What is the thing on our wiper arms?

[donkeylips]

What is the purpose of the big thing that's held on with 2 screws on our driver's side(I think) wiper arms? CAPS didn't seem to show it and I can't think of any possible function.
My brother says it's a handle to lift it up...I think he's an idiot. I would have taken a picture but I don't currently have access to my car or a camera.

 

[SouthCaliVR4]

It's an airfoil to help keep the blade down at speed. Can't say it actually works or anything but that's the principle.

 

[mitsuturbo]

They work. Try using your wipers at 90mph, and see the difference between how the driver and passenger side work at clearing water off the windshield..

 

[donkeylips]

Very interesting. Makes me wonder why they wouldn't just put one on both sides. I'll have to test them at my actual highway speed - 72mph. I won't be needing my wipers at 90mph anytime soon. Can't see myself going that fast in conditions where I would need them, plus I'm WAY too afraid to so much as sneeze behind the wheel of my car now what with the ticket's they're writing in this economy. So glad I at least have the sleeper status of the gvr4 on my side. I guess I shouldn't get off topic.

Thanks!

 

[SouthCaliVR4]

It's your thread, go as off topic as you like. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif