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Clean and transparent car glass is one of the most important requirements for safety and driving comfort. Contamination reduces visibility and causes discomfort. Special compositions, such as windshield washer fluids are used to remove contaminants from the glass.
Properties and applications of windshield washer fluids
The use of water for this purpose is not recommended. Despite its transparency, the composition contains numerous salts, oxides and other impurities. This can lead to the formation of deposits. Over time, these deposits will prevent the nozzles from working properly. Unlike windshield washer fluid for cars, water does not dissolve contaminants. As a result, dirt particles are rubbed against the windscreen by the wipers and scratch the glass. The use of water increases the risk of rapid wear and failure of the wiper motor, wipers and other system components.
Windshield washer fluids for cars do not contain any substances that can cause such problems. The formulation includes components that can effectively remove:
- Insect stains, plant pollen, bird droppings;
- Oil film, residues of technical fluids;
- Dirt and dust;
- Winter road reagents.
Windshield washer fluid is safe for chrome, plastic, and rubber parts. It cleans the dirt without leaving any streaks or lime residue as it dries. Depending on the properties and purpose, there are two types of windshield washer fluid: summer and winter. The first is used at above-zero temperatures, while the latter is for sub-zero temperatures only.
Functions of the summer windshield washer fluid
Summer windshield washer fluid is a product with a special composition that removes various types of contaminants. It can be used not only for the windshield, but also for side windows, as well as for washing headlights, mirrors in the car interior or outside. The advantages of summer windshield washer fluids include:
- Softening and quick removal of dirt;
- Preventing abrasive wear of wipers and other system components;
- No greasy film and streaks after use;
- Dirt-repellent properties.
A summer windshield washer fluid cannot be used in the cold. Such a product freezes and can damage hoses and nozzles in the system. The product is sold ready-to-use or in the form of a concentrate that is diluted with water.
Characteristics of winter windshield washer fluids
Winter windshield washer fluid retains its properties at subzero temperatures. It cleans the glass from road reagents, salt deposits and other contaminants, prevents the formation of ice. Its formula contains alcohol, which prevents crystallization in the cold. An antifreeze windshield washer fluid consists of the following components:
- Surface active agents (surfactants) that dissolve and remove contaminations;
- Distilled water, which is free from impurities and therefore does not create a risk of scale formation during heating and nozzle clogging;
- Propylene glycol, which improves the low temperature properties of the product;
- Flavoring agents that mask unpleasant chemical odours.
Winter windshield washer fluids remove lime deposits formed in nozzles, hoses and other components of the system. Such a product blocks the process of ice formation on the glass. All types of windshield washer fluids are dyed so that it is easier for the driver to estimate the amount of the product in the tank and top it up as needed.
What you need to know when choosing a windscreen washer fluid
It is necessary to know the types and differences of windscreen washer fluids to choose the right product for specific application purposes. It is not only the weather conditions that have to be taken into account, but also other aspects, such as:
- Composition – if the product is supplied as a concentrate, it cannot be poured into the tank immediately, it is necessary to add water according to the manufacturer’s instructions;
- Packaging – to make the products easy to use, windshield washer fluids for cars are offered in small bottles and large containers;
- Odour – the presence of a sharp unpleasant odor is undesirable because it distracts the driver;
- Compliance with standards – only a certified windshield washer fluids should be used.
The composition of winter products may include various types of alcohol. In fact, this is a major difference between the types of windshield washer fluids. Methanol products are no longer used, as they were recognized as dangerous to human health. Products containing ethyl alcohol have a strong alcoholic odour. Products that contain isopropyl alcohol do not have such a feature and are therefore considered to be the best solution. When choosing a product for a particular season, it is important to bear in mind the difference between a summer windshield washer fluid and a winter windshield washer fluid. It is also important to remember that winter windshield washer fluids have different freezing points.
