Wiperless Windshields

For drivers who can't tolerate the swooshing (and in too many cases, squeaking) of wiper blades, there is another option for clearing a wet or frozen windshield--wiperless windshields.

Concept car Hidra uses nanotechnology for it's wiperless system.

Wiperless windshields have been seen on concept cars like the Acura TL, but are not generally available to the general public at this time. Instead of wiper blades that clear snow and rain from the driver's view, wiperless windshields feature nozzles at the base of the glass. The nozzles blow compressed air bursts over the windshield area, clearing the glass of precipitation. The clearing action comes from the use of multiple air streams that move rain off of the glass. Heated air jets are used in freezing and snowy conditions or just as a method of drying the glass in damp weather.

Taking wiperless windshields a step further a concept car dubbed "Hidra" designed by Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina fame has a windshield which uses nanotechnology. The designer believes it could be available for production cars in as little as five years.

Take a look at other special windshield options.