Winter Driving Nightmare

[harpac]

I just drove in during a snow event here in Chicago area, and I encountered the worst winter visibility ever in my 11 JSW. (purchased in Mar, 2011, only 14k miles). The wipers park in a hole so you can't get the ice off of them while stopped. When you use the wipers, they simply smear the mess on the window, and turn in to ice clubs. Then, when you start driving, the middle to the top of the windshield turns to ice and you can't see out.

I had the defrost on windshield, (knob pointing up) max temperature on selector, tried fan at every speed, and still had big problems trying to keep windshield just partially clear for some visibility.

Yes, if you shut off the car at a red light, then press down on the wiper lever, the wipers will go straight up and stop. You can then get the ice off the wipers, but within 1 mile of driving in moderate snow, the nightmare returns.

I have been driving in Chicago winters for over 40 years, and this is by far the worst car for driving in a snowstorm and being able to see, I have ever encountered.

Am I doing something wrong here? Does anyone have any suggestions how to handle snow at temps of 13 degrees F?

[Conrad -JSW]

I'm west of Chicago and I drove through the same storm at 12:30, first real snow in the Jetta for me. I didn't put much defrost on the windshield and just kept the wipers going, front and rear. While it wasn't the best for me, it wasn't the worse either. The ABS worked well...

[chfscott]

A couple of things you mentioned I think are critical . The cold air temps being first, 13 deg. with significant snow is not real common. The wipers being in a "hole" does require some attention, I try to leave my wipers up if I think we might get snow or freezing rain. I also make sure I completely clear the hood and the "hole" so my washer nozzles are cleared. I was driving home from Rockford (my daily commute) during the snow yesteday. I did not have any problems with my windshield, but my rear window got kinda snotty by the time I reached home. By the way, we live in the same town, My 2011 JSW is silver and is currently running snow tires on plain steel rims.

[harpac]

Thank you fellow area drivers for your input. This was driving me crazy, since I could not see well enough to drive safely.

I guess I will try some different settings next time. The one thing I did not try was repeated washings of the window with the spritzer.

[Feyd]

I drove in this mess on Friday as well.

Took me 3:20 to get from Des Plaines to just north of the city where I live (15 miles)... total hell.

I must say that the Golf equipped Blizzak WS70s performed amazingly. As you know the snow on the side streets was super deep (especially in the intersections), but I just plowed right through with very little difficulty. Honestly the hardest part was dealing with everyone else and their shenanigans (Re: "Theories on effective snow driving." or perhaps a more appropriate title "How I attempted to change the laws of physics with my 4x4 and bald all season tires.").

I did experience some of the same issues as in the OP, but it was partially expected. The air temps being as low as they were water/snow, etc. was freezing instantly. Add slow moving traffic and was only a matter of time before the wipers became useless.

[old bear]

Originally Posted by harpac

Thank you fellow area drivers for your input. This was driving me crazy, since I could not see well enough to drive safely.

I guess I will try some different settings next time. The one thing I did not try was repeated washings of the window with the spritzer.

I was in snow/freezing rain up north this morning (MI). Windows started fogging up badly. What the heck? Then I noted that the "Recirc" button was ON... Turned it off and the windows cleared right away....Might wanna try it..

[leroyal]

I've had 6 dubs and they all have had serious defog / defrost problems. Nature of the beast. ClimaTRONIC handled it better than any other system.

[Cogen Man]

Originally Posted by harpac

I just drove in during a snow event here in Chicago area, and I encountered the worst winter visibility ever in my 11 JSW. (purchased in Mar, 2011, only 14k miles). The wipers park in a hole so you can't get the ice off of them while stopped. When you use the wipers, they simply smear the mess on the window, and turn in to ice clubs. Then, when you start driving, the middle to the top of the windshield turns to ice and you can't see out.

I had the defrost on windshield, (knob pointing up) max temperature on selector, tried fan at every speed, and still had big problems trying to keep windshield just partially clear for some visibility.

Yes, if you shut off the car at a red light, then press down on the wiper lever, the wipers will go straight up and stop. You can then get the ice off the wipers, but within 1 mile of driving in moderate snow, the nightmare returns.

I have been driving in Chicago winters for over 40 years, and this is by far the worst car for driving in a snowstorm and being able to see, I have ever encountered.

Am I doing something wrong here? Does anyone have any suggestions how to handle snow at temps of 13 degrees F?

Just a question. Does the 2012 Jetta have the heated washer nozzles ? I didn't see any mention of them in your post. If they do, I think you have to have the heated side mirrors on by positioning the door switch to the 12 o'clock position. Then you have heated washer fluid to your front window. I may be wrong on the door switch 12 o'clock position tho. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

[P.h. Diesel]

Had the same problems as you had, sadly.

I rectified all the negatives of the situation in one fell swoop;
I moved to Tampa.

Have not worn long pants in a long while. I love driving my TDI!

[Conrad -JSW]

Originally Posted by Cogen Man

Just a question. Does the 2012 Jetta have the heated washer nozzles ? I didn't see any mention of them in your post. If they do, I think you have to have the heated side mirrors on by positioning the door switch to the 12 o'clock position. Then you have heated washer fluid to your front window. I may be wrong on the door switch 12 o'clock position tho. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

My '12 JSW does have heated washer nozzles but I'm not sure what turns them on. I was poking around under the hood yesterday and noticed the power wire going to the nozzles.