SlushBusters Work!

Tempest · Jan 30, 2009

While I wonder about the wear on the parts I think I will look into these. I just ran through all that mess in ohio and kentucky a few days ago and it got so bad I couldnt see. It was miles before I could safely pull over to beat the ice out of the blades. I'd rather risk the motor than the whole truck,or worse, someones life. Thanks for the post guys, I missed the first one.

cheri1122 · Jan 30, 2009

TeamCaffee's word was all I needed, knowing them both to be exceptionally persnickety about what goes on their truck - and I believe ATeam is just the same.
I'm having a real hard time seeing how a thin plastic strip could possibly have "an adverse operational effect" on the wiper motor (as opposed to some pretty thick chunks if ice), and have to think that if it did, the motor wasn't all that to begin with, ya know? And yet, I've never encountered a wiper motor issue under warranty - never, in any vehicle. Ever.

cheri1122 · Jan 30, 2009

PS If you're driving in Missouri, the truckstops in Hayti have reopened now, after the ice storm. (They were closed this morning).

flattop40 · Jan 30, 2009

cheri1122 said:
TeamCaffee's word was all I needed, knowing them both to be exceptionally persnickety about what goes on their truck - and I believe ATeam is just the same.
I'm having a real hard time seeing how a thin plastic strip could possibly have "an adverse operational effect" on the wiper motor (as opposed to some pretty thick chunks if ice), and have to think that if it did, the motor wasn't all that to begin with, ya know? And yet, I've never encountered a wiper motor issue under warranty - never, in any vehicle. Ever.

I am with Cheri on this. A little bump in the road for the wiper system would be alot less of an impact then lots of weight from snow on the wipers.

inkasnana · Jan 31, 2009

From what I've read about them, once you remove them the same set cannot be used again. You will have to apply a new set.

Thanks for the information on the effectiveness, I've been wondering if they really worked.

ATeam · Jan 31, 2009

dhalltoyo said:
I have always believed that these devices would place adverse operational forces on the wiper system.

Before making a purchase I sent my service manager a picture of this device.

His reply, "If you come in for warranty work on the wiper system with those installed on your truck, you will be paying the repair bill out of your pocket."

He also believes they place too much stress on the motor and mechanical components.

Think about it...you drive your truck back and forth across a speed bump over and over and over again. How good is that for the suspension system?

Whrrrr...thump....Whrrrr....thump.....Whrrrr.....thump

First, I can't help but notice that your service manager's first instinct is to deny a warranty claim before even trying to understand how SlushBusters work. That is sad.

I invite you to learn more and reconsider your "thump" assumption and "adverse operational forces" belief.

There is nothing to it. SlushBusters are simple plastic strips that are glued (peel and stick) onto the windshield. They create a small ridge over which the wiper blades pass. The ridge causes the rubber blades to slightly flex as they pass over the ridge. The flex pushes the ice and snow off the blades.

Notice in the photo above, the wiper arms are ice-covered while the rubber blades remain clean. Snow and ice is not knocked off the wiper arm assembly. It is is gently pushed off the flexible rubber blades by the bump formed on the blades when they pass over the ridge.

Also note that the ridge is not parallel to the blades. SlushBusters are installed at a slight angle to the blade. As the blade travels over the ridge, only a tiny portion of the rubber wiper blade is in contact with a tiny portion of the ridge at any one time. There is no thump, bump, slap, drag or anything else that would stress the wiper motor, linkage, arms or blades.

If you look close at the photo, you can see it. Notice how only one point of the rubber wiper blade contacts the SlushBuster as the blade passes over the ridge. Notice how the wiper blade flexes where it makes contact with the ridge.

If you were placed blindfolded in one truck with SlushBusters installed and then in one without, you would not be able to tell the difference between the two when the wipers ran.

The SlushBusters create no noticeable difference in how the wipers operate ... except they prevent ice and snow buildup and enable you to see clearly, when you otherwise could not. In my book, that is a pretty good reason to put them on.

jaminjim · Jan 31, 2009

If I was in a truck and blindfolded, I probably wouldn't care if the Slushbuster worked or not.

piper1 · Jan 31, 2009

Phil makes a good point. The mechanic in me, first instinct was that these things would cause extra stress. Then when you realize they are at an angle and there is no whole length all at once contact it makes sense. I'm sure they add a little bit of stress but likely a lot less than the ice and snow build up.

The comment about the service manager instantly thinking no warranty....In times like these they get a lot of pressure to think that way. Warranty work pays the dealer a lot less than retail, and I'm sure the double dip is coming back too (you pay for the repair, they submit a warranty claim as well).

ATeam · Jan 31, 2009

dhalltoyo said:
Moreover, who drives in ice storms?

Oh yeah, Super Truckers. I forgot.

I know many expediters who drive in ice storms, if it can be safely done. Our recent ice storm experience was one such event. You can read all about it in my January 27 blog entry. You will see that safety was on our mind the entire day and safe driving was done.

There are times when bad weather creates a good reason to stop, and we have stopped several times because of the weather. This was not one of those times. The load was delivered safely and on time ... emphasis SAFETY. No super trucker here, just a professional, like many others in the industry.

I dare say that had you been driving in the same conditions, you would have kept going too.

OntarioVanMan · Jan 31, 2009

I guess you just have to be the driver to understand the conditions...Me.....I can't see doing 10-15mph for 6 hours thats 90 miles....if ya pull over and rest for 6 hours till it clears and you can do 60mph you catch up to yourself in no time and you are less stressed?

TeamCaffee · Feb 1, 2009

We have installed the Slush Busters on our daughter’s cars and they both think they are ugly but they like being able to see. At the first sign of Spring Bob peels them off of the truck as they drive him nuts when cleaning the windshield. He though also is the first to put them on and neither one of us liked to stop and slap the windshield wipers on the windshield.

They like everything else are going up in price.

bernieh48 · Feb 13, 2009

Where can you buy these from? From the looks of it you can only order them from their website? If so I can order them for next year as we won't get home in time to pick them up for this yr. LOL

pelicn · Feb 13, 2009

JC Whitney has them and so does the slushbuster website.

Slushbuster · Apr 20, 2009

jaminjim said:
Unfortunately State law prohibits their use on non regulated vehicles. Can only be used on trucks greater than 26,000 Lbs.

On the contrary, the SlushBuster has been tested and can be used on any trucks or vehicles.

Slushbuster · Apr 20, 2009

On the contrary, the SlushBuster has been tested and can be used on any trucks or vehicles.

DougTravels · Apr 20, 2009

Slushbuster said:
On the contrary, the SlushBuster has been tested and can be used on any trucks or vehicles.

There was something strange..., on the EO Site

Misinformation..., that just aint right

Who you gonna call

Slushbuster

I aint afraid of no Slush

Slushbuster · Apr 20, 2009

The SlushBuster can be left on the windshield for many years. Customers do tend to replace them on a yearly basis. They are not transportable. Once they are removed, it will be virtually impossible to place them on another windshield. For additional information, please visit our FAQ at Online Store (Online Store)

Slushbuster · Apr 20, 2009

I hope the following will answer some of the questions out there. Please visit us at Online Store for additional question/inquiries.

Will the SlushBuster impair my vision while driving?

No - the SlushBuster is installed well below your line of vision just above the resting position of your wiper blades.

Will it come off after repeated uses during the winter?

No - the SlushBuster uses a similar adhesive that car manufacturers use for their body side molding, thus it will not come off until you take it off.

Does it attach to my wiper blades?

No - the SlushBuster adheres directly to the windshield just above your wiper blades.

Will the SlushBuster damage my wipers blades?

No – test has shown that the SlushBuster actually enhances the life of wiper blades since you are eliminating the ice build up during the operation of your wipers.

How do I determine the right size for my wipers blades?

The SlushBuster will accommodate 19” – 24” wiper blades. They can be adjusted by cutting at the designated perforation according to the length of your wiper blades. Precautionary note: DO NOT CUT INTO THE MOLDED BUMP.

How does the SlushBuster remove ice and snow build up from my wipers?

The innovative design of the SlushBuster continually flexes the rubber portion of your blades as it passes over knocking off the snow and ice build up while you drive.

Does the SlushBuster help reduce ice smears on my windshield?

Yes - by keeping your blades clean of snow and ice it reduces the chances for ice smears on your windshield.

How hard is it to install the SlushBuster?

It’s very easy to install anyone can do it. From a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being most difficult), it would rate 1.

Do I have to keep the SlushBuster on all year?

The SlushBuster is designed to last year round, but it is usually a matter of choice as to how long they will remain on the vehicle.

If I take the SlushBuster off in the summer, can I reuse/reinstall?

No - once you take the SlushBuster off your windshield they cannot be reused. A new pair must be installed.

Will the SlushBuster harm my windshield?

No - the SlushBuster will not scratch or damage your windshield.

TeamCaffee · Apr 21, 2009

End of Slush Buster season or we are being optimistic! Our are being peeled off as I type. Next year we will be ordering another set as they are awesome!

Dakota · Nov 7, 2010

Just ordered a pair. I too am tired of getting out of my truck and snapping the wiper blades.
Went to JC Whitney and they wanted $18.99
The slushbuster site is a better deal even with shipping and handling.

Oh and here it is early November and we already have had some snow and ice, might as well live in Bison, SD