Folded Wipers, Auto-Start, and Snow/Ice

[zero_x3]

Will the rain-sensing wipers activate when using auto-start and its snowing?

I usually "fold" my wipers up when parking in an exposed area and its expected to snow. This makes it easier to scrape the snow/ice off the windshield later and also reduces ice gathering on the blades. If its snowing, or if theres already snow/ice accumulated on the windshield, and I use auto-start, will the wipers get activated? Should I fold the wipers up?

I know the easy fix would be to fold them up and de-activate the auto-sensor on the wipers, but i'd rather not have to remember to do so.

 

[quant]

It is fairly easy to turn off the auto sensor, just press the wiper control all the way up and then fold them up away from the wind shield

 

[sound_man]

Just click stock up every time you get out of your car and fold your wipers.

 

[gregbe]

When using the Mazda remote start the auto wiper feature is deactivated

 

[zero_x3]

When using the Mazda remote start the auto wiper feature is deactivated

Awesome. That's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks!

 

[shaunc]

I find in winter it is best to deactivate the auto wiper. Turns the system to regular delay system. Driving around in light snow/spray the sensor doesn't seem to adequately keep the window clean to my needs.

 

[sound_man]

We used to just throw a blanket or tarp over windshield when I was kid but this looks nicer.

http://www.frostguard.us/

I picked one up at Costco.. it even has covers for the mirrors. My CX-5 is normally in garage but all bets are off when at cabin & in the snow.

Wow, I've never seen this before but that's a fantastic idea.

 

[vroom]

I also deactivate my auto wipers in winter. I find that the salty spray gets smeared all over the windshield when they get going. Instead I Aquapel my windshield at the start of winter each year (waaay better than anything else, including Rain-X). With that stuff you barely ever need your wipers anyway... The ice also doesn't stick to the glass as much so it's easier to scrape off.

 

[SomeGuyFromNYC]

It is dangerous to leave your auto wipers in the "auto" position during the winter. If ice freezes them to the windshield and you start the car up, they might try to wipe even though they are frozen to the car. Sounds like unnecessary trouble to me. I keep mine in the "off" position all the time unless it is raining, then I almost exclusively use the auto wipe function, as it adjusts the speed of the wipers as needed. When I reach my destination, I put them back to the "off" position.

 

[Reggae]

Awesome. That's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks!

You might want to check that as mine work even when I use the remote start

 

[gregbe]

You might want to check that as mine work even when I use the remote start

I haven't been able to confirm if mine works or not. I was just going on what is in the manual for the remote start

"For vehicles equipped with an automatic wiper function, when the engine start
operation is activated with the remote control, the wipers will not turn on even
when the wiper switch is set to the “AUTO” position and it begins to rain."

 

[MikeM.]

I keep mine in the "off" position all the time unless it is raining, then I almost exclusively use the auto wipe function, as it adjusts the speed of the wipers as needed. When I reach my destination, I put them back to the "off" position.

I leave mine in the auto wipe mode almost all the time without significant issue for the two years I've been driving my CX-5, winter and summer. This includes plenty of freezing weather and plenty of rain.


We thought auto wipe was a silly option when we previously purchased my wife's car so it was one of the few options we opted out of. Now, when I drive it in the rain I wonder how I got by without it. You have to adjust the wipers depending on how hard it rains and whether someone is in front of you? Really!

The system works very well with minimal intervention.