Be wary on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was crossing the crest of Humpback Mountain (near Grandfather Mountain NC) this past summer when the windshied on my '09 cracked like a rifle shot. Co-incidentally, that happened about 4 miles (as the crow flies) from where I lived in the 1940s. I have had many adventures on the Parkway since they began opening sections of it in the late 1930s. In fact, we were 'fogged' in on the Parkway near Mt Mitchell just four months ago; couldn't even see my Maxima's hood.

That 290 HP under the hood and quicker turn ratio of our 7th gens is very handy when climbing steep, curvy mountain grades. Also, the manual option enables the use of engine compression on the downgrades. This Maxima is built for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

Happens to me all the time. I just drive it home and then wipe it down again.

 

I hate this as everyone else does. I have tried blowing the water out but never worked will for me. I just use some Meguiars Ultra Quick Detailer after the car dries and the long ugly streak appears. Thats what the product is made for.

I also notice how nasty the door and rubber seals get. I just spend the extra time drying the insides of door jams and trunk insides. Once a month I also take the time to use some non glossy/greasy UV rubber protectant on all my seals. I hope in the long run this make a difference in dry rotting and cracking.

 

On the original question of the Mirrors... anyone thought about modding them to have a way to drain? Maybe a small hole at the bottom (similar location to those that door the LED mod? just a thought there...
On the doors/sill area... my bosses Murano has the flap things - they do seem to help, wonder how hard it would be to install something similar .. also by the design, any water in there would still be able to get out at the center pillar, and at the rear of the rear door.

 

As far as water draining from the door, I don't think the complaint it water actually puddling up but just dirty water drops getting in and drying leaving behind dirty residue

and on the mirrors, the problem is that the water does drain from the lowest point, just very slowly causing is to not finish draining oul untill your all done drying. Not bad throughts though, thanks for the suggestions

 

My other though was some method of hinging the 'cover' separate from the inner workings of the mirror - but that would be a PITA to design...

 

ditto on this. drive it home or at least around the block. This will also get the water out of your lugs on your wheels. JP

 

Meguiars 40uv protectant is THE BEST ON THE MARKET!!!! BAR NON. I love this stuff. I have won several car shows with the help of this product and it protects the leather or plastic/vynyl. Smells god too)

 

Once I've dried the car, I always like to open and close the door about 5-10 times on an incline. When closing the door, slam it shut harder than you usually would. The force will knock out all the water hidden in the seals. A little trick I learned from asking professional detailers.

 

^^^^^^Tru, good idea, thanks^^^^^^

 

how about sliding a paper towel in under the mirror

 

I have tried that, and the paper towel edge folds over or crinkles up. I just drive the car briefly and then clean off the streaks.
There also always seems to be some hidden water around the headlights, tail lights, and coming out from under the spoiler.

 

This is going to sound stupid but i've thought about using rubber bands and sponges on the mirrors after a wash.

 

I don't get it...

 

You have to elaborate!