I cringed reading this, happened to me once and have put a soft towel on windshield while replacing wipers ever since. Good tip Steve
As far as wipers goes, I use Rain-X water repellent windshield spray along with the wiper blades. Hardly have to use wipers unless it's pouring on the interstate.
I wish this forum software had a LIKE button. I also give props to Rain-X, that stuff is amazing. I treat all my vehicles with it. But you have to apply it correctly or it will become a streaky mess.
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Current: 2004 Boxster S 550 Spyder Anniversary Edition (BSSE)