I love my Escape but one of the very few things I have critizied was the wipers in the winter.<br><br>I switched recently to a winter wiper in preparation for winter. Yesterday we had some showers that turned it to sleet and hail. Although you cannot compare it to a cold wet snowy storm the wipers handled the ice that was falling on the windshield very well.<br><br>This weekend I will be adding some cold weather windshield washer fluid to my summer bug cleaning windshield washer fluid so that it won't start to freeze. I will get my radiator fluid checked on my next oil change as well to see how cold it is good for.<br><br>Gary

I also bought some MotorMaster Winter Blades about 2 weeks ago. Work great. Cant wait for the Snow and Ice!<br><br>Evan

Gary, Did you have the problem of ice/smow/slush buildup around the lower part of the windshield? I noticed last year that the defroster seems to hit the windshield above the blade "park" position and caused a lot of problems. I had to keep the defroster on high just to keep that part of the windshield clear. I'm getting ready to replace the wipers too (the original wipers are the WORST quality I have ever seen) but not sure if they carry the winter blades down here. What size wipers are they anyway? I guess I should just go out and measure them. <br><br>On a similar note, has anyone else noticed a lot of "pitting" on their windshield already. I don't know if it's the smog down here or just really poor windshield glass quality but my windshield is more heavily pitted than my '98 Sienna's windshield. Instead of fixing that stone chip in my windshield (No, the husband hasn't gotten that fixed yet, shades on my splash guards!) I'm thinking of paying the $100.00 deductable and getting a new windshield put in.<br><br>There has been a falling off of posts since 9-11 but I still find this a great club with a more neighborly and friendly atmosphere than others.<br><br>I shiver thinking of your snow/sleet showers! It was a balmy 73 F down here yester with temperatures staying in this area until at least Wenesday or Thursday. I must admit its been really beautiful down here with the leaves hitting full colour this week. I'm going to have to give The Black Widow her winter make-over (polish and wax) this week before the cold starts setting in.

Evan, I finally got to meet you on Sunday at the car wash and I got to see your new winter wipers and your new Lund bug guard. It was a pleasure meeting you. <br><br>Unfortunately today's snow will undue our car washing efforts.<br><br>Gary

There hasn't been enough snow/ice precipitation here either last year or this year to have a build up although I remember last winter having some challanges in keeeping the windows defrosted especially with more than two people in the Escape.<br><br>The wipers are of poor quality. If memory serves me right they are 19" blades.<br><br>I haven't had any pitting problems with my windshield. (just two stone chips so far) There is really no pollution here and they keep the roads pretty clean.<br><br>Today we had our first snowfall (not much, about an inch). Tomorrow there will be 5 cm (about two inches). We have had a great fall. Likely there is a few more warm days ahead although my Escape is anxious to get out onto the ice.<br><br>Glad to hear from you. I hope Dennis is okay. I haven't heard from him for a while.<br><br>Gary

I think the standard size for wipers is 18" on the Escape<br><br>Evan

When I replaced my wipers the guy at Cdn Tire said they were 19" and I had to settle for 18" winter blades because they did not come in the 19". The 18" wipers were actually about 18.5" long so I was shy about a quarter of an inch on each end.<br><br>Gary

Anybody have a part number for the blades from Canadian tire or do i just go buy some 18inch wiper blades for the winter!<br><br>thanks

MotoMaster 18" Teflon Winter Blade part number 21-1003-8 in a blue package is what I purchased. They were a "snap" to install.<br><br>Gary

Thanks very much i will purchase them today!<br><br>Wow i love these site, instant answers by great people! <br><br>Go to www.ratemyride.com and vote for barney2 under Suv section and lets put my Escape to the top of the ratings!