This would be our van. Look closely inside the red circles - can you see the strings hooked to our windshield wipers? When we were on our vacation, the windshield wipers got caught by a big gust of wind and blown clear to one side. Apparently this did something to the connection between the wipers' motor and the wipers themselves, as we can hear the wiper motor working, but it doesn't move the wipers at all.
So we were driving through the rain and just dealing with it. Annoying (especially to Aaron since he was driving), but manageable. But once we got into the mountains - even though it's June for Pete's sake! - it started to snow on us. Snow sticks to the windshield and without wipers, you really can't get it out of the way and see where you're going!
Well, the saying is that necessity is the mother of invention. I guess that's what happened here. We had to take the cat with us on this trip because he was too ill to be left home with the other cats. So we had a leash to hook to his collar. We also use a leash to hook to Brekken's bottle or small toys when we're in the van. That way when he throws them on the floor - as he always does - I can reel them in and hand them back. Fun game! (For Brekken, anyway.)
So we had the brainstorm - could we use the leashes on the windshield wipers? Turns out, you can. We hooked a leash to each wiper and threaded it back through the windows. When we had to pull the wipers up, Aaron pulled on his leash. When we needed to pull the wipers back down, I pulled on mine.
I'm going to pause now and wait for the laughter to die out as you picture this...
I know, it's ridiculous. But it did work and got us through the bad weather! The part that doesn't work for me is that my dad wasn't able to fix it while we were there visiting, so the emergency leash system is still in place for the time being. Anyone know a good mechanic who won't charge us an arm and a leg?
7 comments:
I had that same problem once and was able to fix it myself. It was an older car (a number of years ago) so I don't know if yours is the same but I could look at it if you want. My husband is pretty good with cars. He fixed the wipers on our van just recently too.
I don't know a good cheap mechanic, but you did give me a much needed laugh. (Sorry)
Glad to help =D
There is a good and reasonable independant mechanic just down the street from me. It's a family business. It's on the corner of CR 37 and CR 8. I don't know their number but they have a big sign in the corner of the yard.
I would have paid money to see that!
Thanks for sharing your story. It made me laugh.
always up for a good laugh. Thanks. Oh, and you were this close to us, and didn't let us know????? Oh, well, I know you were busy.
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