Windshield washer fluid being poured into a vehicle

Windshield washer fluid (also called windshield wiper fluid, wiper fluid, or washer fluid) is a fluid for motor vehicles that is used in cleaning the windshield while the vehicle is being driven.

[edit] Delivery system

A control within the car can be operated to squirt fluid onto the windshield - typically using an electrical pump via jets mounted either beneath the windshield or beneath the wiper blade(s). The windshield wipers are then turned on cleaning dirt and debris off the windshield. As the fluid is depleted, water can be used to refill the fluid reservoir. Some vehicles use the same method to clean the rear window or the headlights also.

Washer fluid may sometimes be preheated before being delivered onto the windshield. This is especially desired in colder climates where a thin layer of ice or frost accumulates on the windshield's surface, eliminating the need to manually scrape the windshield or pour warm water on the glass. Although there are a few aftermarket preheat devices, General Motors has begun equipping vehicles with heated washer fluid systems from the factory beginning in 2006 with the Buick Lucerne sedan. The system, designed and manufactured by Microheat, emits a fine mist of superheated water that clears frost without damaging the windshield itself. GM also claims heated washer fluid helps in removing bug splatters and other road accumulation.

[edit] Varieties

The fluid comes in many forms and may require dilution before being applied, although many solutions available in North America come premixed with no diluting required. Dilution factors will vary depending on season, for example, in winter the dilution factor may be 1:1, whereas during summer the dilution factor may be 1:10.

Several types of fluids are available on the market such as ready-made fluid, which is used 'neat' or as-is and sachet of crystals, which is also diluted with water. Anti-freeze, or methylated spirits, may be added to a mixture to give the product a lower freezing temperature. But, methanol is harmful when breathed in, so more popular now is an ethanol winter mix, e.g. PAV, water, ethanol (or isopropanol), and ethylene glycol.

[edit] Critical views

For a seemingly innocuous substance, windshield washer fluid is a subject of debate. Although all parties agree that the fluid is essential to safe driving, not all agree about what ingredients should compose the fluid. Debate generally falls into two categories. First, there are those who are concerned about the environmental aspects of washer fluid. These people view the widespread, ground-level use of wiper fluid (amounting to billions of liters each year) can lead to a cumulative air pollution and to water pollution.

A second group of critics are composed of consumer advocacy groups and auto enthusiasts, who believe that the alcohols and solvents present in some, but not all, windshield washer fluid can damage the vehicle. These critics point to the corrosive effects of ethanol, methanol, and other components, with regard to paint, rubber, car wax, and plastics. These groups propose various alternatives and homemade recipes so as to protect the finish and mechanics of the motor vehicle.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Antifreeze
• Recipe for homemade washer fluid