Front Wipers Driving Me Crazy

[zetor]

I have a 2011 Auris. although it's the hybrid version I thought I would post in a the specific Auris forum as I'm sure the wipers are the same, from day one I have never liked the auto front wipers, I don't think the sensor is that good, they go fast when it is spitting and slow when they should be going quicker the dial on the lever seems to have no effect...I just wish I could turn the auto sensing off but it does not seem possible from the manual, is there any way to just change them to manual? The other problem I have and which is my fault for buying Bosch wipers is that they constanley squeak all the time, I've tried giving the windscreen and wipers a good clean but it has no effect, has anyone else tried Bosch and had this same problem? apart from getting some Toyota ones next time any other ideas to stop the squeak?

[alan333]

Read this...

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/159651-faulty-windscreen-wiper/

It's about the Avensis but there's a fair chance the Auris is the same.

For the wipers squeaking - make sure the blade is at right angles to the screen, ie so that the blade doesn't "flap" one way or the other. Try twisting the wiper arm if it's not.

[zetor]

Thanks for that link, I can relate to all the posts, my problem is exactly the same and one piece of advice is to disconnect the sensor which I have just done and will see how it goes.

[ToyotaAuris]

Bosch wipers have always been good for me on all previous cars but haven't used it on my Auris. Heres a trick I use when my wipers are squeaking or needing replacing.

First spray the wipers with water and make them wet.

Then get some white vinegar and a cloth and then pour the vinegar over the Wiper Blades.

Then rub the vinegar on the Wiper Blades and on the part where it touches the windscreen and cleans it. Make sure you put alot of vinegar on. You will not hear a squeak again.

[ToyotaAuris]

Also just want to say, 48MPG on hybrid Auris? Thats not much of a difference, my 1.33 2011 Auris gives me 52 MPG and more if I use the stop/start at traffic lights (all this in town).

[Cyker]

Re Windscreen wipers:

Get some PIAA silicone wipers - You'll never look back.

They're a bit pricey, but are completely silent, and as the silicone rubs onto the windscreen you get a RainX-like water repellent coating that also will make ice easier to scrape off in the winter.

They blow normal rubber wipers out of the water and you don't have to worry about faffing about with cleaning the screen to get rid of squeaks; It just doesn't squeak full stop, even under light spitting rain, and they don't smear anywhere near as bad as normal rubber wipers under light rain either which I've found has always been a major problem with rubber wipers.

They're also a lot more flexible and hard-wearing than normal rubber wipers: I've had the same set on for 4 or 5 years now, whereas previously I'd have to replace the wipers every couple of years as the summer/winter cycles would make the rubber perish.

They're a bit hard to source, but one place I've found that sells them is http://www.tdcautomotive.com/PIAA_B23212.aspx

The inserts aren't too bad but the full blades+frame and Aero-style blades are pretty expensive!

[zetor]

Also just want to say, 48MPG on hybrid Auris? Thats not much of a difference, my 1.33 2011 Auris gives me 52 MPG and more if I use the stop/start at traffic lights (all this in town).

The 48mpg is an absolute figure taken over more 53,000 miles including I think 3 winters but I would say that I was hoping for a better fuel consumption bearing in mind I'm not a pedal to the floor type driver, my Auris is the 1.8 version which with the electric motor gives a power output of a 2 litre car, I think also you are comparing it to your 1.3l motor?

[zetor]

Am update after disconnecting the window sensor and it's a huge result and I now have manual control over the wipers, it's like having a new car again:) The wipers are still squeaking but I am trying to adjust the angle which the blade wipes the screen but that hasn't been too successful, I can see that the PIAA wipers would indeed be the overall solution but they do come at a price.

[Cyker]

I can't recommend them enough! I don't understand why so few manufacturers use them as standard (The only one I've seen is on Mitsubishi Evos!)

The cost is literally the only downside: The full blade+carrier is something like £25 and the aero/flat-blade style ones are even more...(IIRC one member here spent £90 putting all PIAA wipers on his car! )

However, if your car has normal wipers, then the rubbers are a tenner each which isn't so bad, and they last a hell of a lot longer than normal Wiper Blades so it does work out.

Glad that little wiper water sensor thing mod worked for you tho'. Your success has got me tempted to try it on my Dad's Verso now...

[Speed_Chaser]

I used Valeo wipers and they did squeak also. Original ones are good enough I think.