Can I Be Fined For Not Having Water On My Windshield Wipers?
Lack of visibility is the main reason drivers make wrong decisions during a car trip. In fact, 82% of road accidents happen at night or in poor visibility conditions.
On rainy days, crashes increase by 15% and almost 20% of fatal accidents occur when it snows, rains, hails or is foggy. Hence the importance of taking responsible measures for everyone’s safety.
In the annual check-ups of the car, the windshield wipers are key; Although there is no fine for not having fluid, the poor condition of the windshield wipers is considered a serious fault and the result of the inspection is unfavorable.
However, it is important to keep the water reservoir in the windshield wipers full for any unforeseen weather. In addition, it is recommended not to fill it with calcified water, because the outlet device can become clogged.
Signs of wiper wear
It is necessary to have the operation of the windshield wipers ready, and we will observe some signs of wear:
- When sliding your finger across the rubber surface, roughness or cuts are felt.
- Some areas of the windshield are not well cleaned, leaving places without sweeping.
- When the windshield wiper is activated, there are small jumps and noises.
- Windshield appears foggy and streaked in some areas.
Why does this instrument wear out?
- Due to high intensity of use.
- Due to the aggressions of the environment (heat, cold, sun, dust, sand).
How do you know that the windshield wipers are working well?
When the glass is completely clean or appear a maximum of three stripes in é l, means they are in good condition.
Water in windshield wipers, maintenance
- Check that the ejectors work well and orient them in the correct direction.
- Use distilled water. It is not recommended to use tap water to make the mixes, as the lime in it can clog the ejectors.
- Read the car’s instruction manual. Front and rear windshield measurements may be different.
- Change the wiper blades once a year. It is recommended to do it in autumn, before the start of the rainy and frosty season.
Before changing the windshield wipers, it is advisable to check if they are actually worn or just dirty. If it is only dirty, cleaning is done by removing the wiper blade from the wiper arm and wiping it with a cloth dampened with one of the mixtures proposed below.
Homemade windshield washer fluids
Although manufacturers recommend specialized windshield washer fluids, most of these commercial substances contain methanol, a toxic and dangerous chemical even in minute amounts.
And because it is a harmful component for health and the environment, some people prefer to avoid methanol and make their cleaning fluids themselves. Another advantage is that they are easy to make and the materials used are usually for normal domestic use.
Next, we will see two options of homemade wipers that are friendly to health and the environment, which we can prepare at home:
Option 1
Materials:
- A bottle of distilled water
- 1 cup non-foaming glass cleaner
- A clean and empty container
preparation:
Pour the water into the container and add the glass cleaning fluid cup. Mix the ingredients very well and add the combination to the car. To check its effectiveness, you can first do a test; This is done by moistening a cloth with the prepared mixture and cleaning a corner of the windshield.
Option 2
Materials:
- A bottle of distilled water
- 1 tablespoon non-sudsing detergent
- Half a cup of ammonia without suds, additives or detergents
- A clean container with a lid
- Gloves with a soft texture, allowing easy grip
preparation:
Pour the water into the container and then add the detergent. Before handling ammonia, put on gloves to protect the skin and choose a place where the air circulates. Once the ammonia has been added, close the container and shake it very well until everything is mixed.
Homemade antifreeze
To prevent the proposed mixes from freezing in winter, add a cup of isopropyl alcohol or a cup of high-strength vodka. As proof of the effectiveness of the antifreeze, leave a little of the mixture outdoors overnight. If it wakes up frozen, add another cup of alcohol or vodka.
