BIGWAVEDAVE,

Yeah, think of all that longevity in the wiper blades each time they move! I really wonder if it makes a difference!

 

I'm yet to figure out the intervals of the movement, but they do seem to adjust more often when on auto than when turned completely off.

But the auto rain-sensing mode can get a little crazy if there's a sudden downpour. Mine went into hyper-wiper mode a few days ago and i was a little worried something would snap off and fly across the road...turned from auto to on, just to slow them down.

 

I had that happen once. The wiper part broke, and metal arm was 'wiping' my windshield. It was at night so I didn't notice the wipers were up.

 

The small movement of the wiper alternately flexes the blades in opposite directions, so that they don't develop a "set" that eventually results in that horrible chattering across the glass.

Therain-sensing wiper function is turned off by just moving the lever to the lowest position. I doubt the auto-movement described can be turned off. But if that is so irritating....

 

I'm still on my original blades. Bought my 06 in early Nov 06. Took my car in for the 25k service the other day and asked them to check my wipers (and change if needed). They said the wipers were fine and just needed to be cleaned, which they did.

 

Awesome! I think it's great that Audi will spend a bit more money on a feature such as this that will have NO impact on a buying decision, but one that increases safety (cleaner windshield!) and reduces maintenance costs. Hopefully Audi applies this kind of thinking throughout the car.