Windshield washer fluid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Windshield 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 of 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 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] Types of Fluid
The fluid comes in many forms and may require dilution before being applied, although many solutions available in the United States come premixed with no dilluting 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 ethanol winter mixes, e.g. PAV, water, ethanol (or isopropanol), ethylenglycol. -27C frost free qualities guaranteed.
