Prius/Civic/Insight: Is Your Hatchback Window Dry in Light Rains? - GreenHybrid

Delta Flyer · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2005, 08:35 AM

Prius/Civic/Insight: Is Your Hatchback Window Dry in Light Rains?
(rear-window = same thing)

When a light/moderate rain starts on the freeway, I've noticed the air flow keeps the hatchback window dry.

jdenenberg · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2005, 08:46 AM

Chuck,

I haven't noticed that effect in my 2004 Prius (I'll look for it), but when I was young and foolish I had a 1963 TR4 in Chicago. The rear window got foggy and I kept the top down all winter. With the toneau cover on and the heater fan on high, I could drive at 30 MPH in the rain or snow and not get wet. Stop lights were a problem though.

JeffD

Delta Flyer · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2005, 08:55 AM

Poll questions are always tricky (for me at least).

My situation: I'm driving 50-60mph on the freeway. It starts to rain. Sometimes it's hard enough pedestrians would pull out the umbrella, but not a cloudburst. While my Insight's hatchback window is almost facing up, the air flow seems to prevent the rain from ever touching the hatchback window.

IMAhybrid · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2005, 05:18 PM

well my civic isn't a hatchback, but yes, if it starts to rain and i'm driving the back window will stay dry until i stop. slowing down/turning might also get the back window wet.

rigger · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2005, 09:04 PM

If it stays dry it means you're going too fast.

Just Kidding. The Insight I barely ever use the rear wiper. That being said, I did use it Saturday when it rained. It normally stays dry.

The Civic, stays dry. Ok, actually light mist - not a hatchback though = horizontal.

PriusInAK · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 05:16 AM

My '05 Prius window gets plenty wet at low speeds, but stays dry over anything above 30 MPH.

JeromeP · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 11:20 AM

When moving, the back window gets nary a spec of rain on it. Certainly not enough to justify the use of the wiper. However, at lights it gets pretty wet and the wiper comes in handy.