Windshield Wipers - Use them?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Windshield Wipers - Use them?
Ok, I know the answer for some is "No, the car isn't driven in the rain"
I was never like this until one day when my brother scolded me in his truck because I turned them on. He said they scratch the window. He is right, after time they do leave scratch marks that become very apparent in bright light and direct sunlight.
Since then, I use a Rain X instead of wipers. I never see other drivers in the rain without wipers, so I was curious if it was just me and my brother.....or are there others like us....
I was never like this until one day when my brother scolded me in his truck because I turned them on. He said they scratch the window. He is right, after time they do leave scratch marks that become very apparent in bright light and direct sunlight.
Since then, I use a Rain X instead of wipers. I never see other drivers in the rain without wipers, so I was curious if it was just me and my brother.....or are there others like us....
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
If your windshield wipers left scratch marks, they didn't have enough rubber on them. I've not had that problem in the 44 years I've owned cars, and I certainly don't have that problem with my C6.
An added advantage of using the wipers on the C6 - it will automatically turn your headlights on, which is required according to TN state law when it's raining.
An added advantage of using the wipers on the C6 - it will automatically turn your headlights on, which is required according to TN state law when it's raining.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: Libertyville IL
long before rain-x, I used to wax my windows to get the same affect.
I'm going to try using some Adams Brilliant Shine (or some other name like that). It's supposed to clean the windshield and coat it. I'd imagine that if it isn't enough to make the water bead, it would at least increase the efficiency of the wipers x 10.
I'm going to try using some Adams Brilliant Shine (or some other name like that). It's supposed to clean the windshield and coat it. I'd imagine that if it isn't enough to make the water bead, it would at least increase the efficiency of the wipers x 10.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Originally Posted by SilverCoupe
If your windshield wipers left scratch marks, they didn't have enough rubber on them. I've not had that problem in the 44 years I've owned cars, and I certainly don't have that problem with my C6.
An added advantage of using the wipers on the C6 - it will automatically turn your headlights on, which is required according to TN state law when it's raining.
An added advantage of using the wipers on the C6 - it will automatically turn your headlights on, which is required according to TN state law when it's raining.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Originally Posted by C5 then C6
It's not a lack of rubber as much as it is the dirt and grime on the window that acts like sandpaper when you first turn them on. These are fine sratches and are not really noticeable unless you look under certain light conditions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,709
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '06
You should never turn on your wipers when the windshield is dry (i.e. to get dust off without any fluid)...that's what scratches the glass. Using them in the rain or along with pleny of washer solution should not cause damage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 86
From: San Jose CA
Keep the windshield clean, and also wipe the edges of the blades with the damp paper towels you used to clean the windows. Never use wipers on a dry windshield. When the rain starts, squirt the washer several times to clean and lube the wiper blades and windshield.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 814
Likes: 0
From: Allentown PA
When my Rain-x application is fairly fresh, I don't use wipers at highway speed (35 and above). Wipers do scratch a little over long time, which is not because of rubber being low but dust particle act like tiny abrasive particles during first few sweeps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,375
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
Originally Posted by TMyers
Just come up to the NW and try not to use your wipers.
Except when they have a St Helens volcanic ash slurry on them
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 0
From: FL
Originally Posted by SilverCoupe
If your windshield wipers left scratch marks, they didn't have enough rubber on them. I've not had that problem in the 44 years I've owned cars, and I certainly don't have that problem with my C6.
An added advantage of using the wipers on the C6 - it will automatically turn your headlights on, which is required according to TN state law when it's raining.
An added advantage of using the wipers on the C6 - it will automatically turn your headlights on, which is required according to TN state law when it's raining.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Grayson Georgia
I use mine as seldom as possible, over time wiper use will mar the windshield. Slow speed and a downpour may leave you no choice. 5 months and 3600 miles and I have never used them on my daily driver. Don't even know if they work.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Richland WA
I found a great Wiper
It doesn't scratch, chafe, or otherwise offend. It's called Charmin and it does the trick every time. Just don't squeeze the package or some old guy will come yell at you.
Oh, you meant windshield wipers. Sorry, my bad.
Oh, you meant windshield wipers. Sorry, my bad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 37
From: Laurel Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
When it starts to rain I turn them on and then I can see out of the windshield. I tried sticking my head out of the window, but then my glasses got wet and I looked for wipers for them and well I couldn't find any
