About Windshield Wiper Fluid

Windshield wiper fluid is an inexpensive alcohol based fluid that is used with the wiper blades to clean the windshield of a vehicle. By activating the pump mechanism to squirt the fluid, it also activates the wipers of the vehicle. The wiper fluid contains a dangerous alcohol, so use caution around children and pets.

Function

  • Windshield wiper fluid is used to conveniently clean the windshield of a vehicle while driving. It increases driving visibility by clearing off any dirt and debris that may accumulate on your windshield. The washer fluid is added to a reservoir under the hood of the vehicle. It is pumped through a small hose that is attached to your wiper blades or at the base of the windshield with the touch of a button from the interior of your car. The button to activate the washer fluid pump is usually located on the lever that controls the wiper blades.

Features

  • Windshield wiper fluid is alcohol based to prevent freezing. It generally contains about 30 to 50 percent methanol with very little detergent. Some wiper fluid also contains a de-icer that helps get the frost and ice from your windshield during the colder months of the year. It is an inexpensive solution that usually sells for less than two dollars, but it the convenience it adds to your driving visibility is priceless.

Warning

  • Windshield washer fluid contains methanol, which is a poisonous alcohol that can be harmful or deadly to pets and children. Use care when storing your windshield washer fluid and be sure to clean up any spills that occur while filling your reservoir or spills that are caused by the reservoir being punctured.

Considerations

  • A washer fluid heater can be added to your vehicle after market. Select vehicles can come already equipped with a heater direct from the factory. The heated washer fluid is believed to enhance the cleaning ability of the solution giving better visibility through the windshield. The warmer washer fluid can also help clear frozen washer fluid hoses and nozzles from the reservoir to the windshield.

Misconceptions

  • While you will find recipes on the Internet that allow you to make your own windshield wiper fluid, you should not use a mixture of only soap and water in your washer reservoir. This can not only lead to freezing of the solution in your reservoir, but it can also freeze on your windshield while you are using it. This can cause dangerous driving conditions due to poor visibility. The windchill factor that is created on your vehicle while driving also needs to be taken into consideration.