Windscreen wiper obstructed by bonnet

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woody1

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MG4 Trophy LR
I've got a 64 essence in Australia. Usually when washing my car I flip the windscreen wipers up, to wash the windscreen. The wiper on the driver side wont flip up as it catches on the bonnet. Is this a design flaw or a cunning Chinese joke?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
woody1 said:
The wiper on the driver side wont flip up as it catches on the bonnet.
Click to expand...
This is apparently common with modern cars. You have to stop the wipers half way, called the service position, then they can flip up safely.

To do this, a few seconds after the car us turned off, push the right hand (wiper) stalk down briefly.

 
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If you can’t wait you can swipe left on the infotainment display, go to vehicle, then safety, at the bottom you can choose to “power off” then move the wiper stalk down. Be mindful that the wipers will return as soon as you sit back on the seat, so if they’re not back in the operation position (as in touching the window) before you do this they will slap down on the bonnet.

I think it’s done this way so the wipers don’t disrupt airflow when not in use, they’re deliberately hiding below the bonnet
 
Another reason to read the manual. Also don't leave them up after washing because as soon as you sit in the drivers seat they will automatically park. A number of owners have found this out to their detriment when the still raised wipers scratched the bonnet edge when trying to park.
 
This is the information/procedure from the Owner's Manual.
wipers.png
 
People continue to buy a new vehicle in 2024/25 & assume it works just like a 1980s car. Wrong. Computers dominate our every day lives and they control most aspects of a modern motor vehicle. Safety standards have improved many times more than the average punter realises or understands.

Progressing from a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer to a 2023 MG4 Essence 64 (Trophy) demonstrated to me the huge advancements in technology and safety systems in just 11 years. Get with it or buy an old banger. In a few years the old banger will die and will almost certainly become redundant and illegal.
 
Agree mostly, I think bangers / ICE classics will be allowed for decades to come but only on restricted mileage and with expensive fuel that is no longer available everywhere. Private tracks / routes will also exist for a 'vintage' driving experience, where you are allowed to drive yourself for the thrill (and danger) of the experience. Most roads will be auto drive only.
 
woody1 said:
Ive got a 64 essence in Australia. Usually when washing my car I flip the windscreen wipers up, to wash the windscreen. The wiper on the driver side wont flip up as it catches on the bonnet. Is this a design flaw or a cunning chinese joke?
Click to expand...
Yes lots of new cars have same issues and drip water on seat if parked in rain and you get in or out .

And brake fade 1960-70 cars had really bad brake fade you never feel it in modern ice or ev vehicle I don’t think I will ever change my pads in my MG 4 -51.
 
tsedge said:
Agree mostly, I think bangers / ICE classics will be allowed for decades to come but only on restricted mileage and with expensive fuel that is no longer available everywhere. Private tracks / routes will also exist for a 'vintage' driving experience, where you are allowed to drive yourself for the thrill (and danger) of the experience. Most roads will be auto drive only.
Click to expand...
I fear you are right and that's the future, hopefully ,over my dead body, I'm bequeathing my ashes to the Tarmac company. The more rebellious will become like Harrison Ford in Bladerunner and rip out the robotic driver from Johnny cabs to take personal control to reach their destination.
 
woody1 said:
Ive got a 64 essence in Australia. Usually when washing my car I flip the windscreen wipers up, to wash the windscreen. The wiper on the driver side wont flip up as it catches on the bonnet. Is this a design flaw or a cunning chinese joke?
Click to expand...
Need to 'park' the wipers see manual
 
tsedge said:
Private tracks / routes will also exist for a 'vintage' driving experience, where you are allowed to drive yourself for the thrill (and danger) of the experience. Most roads will be auto drive only.
Click to expand...
I read comments like this, think of what the train drivers and other staff are paid, how much rail fares are and am in wonderment that we don't have self driving trains already. It's a lot easier than a self driving car!!
 
DavecUK said:
I read comments like this, think of what the train drivers and other staff are paid, how much rail fares are and am in wonderment that we don't have self driving trains already. It's a lot easier than a self driving car!!
Click to expand...
And yes self driving trains are a thing as I have been on them 👍
 
Maculate Quoll said:
I have put labels on mine saying, “Do Not Lift”.
The real joke is the location of the washer nozzle.
Click to expand...

Don't get me started on the Washer Nozzle aim!

Too late!

Shut down car
Put wipers in service position
Lift bonnet
Attempt to adjust
Try washers......NOT while the bonnet is open and the car is OFF Sir.

Shut the bonnet
Turn on car
Try the washers
Still not right

Shut down car
Put wipers in service position
Open the bonnet
Attempt to adjust
Shut bonnet
Turn on car........YADA YADA YADA.

If you were born lucky then your wash pattern was already correct, but if not then adjusting them precisely is very tricky. (IMO)

Remember the little silver ball that you could easily adjust with a pin?

Why SAIC, did you try and reinvent the Wheel?

No Bloody Need.
 
DavecUK said:
I read comments like this, think of what the train drivers and other staff are paid, how much rail fares are and am in wonderment that we don't have self driving trains already. It's a lot easier than a self driving car!!
Click to expand...
No unions in the way of self-driving cars. Self-driving trains have been possible for some time now but vested interests get in the way.
 
Mine used to do that when new but after all the recent updates when we got it serviced in September, it does not do this any more.
 

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