Can you help me understand-What were they thinking?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by sfemet, Nov 2, 2025 at 1:46 PM.

  1. sfemet

    sfemet Junior Member

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    Hello Prius c family,

    My 2013 c has much to love. I've owned it since 2017 and it's just a great little car.

    Occasionally though, there are elements of the design that just baffle me. Thought it would be fun to post this to the forum for insights and a few laughs.

    This morning, I noticed a place under the right windshield wiper that was completely crusted with dirt. As I tried to clean it, the dirt was caked in the ridges and really hard to extract.

    I admit that the car is (a) parked outside at the curb, (b) I don't have a place to connect a hose to wash it regularly and (c) car washes never get that spot clean.

    I am befuddled by these things:
    Why is this indented and not flat like the rest of the trim piece?
    What is the ridged section for, why is it only on the right side?
    Why are the ridges really close together and very hard to clean?
    What were they thinking?

    With a wink, a smile and many thanks for any insights.
    Whattya call it?.jpg
     
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  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    There's no opening there, it's just show?

    Likely then for magic smoke egress. Lot's of the manufacturers are big on those, will position "fog lights" deep in magic smoke inlets. Honda elevated it to a fine art for a while:

    Magic smoke inlet:
    upload_2025-11-2_10-58-29.png
    And exit:
    upload_2025-11-2_10-59-55.png
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's like how people can't stand silence anymore, designers abhor a flat surface
     
  4. sfemet

    sfemet Junior Member

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    There are no holes, vents or other outlets. And it does not extend across the entire front panel, just under the right wiper.
    In fact, the two rows of square divots in the front of the panel seem to be cosmetic as well.

    There are times when I wish I could meet designers and ask stuff like this.
     
  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Some of it may be aerodynamic, to keep air from getting under your wiper blades and lifting it as your moving.
     
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