Grinding on cold days

[watkins]

I have personal experience with the Microedge and secondhand knowledge through my fellow Autozoners about the Excel+

[theholycow]

I have not used the MicroEdge but the Excel+ was by far the best wiper I've ever used until beam-style wipers came out. I tried premium stuff from every brand and they all left streaks or chattered or wore out quickly. The Bosch Excel+ lasts forever (not as long as beam wipers though) for me and wipes smooth every time.

[LHOswald]

rain-x latitude wipers ftw

back on topic though, im sure if you just let your car warm up longer, like 1-2 minutes with the clutch out in neutral to make sure the gearbox warms up, you would completely avoid the problem.

[watkins]

rain-x latitude wipers ftw

For the single dollar more per wiper, Ill always go with Icons. They last longer. Though I do need a Latitude for the hatch. The directional profiling on Icons does not work for a vertical-rest wiper.

[theholycow]

For the single dollar more per wiper, Ill always go with Icons. They last longer. Though I do need a Latitude for the hatch. The directional profiling on Icons does not work for a vertical-rest wiper.

Which other beam-style wipers have you tried?

I've only used the ones that came on my VW. They lasted well over a year and then the rubber started to rip. I replaced the inserts (aka refills) and they're like new. $3 FTW!

[theholycow]

Rain-X really helps with snow. It makes the snow stick much less. Rain-X the whole car to make it easier to brush the snow off.

I'm usually too lazy to apply the original Rain-X treatment, but I usually add some to my washer fluid or use a Rain-X brand washer fluid.

[LHOswald]

After 55 MPH you don't have to use your wieprs anymore.

you've never been to new england have you

[watkins]

For the single dollar more per wiper, Ill always go with Icons. They last longer. Though I do need a Latitude for the hatch. The directional profiling on Icons does not work for a vertical-rest wiper.

Which other beam-style wipers have you tried?

My manager has had the same pair Icons on her car for nearly five years. From what Ive heard, this is common. Latitude I have heard last maybe 75% as long on average.

After 55 MPH you don't have to use your wieprs anymore.

That speed was 70 in a 2.5RS. Have not tried fresh RainX driving in either Saab. Its always applied well before the rain.

[theholycow]

After 55 MPH you don't have to use your wieprs anymore.

you've never been to new england have you

Depending on the vehicle's aerodynamic qualities, 55mph + Rain-X can work in New England rain. Mainly it works better with heavy rain than light rain. So do wipers, too...light rain on the windshield just annoys me, I have to keep squirting it to get a clear view.

[fa22raptorf22]

Fresh rainx is amazing.

The faster you go, the clearer you can see!

Its effectiveness does in fact depend on the car in question...but for me...100 in rain was a o k.

[FDSpirit]

I applied rain-x to my civic when I first got it and it's still working, but I really should put a fresh application on.

[gizmo]

i'm only a few days into my little discovery, but let me explain what caused the discovery and its significance.

i was trying to get more familiar with how my car handles when completely out of control; there was an ice skid pad and i took advantage of it. when an undesirable incident occurs on ice two things may happen: you are going along for a ride no matter what you do (cross your fricking fingers) or you can avoid the problem with the proper maneuvers.

i attempted all the standard maneuvers, atleast all i could imagine offhand, plus some that seemed plausible during an evasive maneuver. to accomplish all of these maneuvers, i needed to be a bit more aggressive with the car to avert the imaginary situation. since these trials, i have had far less trouble with second gear (if you recall, i had trouble with second similar to yours). second gear was in higher demand than usual for certain scenarios, and in all scenarios it was in demand with higher output expectations from it -- but all well within reasonable limits. gears mainly involved with R,1,2,3,4

i'm not suggested you spend money on a local skid pad and do what i did; i have decent amounts of training in the area. but it helped, and seeing that you're mechanically inclined, maybe you can deconstruct why it helped. but it definitely changed the game.

for everyone else: the key to driving on snow and ice is very simple: GO SLOW -- NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT PISSES OFF EVERYONE AROUND YOU -- GO SLOW. DON'T GO SO SLOW THAT YOU BECOME TRAPPED, BUT YOU ARE GAURANTEED TO ENCOUNTER THE UNEXPECTED, AND WHEN YOU DO, YOU WILL LIKELY BE HELPLESS; ESPECIALLY WITHOUT SOME EXPERIENCE IN SKID RECOVERY ON ICE.

[theholycow]

So....are you suggesting that to get into second gear, he should try getting the car sideways?

[AHTOXA]

and wipes smooth every time.

Depends on the day really, sometimes there are days when half the roll is needed....wait...are we still talking about windshield wipers?

[theholycow]

Depends on the day really, sometimes there are days when half the roll is needed....wait...are we still talking about windshield wipers?

/tp discussion