Wipers

**david173** · 12th October 2006, 23:48

Just a random thought that's bugged me all my life - why do only hatchbacks have rear wipers and (nearly) all saloons don't?

**david173** · 13th October 2006, 00:02

50 points for an answer before i go to bed

**sig63** · 13th October 2006, 00:42

To complicated to explain it in English, but it has something to do with aerodynamics: because of the turbulence of a saloon in motion there should be (theoretically) no raindrops on the back of the car... (but this doesn't work if you're standing still

)
And there is another reason: mostly a rear wiper is ugly, but on a hatch it is needed

**simac** · 13th October 2006, 07:22

With a saloon it's harder to hide the wiper motor.

**S888 SRB** · 13th October 2006, 07:23

Thats a good point. I remember the Orion which later became the saloon Escort had a rear wiper and a ****** great lump at the bottom of the rear screen causing a blind spot...

**Ian T** · 13th October 2006, 07:59

Originally Posted by sig63

And there is another reason: mostly a rear wiper is ugly, but on a hatch it is needed

I do miss the rear wiper at times though

**david173** · 13th October 2006, 11:56

Originally Posted by S73VE B

Thats a good point. I remember the Orion which later became the saloon Escort had a rear wiper and a ****** great lump at the bottom of the rear screen causing a blind spot...

Yeah, thats the one exception i remember thinkin about, was quite odd to look at cos saloons never have them!

**Harry** · 13th October 2006, 12:20

i'm sure either the scoobys or evo have them, can't remember which now.

not sure if they still do on the very latest ones.

**SignumPhil** · 13th October 2006, 12:52

It's a thing called the "venturi affect". When a vehicle travels throough the air, it leaves a low pressure zone behind it, and air (and rain) move in to equalize the pressure.
The lack of overhang on a hatch or estate means that all the water ends up on the rear screen. This isn't normally an issue on a saloon.
It's still handy to save wiping the rear screen, though!

Phil

**G.O'Rilla** · 13th October 2006, 14:24

Nissan 200SX had rear wiper as well. Looked naff but needed. Thanks to the above - I knew is was something to do with aerodynamics but now I know. Does this also explain why some Jap cars in the early 90's (Camry estate) found it necessary to have two rear wipers? Even worse aerodynamics? In which case the current Honda Accord estate should have at least three.........