Defroster/Wiper Interaction in Winter

[musher51]

My apologies to the moderators if I'm starting this thread in the wrong spot, but none of the existing categories seem ideally suited to this topic. I trust you'll move it if you think there's a more optimal location.

I'd be interested in hearing from other northern-based drivers about how well the wipers/defrost/auto sensing features work together to keep your windshield cleared when driving through a snowfall/snowstorm.

From a defrost standpoint, I like the dedicated button on the dash, particularly since both heat and fan speed are adjustable (a similar button on my BMWs defaulted to the highest temp and fan speed, so I could rarely use the damn thing unless I rolled the windows down to prevent driver meltdown...a counter-intuitive move in sub-freezing weather). With the Genesis front defrost button, I'm able to find the appropriate temp and fan speed setting to keep the windshielf from icing up, and still keep the compartment at a reasonable temp for bundled-up passengers.

However, since the resting position for the wipers is below the windshield, they weren't benefitting from any of the defroster's heat, and after a while, I encountered a pretty wide swath of uncleared water/ice in the center of the wiper, right in the middle of my visual "sweet spot". The problem was compounded by the fact that the auto sensing feature was behaving erratically (sometimes fine, but other times too passive or too aggressive). After screwing around with those settings for a while, I ended up running the wiper manually to prevent too long of an interval between sweeps (which tends to allow the wipers to ice up).

It's still too soon to conclude that this will be a major headache, but I'm definitely on alert. I'd prefer not to allocate any of my attention to wiper functions while driving in snow, and it'll be interesting to see if anyone else experiences the same issues with their Genesis this winter.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

I'm sure I'll be back to this shortly. Don't forget, Musher... you're a month or so ahead of Chicago weather-wise.
;-)

 

[PINGGOLF]

hmmm....I hate that for you. The only icing we deal with here in Alabama is a heavy frost.

Please keep us informed!

MUSHER51:

I am going to move it to the sedan forum with a 3 day redirect. I think since it is a sedan issue and not an electrical issue that it would be best in the general sedan forum. Sal may think differently but until he gets back from vacation we will put it there.

 

[musher51]

Thanks for keeping things organized, Matt. And BTW, don't feel bad for me that I live in the snowbelt...that's a deliberate choice! I lived near the equator for a few years (Singapore), and I much prefer northern climates (my alias on this site might provide a clue...ya can't drive a dog team in 100 F temps )!

 

[PINGGOLF]

That is neat! The ole' redneck here would have never figured that out!

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Musher,
Drove home in a snowfall last night and experienced similar things. The 'rain' sensing wipers don't always sense 'snow', at least not aggressively enough. Had to put them on low manual.
As for the Climate Control, it worked well enough on Auto/72 while I was moving. When at a stoplight, the windows would start to fog necessitating an 'intervention'. Not a big deal, but perhaps the air flow is something Hyundai could look at for 2010.

 

[jake the snake]

Hi Musher

Drove in my first winter storm yesterday and found the same thing
The auto wippers do not see the snow as rain
Some times realy fast for nothing and sometimes they dont start and you cant see nothing
As for the auto defrost. Forget about it. go manual

This is still a great car and I keep on loving it

CIAO

 

[3587]

My Chrysler doesn't do the rain-sensing very well either... Neither does the wife's '05 VW Jetta... In rain or snow. Not sure it is possible to get it right on as to where we would all like it!

 

[Bear]

The wiper blades problem is going to be difficult to solve. The blades don't perform in ice or heavy wet snow. The passenager side blade doesn't even clear the far side of the window (rain or snow). I'm going to the auto supply firm that I use tomorrow to see if they have any recommendations.

Bear

 

[John Lipari]

Does anyone miss intermittent wipers. The automatic wipers swipe to often even on low. They should throw in an intermittent setting,what can it cost 50 bucks. I find myself working the wipes manualy,every 15 or 20 seconds in a very light rain. They could also let you set the auto setting even lower too.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Sonata2009]

Why would I miss them? It HAS them!

Seriously, if you look at the windshield wiper "stalk", is it on "AUTO" at the top of the setting. If you take it off "AUTO" , the bars below indicate the delay times. Just set it on whatever delay you want!

 

[Bear]

This is truly a problem. When I complained to the salesman and explained the vision problem and I couldn't even try an after market blade because only Hyundai wiper blades fit, he said if that's all I had to complain about I had a good car. The service department doesn't return my telephone calls about TSB and Sales doesn't care if you can see the road. I think a good after market blade would help the problem, but not solve it.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Bear, what is "truely a problem"? This thread is full of detail, but you've provided none.

 

[John Lipari]

Need intermittent wipers

My car does not have intermittent wipers. It seems you have auto wipers or intermittent not both,the speed settings on the stalk work for auto if you have auto wipers and intermittent if you have intermittent wipers. This must depend on what package you have. I have the auto and i do not like them,the swipe to often even on the lowest setting. Anyone else feel this way.