What are the effects of running out of windshield washer fluid?

[GabrielLynn]

The effects of running out of windshield washer fluid are as follows: 1. Increased resistance: This will cause greater resistance on the wiper blades, potentially damaging the wiper motor over time. 2. Glass damage: Prolonged dry wiping can damage the windshield, potentially causing scratches that reduce visibility. 3. Impaired vision: Scratching the glass may obstruct the driver's view, increasing accident risks. There are two types of windshield washer fluids: 1. Liquid washer fluid: First pour in the washer concentrate, then add plenty of water to ensure thorough mixing. Washer fluid is typically blue, and the mixture should appear light blue. Too high a concentration may create excessive foam during spraying, obstructing visibility. 2. Solid washer tablets: The mixing order doesn't matter, with approximately 1 tablet requiring 2-3 liters of water.

[WilliamMarie]

During a recent road trip in rainy weather, running out of windshield washer fluid was a nightmare. The windshield got covered in mud splatters and dust, forcing me to use the wipers dry. The screeching sound was unbearable, and by the time I got home, the wiper rubber edges had cracked and frayed from intense friction with the glass. The real danger came at night on the highway – headlights reflecting off the dirty windshield created blinding glare, leaving me no choice but to crawl at reduced speed. When I finally refilled with spare fluid from the trunk, I found the washer nozzle half-clogged with mud, forcing me to improvise with bottled water. Pro tip: Check fluid levels every 500km – repairing windshield scratches costs more than 10 bottles of washer fluid combined.

[LucasFitz]

As a seasoned driver with a two-hour daily commute, nothing is more frustrating than running out of windshield washer fluid. In summer, the windshield gets covered with pollen and insect remains, while in winter, ice buildup obstructs visibility. Dry wiping not only fails to clean properly but also doubles the wear on the wiper blades over time. Last time, I thought the nozzles had low output due to empty fluid, only to find out after refilling that the pipes were clogged with mineral deposits. I always keep two bottles of concentrated windshield washer fluid in my car, stocked up during supermarket sales, and make sure to get the -25°C antifreeze version for winter. The maintenance manual recommends replacing wiper blades every quarter, but with frequent dry wiping, the rubber hardens and cracks in less than three months. Windshield scratch repair kits aren't cheap either, so it's better to spend three minutes each month checking the fluid level.

[Bustamante]

When I was a novice driver, I didn't realize the importance of having washer fluid in the wiper system. Once during a heavy rain, I found the windshield blurry and kept pressing the washer button. The dry wipers made a screeching noise and even left fine scratches on the glass. Later, a mechanic told me that operating the wipers without fluid could overheat the motor, and replacing it would cost over 300 yuan. Now I've developed a habit of asking the car wash staff to top up the washer fluid and keeping a funnel in the glove box to refill it myself with bulk washer fluid from the supermarket. Especially when driving on highways in the rain, poor visibility increases the risk of rear-end collisions, and without washer fluid, you can't effectively clean oil films off the windshield.