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Storing and Spraying Wiper Fluid
Most new cars have a windshield wiper fluid reservoir with a supply of cleaner ready to spray. Vehicles with a rear window wiper usually have a similar setup.
When you need to clean the windshield, push the button, usually on the stalk, that controls the wiper cleaner function. (For safety sake, it is best to clean the glass when you are parked, so stop on the side of the road before using the windshield wiper fluid.)
Pushing the wiper wash button triggers a pump in the fluid reservoir. Fluid will then be pumped to the sprayers located near the windshield, and the wipers will automatically sweep for a few seconds. The sprayers emit wiper fluid on the glass, and the wipers clear away the liquid and dirt. Repeat if necessary to make the glass sparkle. It’s an ultra-simple process.
The windshield wiper fluid reservoir is almost always under the hood. The plastic tank has a lid or cover with a symbol resembling a windshield wiper. If you’re not sure where it’s located, check your owner’s manual.
It is easy to check the fluid level and add as necessary. Depending on your usage, plan to top it off once a month—and be sure to replace the cover after the refill. Some cars have a monitor in the tank to alert you when the fluid is running low.
You might be tempted to use water as a wiper fluid, but water alone will not clean a dirty windshield—the additives in wiper fluid help to remove dirt and bug splatter. Household water also contains minerals that, over time, might clog the wiper fluid components.
Shop now for windshield wiper fluidTypes of Wiper Fluid
There are three types of windshield wiper fluid: basic, winter, and bug cleaner. Manufacturers use different colors to distinguish the versions, but there is no consistency between brands. That means a blue liquid from one brand may not be the same type as another brand’s blue bottle.
Most American brands contain methanol or ethanol, which are poisonous alcohols. Keep them away from children and pets, and clean up spills immediately.
Basic – This is a general-purpose blend of cleaning agents and liquids. It may have an additive that coats the glass to make future cleanings easier. This extra coating helps bead up rain and makes it more difficult for road grime to stick to the glass. Most wiper fluids offer protection against freezing up to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter or All-Season – In colder climates, you need a wiper cleaning fluid that won’t freeze at temperatures below 32 degrees. If the windshield wiper fluid freezes, you risk breaking the plumbing line leading to the wipers, the pump, or the wiper fluid tank. Check the specifications; you can find protection up to -27 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Some brands even claim that the liquid is suitable as a de-icer.
Using a windshield cleaner designed to clean bug splatter can prevent a heavy build-up that needs to be cleaned.
Bug cleaner – There are special fluid formulas that help remove bug splatter from your glass. Many include a sealant or coating component to make it easier to remove future splatters. This might be a good choice if you frequently encounter a lot of bugs during daily driving.
Shop now for wiper fluid for bugsWiper Fluid Concentration Levels
You can add a cleaning tablet to the reservoir and then water.
Regardless of which wiper fluid you choose, manufacturers offer three strength levels.
Full-strength wiper fluid comes pre-mixed in the bottle. All you need to do is shake the contents gently, pour some into the reservoir, and keep the remainder of the fluid for the next refill.
Concentrated wiper fluid requires combining distilled water and the fluid in a jug. It is best to use distilled water to avoid the minerals found in tap water. The advantage of this option is you can increase the concentration if you need more than the recommended ratio for your driving conditions. Do not exceed the maximum concentration, or the plumbing lines and pump could clog up.
Tablets of concentrated cleaner can be dropped into a gallon of water. Just wait for it to dissolve, and you have wiper fluid. Here again, you can add one additional tablet for a more concentrated fluid.
Store your spare wiper fluid safely, and check the reservoir as needed. That will ensure that you can always push the windshield cleaner button and watch a solid spray of the right cleaner work its magic on the glass.
