Wiper De-Icer Idea

[1engineer]

I have a 2011 T4R SR5 with no wiper de-icer option. Yesterday I thought I really needed this as we got a lot of wet snow and ice and it was building as I drove, but came up with a solution that works in situations like that. On the Toyota, the "mist" wiper function in engaged by toggling the wiper control lever "up." This causes the wipers to make one quick pass and then go to the wiper "park" position. On most vehicles, this "park" position" is fixed. It does not matter how long you toggle the "mist" function, it will go from the "parked" position, make a full sweep, and return to the "parked" position. I found out yesterday that by using a quick flick of the wiper control lever in the up direction you can cause the wipers to move a few inches up then stop. This puts the wipers directly over the defrost vents for the windshield, which will then "de-ice" the wipers much quicker. You might have to try the "flick" move a few times to properly position the wipers for full effect. I hope this helps all those out there who like me live in a snowy climate with no "de-ice" grid built into the windshield.

 

[broncosi]

Haha I discovered this with my 1998 a while back and thought i was clever. On my 3rd gen, I can actually get them up pretty far without making the full sweep.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I use Rain-X on my windshield and that helps keep the wipers from sticking hard so if they are stiuck they will free up easily.

 

[philsey]

Clever!

I was driving in mist all day Saturday, and noticed this too, but never thought about using it this way.

 

[1engineer]

On several of my older vehicles I could do this but over the past several years the vehicles I have owned would not work this way. I am glad my 4Runner does though! It really helped yesterday and I did not have to use the tried and true method of "rolling down window, holding on to steering wheel with one hand while timing the windshield wipers perfectly in their full sweep position to reach out and grab/pull to knock the ice off while still driving." Really not so safe and it freezes your hands!

 

[1engineer]

I use Rain-X on my windshield and that helps keep the wipers from sticking hard so if they are stiuck they will free up easily.

I have already used up my "factory" fluid and put in the trusty orange Rain-X fluid. It works great for me.