Having a clean windshield is not just for appearance sake. It contributes greatly to your driving safety. If your windshield is cloudy or unclear, how can you drive? You could be a danger to yourself as well as others. No one should drive with a dirty windshield. Fortunately, every automobile comes with a windshield washer cleaning system. The only thing you have to do is make sure it always contains the appropriate amount of fluid.
Don't settle for just water. Water alone will not always get the job done. Economically speaking windshield washer fluid is cheaper than a gallon of water – not to mention that it has an anti-icing system built right into it. That's right; windshield washer fluid does not freeze. You can actually spray the fluid directly onto your windshield to break down any freezing that may occur during winter driving.
Filling Washer Fluid
This is as easy it gets. First, you open the hood of your car and make sure it is well supported or propped. Next locate the white plastic container. The cap will have a picture of the windshield and wipers. The cap itself is usually blue but yours may have a different color. Either way, the picture of the windshield and wipers should be obvious. Once located, open the container cap and fill it. That's it. How easy is that?
Make Your Own Washer Fluid
You can even make your own washer fluid. After seeing this, you may never buy it again
Here a short list of what you'll need:
- Water
- White vinegar
- A funnel
- An empty milk jug or container
Instructions:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water .. Once thoroughly mixed, use the solution to fill the windshield washer container under your hood.
"That's it ?!" you might say. Yep. This is why it works: The vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks up and dissolves all sorts of grime on your windshield including bugs and sap.
The benefits of this homemade solution is that it inexpensive and effective. It is also environmentally friendly which is important.
Windshield Maintenance for Summer and Winter Driving
Safe driving should always be a guiding principle when you're behind the wheel. As the warmer months approach, road trips and visits to family can be a lot of fun. In these economic times, it may be a good alternative to a plane ticket and traveling half way around the world, which is also great. But driving to see family has its own separate rewards and undoubtedly, during summer months and with kids out of school, many families will be doing just that. But, if you are driving to your warm weather destination, don't neglect your windshield. A clean windshield promotes safety. It should always be a priority, especially if you have your kids in the backseat. Besides, caring for your windshield is among the easiest car care tasks you could perform.
During winter holiday driving, the season makes us more aware of our windshield fluid levels. But in warmer months, we seem to forget about checking the levels. It may not be snowing but as cars slosh through muddy roads, you'll find that some of this grime will find its way to your windshield . But, if you've filled up the washer reservoir with fluid then you'll have no problems. Don't wait until a situation occurs to remind you to top off your windshield washer levels. Many people get a windshield treatment done also. Just make inspecting your washer fluid level part of your normal regular car maintenance.
