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Summertime. Long, warm, breezy days, slightly cooler nights, and lots and lots
of bugs. As anyone who has driven in the bug belt during the summer months can
attest, the absolute worst time to find out your windshield washing system is
no longer working is when your windshield is smacked and smeared with the
remains of flying insects. While the colors and patterns of smeared bugs may
amuse the kids to no end, not being able to properly see out of the front
window is a downright dangerous situation. Even the smallest amount of reduced
forward vision can obscure road hazards that could potentially cause an
accident.
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The right time to make sure the windshield washing system is operating
properly and full of window washing fluid is before you ever leave the
driveway. Also remember during the long buggy days of summer to clean your
headlamp lenses frequently. Bug buildup can seriously cut down on headlamp
light output.
Seeing Clearly
The windshield washer system in all but the most fancy of cars and trucks is
relatively simple. First there is the reservoir that holds the windshield
washing fluid. This is usually in the engine compartment, yet can sometimes
live in the trunk. The tank itself will likely have a cap with a windshield
washer and fluid spraying pictogram on it. Second is the pump motor and system
of hoses that get the fluid from the reservoir to the windshield. Third is the
actual squirter or squirters. From the squirters is where the windshield
washer fluid, under pressure from the pump motor in the hoses, sprays forth
all over the windshield. With the help of the windshield wipers, the fluid
usually does a great job of clearing the windshield of dirt, bugs, and debris.
Keep the reservoir full and all should be well. If a pull on the washer lever
brings nothing but the sound of wipers scraping across dried-up bugs, then
it's time to inspect the system.
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