Windshield wipers are just...too........darn...........slow.

[Dad]

I challenge you to compare it to a RAM or a GM full size truck lol. I never even got my Maverick or Escape out of the first setting even in heavy rain but both those other trucks would need to be on full blast.

This is one thing FORD did very well, in regards to placement and function of both stalks on the steering wheel column.

Did you know the guy who invented the intermittent wiper feature presented his design to Ford executives who promptly loved the idea and incorporated it into their lineup? Unfortunately, Ford claimed it was their idea and did not compensate the inventor. It wasn’t until many years and lawsuits later that the guy finally got his due recognition. His name was Robert Kearns. It’s a great story and a movie was made about it. I thought this would be somewhat relevant. Apologies if it isn’t.
https://thehustle.co/windshield-wiper-inventor-robert-kearns

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[First Sergeant]

I was in a heavy rain on 12/26/24 and did remark to wife that I was glad I had put the higher price RainX that beads water better into reservoir. I did only have about 3/4" clear glass behind the blade so a faster wipe would help some. My truck is on the wiper motor check list so maybe it's not quite right.

I have a gallon jug of the Rain X wiper fluid that I had forgotten about. I treat windshield with the normal Rain X stuff couple times a year. Will using it in the reservoir cause any issues? Do I need to clean off the other stuff from windshield, and lastly, does it work as good as the normal treatment? Thanks.

 

[First Sergeant]

Did you know the guy who invented the intermittent wiper feature presented his design to Ford executives who promptly loved the idea and incorporated it into their lineup? Unfortunately, Ford claimed it was their idea and did not compensate the inventor. It wasn’t until many years and lawsuits later that the guy finally got his due recognition. His name was Robert Kearns. It’s a great story and a movie was made about it. I thought this would be somewhat relevant. Apologies if it isn’t.
https://thehustle.co/windshield-wiper-inventor-robert-kearns

Good read, very interesting. Wonder how many other patents Ford and others have basically stolen from people without due compensation? Amazing that it appears no one else (I'm assuming here) came up with a similar design for wipers.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I have a gallon jug of the Rain X wiper fluid that I had forgotten about. I treat windshield with the normal Rain X stuff couple times a year. Will using it in the reservoir cause any issues? Do I need to clean off the other stuff from windshield, and lastly, does it work as good as the normal treatment? Thanks.

Has worked fine in my reservoir. I got the RainX 2N1 0°F deicer bug remover.
ETA: I have never used the normal stuff.

 

[Dad]

Good read, very interesting. Wonder how many other patents Ford and others have basically stolen from people without due compensation? Amazing that it appears no one else (I'm assuming here) came up with a similar design for wipers.

We may never know.
Considering it was back before digital electronics, inventing an intermittent system was quite an accomplishment. Not only that, but car manufacturers were focused on body design and speed, and not so much safety. They probably didn't push their engineers to concentrate on wiper design.

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