What are the consequences of insufficient washer fluid?
4 Answers
Insufficient washer fluid does not harm the car. The introduction and performance of windshield washer fluid are as follows: Introduction to windshield washer fluid: Commonly known as automotive windshield washer fluid, it is a consumable in car usage. High-quality automotive windshield washer fluid is mainly composed of water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. It is commonly referred to as windshield washer fluid. Performance of windshield washer fluid: Cleaning performance: Windshield cleaner is formulated with various surfactants and additives. Surfactants typically have functions such as wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning and removing dirt. Antifreeze performance: The presence of alcohol and ethylene glycol significantly lowers the freezing point of the liquid, thus providing antifreeze protection.
Having driven for over a decade, I've found that insufficient washer fluid is a common yet dangerous oversight. When bird droppings or muddy water stick to the windshield and the wipers scrape without fluid lubrication, the glass becomes even more blurred, severely impairing visibility. On highways or during rainy weather, this is practically playing with your life—last winter, I nearly slid out of my lane because I couldn't see the road clearly. Prolonged insufficiency also accelerates wiper blade wear, leading to unnecessary replacement costs, and may cause the washer pump to burn out from dry running, resulting in expensive and troublesome repairs. I must emphasize that topping up washer fluid isn't just routine maintenance—it's about driving safety. I recommend checking the fluid level every time you refuel and using high-quality washer fluid to prevent clogging.
As a frequent long-distance driver, I deeply understand the frustration of running out of washer fluid. A dirty windshield that can't be properly cleaned affects visibility, especially in dusty rural areas, making driving quite irritating. Dry wiping with the wipers causes the rubber blades to deform, necessitating premature replacement and increasing daily expenses. The nozzles and pump of the washing system are also prone to damage, with dry running leading to overheating and failure. Last summer, I neglected to check, and the pump broke, costing me over 200 yuan to repair. Now, I've developed the habit of checking and refilling the fluid monthly to avoid these consequences. Antifreeze washer fluid is even more critical in winter to ensure the nozzles don't freeze. Remember, insufficient fluid not only causes inconvenience but also leads to additional expenses.
When the washer fluid is low, it becomes difficult to clean the windshield, and the wipers perform poorly, leaving dust or insect remains stuck on the glass, which ruins the driving mood. Once, while taking my child out for a trip, the blurry windshield almost made me miss a turn. This can also damage the wiper blades, causing them to wear out faster. My usual simple solution is to shake the washer fluid before pouring it into the reservoir and maintain a moderate fluid level, which reduces such issues. Running low on washer fluid poses significant risks, as poor visibility increases the chance of accidents. It's advisable not to neglect this.
