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No rear windshield wipers on the Eco?!?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by James L, Jan 10, 2017.

  1. James L

    James L New Member

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    I have a two day old Eco and it's been great!

    At the dealer, I test drove the Three but I decided to go with the Eco because it was cheaper and I didn't really need the navigation as I always use the phone instead.

    Yesterday it rained and I found out that spare tire is not the only thing the Eco missing. It's missing a windshield wiper in the back.

    It was pouring rain and I could not see a thing through the rear view mirror.

    What can I do to get better visibility during rain?
     
  2. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    maybe a product like Rain-X that helps water run off the glass?
     
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  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    The Trim Two has a spare tire & windshield wiper. It is less expensive too. Perhaps you can "trade down" since you have only has the car 2 days.
    Other than 3 door smart key & the electric heater assist, I do not know what else you would give up.
     
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  4. MrMischief

    MrMischief Active Member

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    IMO the rear wiper is too small to be effective anyways. Apply rain-x and use your side mirrors.
     
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  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    My son says he never uses the rear wiper on his 2015 Prius v. I have used mine occasionally usually just to initially clear the window.
     
  6. first_superior_prius

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    I have driven my Eco for a few months thru rainstorms and snowstorms and yet to have a visibility problem. Almost all sedans lack a rear windshield wiper and somehow people have survived.

    You can rain-x the rear windshield if you are that troubled by it.

    Also make sure your sideview mirrors are adjusted properly. If positioned correctly there is no pressing need to use the rearview mirror.
     
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  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    By the way, the theory was that by lightening the car, it would get better MPG., so spare tire and the motor for the rear wiper were sacrificed.
     
  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    They also raised the recommended tire pressures from 36/35 (Front/Rear) to 39/36. Users here have found higher tire pressure can increase mpg.
     
  9. Dragon Rider

    Dragon Rider Active Member

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    I used the defroster it clear as cloud. Lol I don't miss the rear wipers had those for 20 years .

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  10. Sooner Al

    Sooner Al Active Member

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    Interesting...FWIW I use the rear wiper quite a bit on our Prius v when it's raining...
     
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if removing the wiper and spare is a good thing, why not do it on all models? maybe they should just remove the rear glass too.:cool:
     
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  12. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Why not this?
    [​IMG]
     
  13. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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  14. RoadNoise

    RoadNoise Active Member

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    I always thought it had more to do with wind resistance of the rear wiper.
     
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  15. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    I have a Hyundai Sonata sedan with a huge sloping rear window and have never really had a problem with visibility. However, I use Aquapel instead of rain-X. More expensive but it lasts a long time.
     
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  16. MrMischief

    MrMischief Active Member

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    I think they should have
     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can do it yourself. the spare is easy, and the are instructions for the wiper in the mod section.
     
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  18. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Many of us want the spare, though. Who wants to kill the tire & possible the TPMS with the gunk?
     
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  19. MrMischief

    MrMischief Active Member

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    My stance on spare tires is well documented here, that said I did buy one with a spare. I prefer to not use it but I like to know it's there. The rear wiper I figure I could've saved 28 cents on the car had it not been there.
     
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  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If it's any consolation: the wiper is not very effective, if it's similar to 3rd gen. It sweeps a small portion of the upper glass, and obvious the lower glass is what it is. In cold it gets salt encrusted, even more opaque.
     
    #20 Mendel Leisk, Jan 10, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2017
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