Really nasty weather today - some of the worst I've ever driven in. There were few inches of snow on the ground already, but even with the original tires, I didn't really have a problem holding the road. The big problem was that I couldn't see!!!! I have about 13 miles of highway driving to get home after I get out of the city. No problems till I got out on the highway, but then after only a few miles, my wipers were icing up so badly I had to pull off the side of the road to clear them. Scary as heck in these conditions. In all I had to stop 3 times in that 13-mile stretch just to make it home, and by the time I pulled in my driveway, the wipers were again carrying humungous chunks of ice. I know the conditions were bad, but other cars seemed to be doing ok as far as keeping their windshields clear. I've only had this car since October, and it's been a fairly mild winter, so I haven't had a lot of practice adjusting the climate control. I think I finally found the best setting for the last 5-mile stretch, but that still was only marginally better. Has anyone else had this issue? Not that I plan to make a habit of driving in blizzards, but living in Wisconsin, I'd like to be prepared in case I'm away from home some time when it starts up. Thanks, Erin
Virtually every car or truck I have ever owned - around 26 years of driving - has had trouble with wet sticky snow, and ice building up on the wiper blade. The only real solution is to have a set of dedicated winter wiper blades. Much like for "real" winter driving to have dedicated winter tires. I know that sounds pricey, but for a severe climate it makes all the difference between hitting the ditch or staying on the road. I'm still surprised that the vast majority of folks around here don't use winter wiper blades or winter tires. They're easy to spot, as I'm usually stuck behind them at a left turn light: they can barely see through the windshield due to the wipers being all iced up, and their tires are helplessly spinning so I'm stuck behind them for 2-3 cycles of the traffic light. My local Toyota dealer had a good deal on winter wiper blades and they work very well. Even heavy wet snow was no problem. I haven't been able to find a winter blade for the rear wiper and that one gives me trouble.
Did you have the temp control set on max heat? If you just leave it set to say 70 it doesn't heat up the windshield enough. In sever conditions like you describe I've had to set it on max heat (make sure it's in defrost) and then I've had to open the window a little so i don't completly roast, but it will keep the winshield hot enough to keep a little warmth on the blades.
I had it up to 72 - I wasn't sure that setting it any higher would be effective (and I was getting pretty warm!), but I'll try that next time - though I hope that "next time" is a long time to come. I will also look for some better wiper blades. It was my impression as I was cleaning the wipers that they looked pretty wimpy. Wiper blades are one of those things that you tend not to think much about till you really need them - kind of like the old "Why didn't you fix the roof when the sun was shining?" "Well, it wasn't leaking then!" I guess I just expected that with a new vehicle, the wipers would be good to go. It wasn't something I ever had to worry about on my last car, a Saturn. Oh well, it took me by surprise, and I hope I won't have to face this situation again. Thanks for the tips! Erin
My mom always had winter blades and summer blades. When it is blizzard weather though you are pretty much stuck with some accumalation. Been a while since I drove in the snow but those (not so ) fond memories remain!
ah yes. wisconsin blizzards. i miss that. winter wipers are a must, for sure. the first thing i always did after the first snow was a good coat of rain x and new wipers. good luck and throw some snowballs for me
The winter blade thing has always proved to be important for me. The hinges on regular blades are exposed to the elements and ice up so that the blades can't work properly. Winter blades have the metal framework encased in rubber so that the hinges are protected. I've used them on previous cars but for some reason, I haven't needed them this winter on my Prius.
A few days ago with a frosted front windshield I found out that there is a major difference in defrosting power between the climate controls set to high heat and on defrost and the super-defrost mode that you trigger with the steering wheel button. They are not the same thing. Next time try the steering wheel defrost button. I think you'll find it much more aggressive in clearing up that big windshield and hopefully the ice encrusted wiper blades.
Here........we may have earthquakes, overpriced real-estate and lots of other things to complain about but...........we also have this in February....
Yes, I'm insanely jealous. Fortunately, no earthquakes, and the real estate is only a "bit" overpriced. Of course, this morning on the drive to work the temp was -34 C.
Methinks the next time I visit my Auntie in PoCo, I'm going to have to visit with you and cause mischief.
