ScionSpouse

In the Rain-X thread over in the Maintenance section, many folks have commented that the rear wiper on the xB does not work well.

Now that we've finally had rain here in central NC, I feel it performs just fine. I wish it had an intermittant setting, since in a light rain, it starts wiping dry glass, but I have no other complaints (it was noisy, but the dealer replaced the filler , and the arm, too, after they broke it trying to replace the filler, and Mrs. Scion reports that it's quiet now)

So ... if you don't think that the rear wiper works well, do you have any kind of spoiler? I could see that might affect the performance of the wiper, since it will certainly affect the flow of air in the back. (which will lead to another question in a bit.)

HeathenBrewing

My opinion:

1) I live in SoCal....no need for a rear wiper here. Barely need wipers in general.
2) It is ugly and really stands out when the rear has been debadged....flows better visually.
3) Rear window is near vertical. Water simply sheets off of it.
4) I was NEVER going to turn it on, so why not remove it!
5) Did I mention it was ugly?

ScionSpouse

My response:

1. Central NC gets a fair amount of rain, and wipers are a necessity, even with Rain-X.
2. For a wiper, it looks as good as any other wiper. See response 1.
3. Vertical aspect of rear window is immaterial. Water does NOT sheet off it well enough for you to avoid obscured vision. See response 1.
4. Not applicable to our situation. See number 1.
5. Not applicable to our situation. See number 1.

HeathenBrewing

Actually, with Rainx, water COMPLETELY sheets off the rear window in my experience.

Again, the above were my OPINION on the rear wiper. Obviously YMMV.

Max

I get a lot of rain, and have no need for the wiper. I do use Rain-X. One possible need would be that if you were to drive on a dirt/gravel road, it could get pretty dirty, and having the squirter and wiper would clean it off. As far as rain or snow driving, my window never gets dirty.

I do have the OE spoiler.

TheScionicMan

Maybe an intermittent setting would have made it useful, but turning it on to let it wipe once and then turning it off or it streaks leans more towards useless to me. It's definitely a regional thing, tho.

We get plenty of rain here in NorCal but rarely enough to warrant it, IMO. With the aero characteristics of the rear of the Box and the upward flow of air, I picture road grit sticking, getting wiped and ending up with a nice arch etched into the glass. The dribbler (it can't be called a squirter, IMO) is ineffectual and I didn't like the fluid running down the back and crusting on the bumper in non-raining usage. A quick spray with glass cleaner and a quick wipe and refresh the Rain-X and I'm good to go.

I'm not suggesting everyone remove it. If you use it, why would you? I'm just not a fan of preserving something in its OEM state if I'm not going to use it. I don't see myself needing the Owner's Manual on my day-to-day commuting, so I took it out, too.

And btw, I hated the wiper before I got my spoiler.

squirrel

I took off the rear wiper because rear dirt got stuck in between the rubber blade and the glass, and it etched the glass. Also, I debadged the hatch and to me, it just looks better w/o it. When the motor was still installed, I pushed one of the Scion antennae fists on it.

Plus, I use Rain-X which is fine, before and after my Fabulous spoilers.

Because of the negative air pressure I can't go down the street w/o the glass getting dirty within a block.

In the downpour coming home last night, Rain-X worked well enuff for me.

tvc15_2000

I had a rear wiper on an old accord and an Integra. Both were 3 door hatches with lots of glass back there. They needed the wiper and often froze up anyway in snow. I think the vertical window on the XB does not hold much water for long and the wiper has little problem keeping off what sticks.

My theory is keep it clean and you will be rewarded with a clean wipe (and who could ask for more).

THE_DON

I took it off because it just looks so much better nice and shaved.

See my profile for pics

-THE DON

sexyscionlover

i live in NE with lots of rain and snow and it was still useless to me.


that and the bass made it jump off my window going down the street

ScionSpouse

But do you have the spoiler, or not?

I put Rain-X on front and back last night ... much improved vis out the back (as well as the front, but I expected that; just hadn't had the opportunity to apply it on her car)

sexyscionlover

i didnt at first. then i got the fab spoiler. i couldnt notice a difference really

ScionSpouse

Thanks. It's looking more and more like Rain-X is the solution

squirrel

I didn't notice any difference either, pre- or post- Fabulous spoiler. Yes, I have an original. Then I got the bBist cf spoiler.