last time I changed my wipers was right after I went to your house. Think it's time to change them again? :shrug: :P

[Whoa_Nelly]

6. Yes! Change them!

And get the good ones! It's worth it for all the driving you do!

http://www.autohausaz.com/html/wiper_blades_icon.html

http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/WiperBlades/Icon.htm

And, if you eBay, check out prices there...just looked, and there are quite a few of those there at good prices.

[Whoa_Nelly]

7. Just want to add re: Rain-X and scary...

Was in a sudden and total deluge in WA a few years back. Had Rain-X'd the hell out of my windshield, and all other windows, before that trip.
I only had to turn on the wipers when the rain got so heavy that the spray from the other vehicles had increased the water factor about 10X. (was in a little Toyota Tercel at the time...low profile, close to the road effect for receiving road spray)

Totally kept my windshield clear while driving through about 2-3 inches of water across the road.

[IronLionZion]

5. get your own squeegee

and use that before heading out and feel free to stop once in a while and squeegee the windshield again as needed.

I'll second the recommendation for rainx and rainx wiper fluid. I use rainx spray to treat my windshield for prevention. And I put some of the wiper fluid in a spray bottle so I can spray it on if there's ice.

I hope you realize that the cold makes your wiper curve so the middle of the blade doesn't touch the glass. If you have pretty bad winters, try getting winter wiper blades which are much bigger and stronger and won't curve as much. Some luxury cars like Audi will have heated wipers and fluid nozzles.

[EstimatedProphet]

8. I have a confession to make

When your back is turned I smear butter on your windshield right in front of where you would be looking.

[Orrex]

10. Mmmmm. Smeary.

It's too seldom that one gets to use the word "slather," but perhaps I might henceforth describe my windshield in that way.

[quip]

9. You are cursed, Orrex

Do you not "see" the irony of God's clever ways? :shrug:

[Orrex]

11. So you're saying that God is obscured by a 20-square-inch smear?

Surely He works in mysterious ways.

[quip]

14. Only for the REALLY narrow minded

:rofl: :hi:

[quip]

15. (and stop calling Him Shirley)

Missed my cue AND my edit deadline! :hi:

[krispos42]

12. And only on the driver's side, too.

Of course. :banghead:

[TZ]

13. Dude....

I am sooo glad you don't live near me (no ice to be found here yet)...driving with your head out the window (and therefore going really slow) isn't just a decapitation risk here in the Metro DC area...thats just begging for a 6 car pileup in the snow/ice. Of course people drive like maniacs here anyway, but they absolutely lose what little sanity they have in bad weather...No a 4 wheel drive does not mean you can go 60mph in ICE, morans!!!
You should get one of those water repellents or something..I have done the head out the window once or twice but only out of my immediate neighborhood...
On edit: You are obviously the wrong size for your car the smear I get in the middle of my windshield is usually above my field of vision (yes, I am tiny and barely reach my pedals):) :P

[Skittles]

16. I am with you there, Orrex

I have incredibly bad luck with windshield wipers :o