Toyota's FJ Cruiser with triple wipers

What It Is: Auto makers are revamping the windshield wipers on their vehicles to make them work more efficiently or last longer.

The new wipers include those that cling to the glass for a more precise job or reposition themselves to avoid getting stuck in icy weather.

How to Get It: As SUV windshields get wider, there is more area to cover; the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes standard with three wipers instead of two.

The 2007 Audi Q7's wipers adjust their positions on the windshield so their rubber edges won't wear out. In cold weather, the wipers rest higher up on the glass so they won't freeze.

The 2007 Toyota Tundra's thin, jointless wipers sit lower on the windshield when not in use, and reduce wind noise when they're working.

Sopus Products' Rain-X Latitude wiper blades are curved to avoid being blown off the windshield and to hew close to wet surfaces.

Full article continued at The Wall Street Journal: Reinventing the Wheel.