The strangest thing happened to me yesterday. I was on my way to dinner when a rain cloud decided to open up on my new Q7. I turned on my wipers and THEY WEREN'T THERE! I couldn't figure out what was going on as I only saw two arms going back and forth with no blades! I was immediately concerned that they were going to scratch my windshield but, luckily, they didn't. Now I was wondering why ANYONE would want to steel my wiper blades and then I was concerned if Audi parts would even have them in stock!

I racked my brain as to where I parked that day and remembered I took the car to my local car wash earlier in the day. I drove back to the car wash to see if they fell off during the wash or dry. I found one blade detatched and just below the windshield and couldn't find the other one. It was just damaged enough to not be able to return it to the arm. I couldn't find the other one.

My Audi parts department opens at 7:30am so I'm hoping to get some replacements and then determine how and why they came off the arm during a car wash... what a pain in the ass!

you can buy aftermarket for your vehicles.

i think it's called velo or valo. can't quite remember tho.

Do these wiper blades come off so easily? JDoe, I assume that you did not have your wipers on while going through the car wash. That is very odd that the wipers would just come off in such a manner. I would think that Audi would replace them free of charge if you did everything correctly.

Did you remember to shut off the rain-sensing function before going thru the car wash?

Rain sensor was not on. I watched the car go through the tunnel except when the dryers cranked up. I went outside to save my ears...I assume the wind from the dryers vibrated them loose and off. I did find one blade loose in front of the windshield but, it wasn't in very good shape to attach again. Besides, I'd have to get another blade (2) because just one would be silly anyway. The dealership was also curious about the situation. I've been through the exact same car wash at least 6-8 times with the car without any problems... they are replacing the blades but, since it's a wearable, they are not covered under warranty.

If they come off again, be sure I'll make a stink about it! ...and you'll hear about it here!

Bosch Icon blades are also similar and can be had at your local autoparts store. I've seen them at PepBoys and Autozone. You also might be able to find a $20 mail in rebate at times. They're usually around $20 each though.

If these blades are so expensive, then maybe we SHOULD take them off prior to entering a car wash!