Windshield washer spray

Let’s start off with the official definition of windshield washer spray. It’s the spraying of fluid onto the windshield working in conjunction with the wiper blades to clean the windscreen of dirt.

Sometimes there’s even a button on the end of the stalk that you push. If the windshield wipers has an intermittent function it will usually have a control module that will handle the intermittent functions and often washer functions will be integrated into the control module as well. This can complicate diagnosis so it’s nice to have a repair manual to see what type of system you are dealing with. Most cars operate the wipers and washers together the reasons that they do this is that wipers operate better with fluid on the windshield and spraying fluid without the wiping action is not really effective.

On many vehicles an override circuit is provided in the module that operates the wipers at low speed for a program length of time after the washers have been activated and then the wipers park. They do this because it really doesn’t make much sense run the windshield wipers without the washers or run the washers without the wipers operating. After they run for a length of time the wipers either returned to the park position or operate in an intermittent mode depending on the design of the system.

Some fancy cars have washers that clean the headlights and the fog lights for maximum visibility when the automobile is operating on a wet and dirty roadway sometimes these headlight washer systems operate from their own separate switch and pump or they can even work with integration into the main washer system. Although it’s usually only luxury cars that have this option we are seeing them on more cars because it just makes sense to have clean headlights for maximum visibility.

Some vehicles are equipped with a washer fluid indicator light. This is usually a float type system where the light is turned on to notify the driver that the fluid is low in the reservoir. Of course like any system this can malfunction and a false indication can be displayed. I have seen the float get hung up and not notify the driver that no fluid remains in the reservoir when indeed there is.

My point of this is that regardless of having a warning light you should still take the time to check the amount of windshield washer fluid remaining in the reservoir. Even though topping off fluids is included in most quick oil change services it doesn’t always mean that it gets done. Being proactive and making a quick check before a long trip can assure that you have fluid to squirt on the windshield when you need it. Dig into more online auto repair information.