It is not always wise to use wiper fluid and wipers to clean up nasty messes that appear on the windshield. In some cases, it merely smears what is probably sticky, gooey grime makes a more significant problem on the glass.
In addition, the wipers are now corroded by any substance, creating a dangerous situation when it rains, and you are blinded by the residue sliding on the glass. See this article for advice on how to keep the summertime insects from sticking to your car.
When Is The Best Time To Avoid Using Wiper fluid In Favor Of An Alternative
When you notice dust or dirt building up on your windshield, it’s essential to use your reserve of wiper fluid to clean the glass, so your field of vision is clear.
But as the weather turns warm and insects begin to make their appearance, trees start to produce sap, and workers initiate roadwork, including products like tar, your car is exposed to a different breed of grime.
With scenarios like this, the solution you choose to put in your reservoir will not be responsible for this type of challenge. Unless perhaps you make your own fluid. There is the potential to create a dangerous situation with limited solutions to remove hardened gunk from windows. Here are some of the most common challenges faced by drivers with messy windows and methods of cleaning them:
Sap From Trees: Getting sticky sap off of car glass is tricky, particularly if you attempt to use the wipers. The recommendation for this mess is to take a small amount of diluted rubbing alcohol poured into a rag and place it on the sap to set for a minute, after which you’ll rub the spot. You can repeat the process until the grime has disappeared and then clean it with a regular glass product.
Insect Guts: Identity of the disadvantages drivers find with the coming of warm weather is the bugs as they splatter all over the windshield when the car is moving. The suggestion for a DIY removal technique is using WD-40 oil that you let sit on the various spots for several minutes. Follow this by scrubbing over the areas with an abrasive sponge and then wipe the surface down using a microfiber cloth.
A Frozen Windshield: Many people tend to use windshield washer fluid as a quick escape from a frosted window. It can destroy the wipers and can freeze again if you drive as soon as you clean it.
It’s no one’s preference to stand outside in the freezing temperatures to chip away at the ice on the glass.
The suggested solution is to dissolve the ice using a rubbing alcohol mix that notes doing the job quickly by just spraying the surface. For convenience in the cold months, it’s a good idea to always have a full bottle around using ⅔ of the alcohol to ⅓ water. Due to the alcohol ingredient, the solution won’t refreeze.
Streaks From Wiper Blades: There are times that the wiper blades will leave streaks going across the window, which may be an indication that you need to replace them. If you see streaks regularly, you should check the condition. Using the wiper fluid will only continue to streak.
Instead, opt for a glass cleaner offering an alcohol base along with a lint-free cloth. You want to clean the surface underneath the wipers and use a fresh cloth that has the glass cleaner sprayed on it to go over the blades. If they’re in poor condition, they should be replaced immediately for safety.
It’s difficult to understand the fluid reserve in the tank is not for all purposes, and the wipers can only handle so much abuse. But people must learn this so that when the wipers are needed, they’re of adequate condition with no gunk corroding them to distort the driver’s view. Cleaning the glass may not always be simple, but the priority is to ensure that you are safe and secure behind the wheel.
Whenever you use alcohol products, dilute the rubbing alcohol at least 15 percent. You don’t want to use full strength due to the capacity to damage a vehicle’s paint.
Source: nocarnofun