Windshield wipers do not effectively clear the snow; the snow is pushed into the air intake; the melted snow forms ice/snow globs on the windshield wipers reducing visibility to very hazardous levels. This buildup has to be manually removed with a scraper. This wiper blade assembly is used on all newer Audi's ( 2002 forward) and some Volkswagen. We purchased the 2004 allroad and a 2005 VW toureg this spring under dealer certified used car programs. Both have the same wiper assembly. Audi informs me there is no winter blade; only option: Purchase old style wiper arms and install winter wiper blades. Price:$157/ arm --not including installation. There should be a properly engineered winter blade. I live in an area where we have 6 months of winter with an average snowfall of 60-90 inches/ year. These wipers are unacceptable. Today, I had to clear the windshield wipers once between my work and the entrance to rt 87 ( 1/2 hr time wise due to snow/ traffic) and 3 more times from my entrance on rt 87 ( exit 6) to exit 13--so every two exits. Thank goodness the snow eased, because my exit for home is exit 18. I am a nurse, former army major, former icu head nurse and currently employed as a consultant in the insurance industry. I know a safety hazard when I see one. I have never had a more hazardous drive. The parts fellow ( jason) at langan Audi East informed me that he had the same problem this morning while delivering an A4 with the same wiper assembly. He tells me that they have had this complaint before. Bruce shellnut at Audi customer service checked a Colorado dealer and they advise the old style arms/winter blades be installed if the customer is not satisfied with the winter function of the oem blade. Bruce explained that if there were an issue with safety, that the national highwaytraffic institute would have issued a recall. I assured him I would write you. Audi customer service complaint: 703666665.

- Queensbury, NY, USA