wipers

sad old git | 02:16 Sat 01st Aug 2009 | Motoring

11 Answers

Please help to settle a "friendly" arguement. What is the reason for hatchbacks to have a rear window wiper and saloons do not?. I said I thought it had something to do with aerodynamics but was shot down in flames. All answeres would be greatly appreciated. s.o.g

stained motorcycle windscreen

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ELVIS68

Good question, saloons don`t have rear wipers for the simple reason they dont need one, you are right in saying it`s in the aerodynamics

b00bs

because saloons have sloping rear wind shields.

sigma

Elvis is correct. As the air passes over a car a vortex is created at the rear. On a saloon car this will be at the vertical face of the boot where the number plate is positioned clear of the rear window. On a hatch back, the vortex will form next to the rear window and any water dirt etc will be deposited on the window.
How were you "shot down in flames"?

ChuckFickens

who says they don't

http://fp.singlesolution.f9.co.uk/images/Rear% 20Wiper%20(22-05-04)%201.jpg

http://www.webarticle.org/images/mitsubishi_la ncer_evoIX_mr_9.jpg

sara3

I had a Renault 19 saloon many years ago, that had a rear wiper.

paddiez

And funnily enough it's difficult to fit a rear wiper system on a saloon.

chas2008

its rare but some boot lidded vehicles do early Ford Orion Ghia for one, you wont see many but they did.
Its much easier to fit to a tailgate, and lets be honest most family cars are hatchbacks now..

sad old git

Question Author

Sigma. I was shot down by an employee of a well known Japanese car manufacturer who stated that the aerodynamics theory was a load of rubbish and the real reason is because the rear wheels of a hatchback throw water and dirt onto the rear window due to the lack of boot overhang. I find this hard to believe when I look at my own hatchback and cannot see how this could happen ( mudflaps for a start). However my friend insists that this is the car makers theory and so it has got to be right.....Thank you Sigma and the rest of you Ab'ers for your answeres. S.O.G