All car owners know that a windshield washer is a necessary attribute for comfortable and safe journeys. In today’s article, we provide answers to popular questions about summer and winter washers. And we also share the secrets of choosing a really high-quality product.
What is a glass washer?
Glass washer is a special liquid used for high-quality cleaning of the car windshield from dust and dirt. The washer is also called “non-freezing” because some of its types are able to maintain a liquid consistency even at significant minus temperatures.
The washer helps to moisten the wiper blades, thanks to which the dirt is easily and quickly cleaned. The modern car chemical market offers many different brands and types of glass washer, among which there are summer washer, winter washer and universal.
What is the difference between winter and summer washer?
If you are looking for a washer and can’t decide which glass washer is better, you need to have a clear understanding of the differences between a winter and summer product.
- Summer washer – usually used in the warm season, perfectly cleans sand, dust and traces of insects. However, this product does not have antifreeze properties, which means that at sub-zero temperatures it will simply freeze.
- Winter washer – in addition to high-quality cleaning of dirt, such washers contain antifreeze substances that allow them to remain in a liquid state during frost.
In addition to summer and winter, there is also a universal glass washer. Such a substance successfully combines the properties of both summer and winter washer and can be used in any weather conditions.
Types of washers for glass
All detergents, except dye, flavoring and distilled water, contain alcohol. According to this characteristic, they can be divided into the following types:
- Based on methanol – such washers usually have a low price, which attracts many consumers. However, it should be remembered that methanol is a rather poisonous substance, and its maximum permissible concentration in the air is only 5 g/m. Methanol poisoning can cause dizziness, headache and nausea, so glass cleaners based on this alcohol are not the safest option.
- On the basis of isopropyl – it is considered a safe type of glass washer, since it is impossible to be poisoned by isopropyl by airborne droplets.
- Based on bioethanol – it is the safest and at the same time the most expensive version of the windshield washer. By composition, it is food alcohol in combination with surface-active elements.
Another type of washer that has become wildly popular is a non-contact glass washer. Such liquids are used without adding water and contain substances that significantly increase the efficiency of glass cleaning. It should be understood that this type of windshield washer may turn out to be less economical compared to concentrated liquids.
Glass washer: what functions does it perform?
Among the main functions of the glass washer are the following:
- High-quality cleaning – the windshield washer provides effective dirt cleaning even in adverse weather conditions.
- Lack of inconvenience – when using a high-quality glass washer, you can forget about such disadvantages as separations and iridescent spots.
- Protection against insects – this function mostly applies to the summer washer, which is a kind of barrier against insects and easily removes their remains.
- Neutrality to the car coating – the windshield washer does not damage the paintwork of the car in any way.
- Safety – using both a winter washer and a summer washer is a guarantee of clean glass and safety during the trip.
Summer or winter washer: which is better?
Answering the question of which glass washer is better, it can be noted that everything depends solely on the climatic conditions of your region, as well as personal preferences. Some drivers change the washer from summer to winter in the cold season, and some consider a universal washer to be the best option.
How to find a really high-quality washer?
Most drivers do not know how to choose a windshield washer. That is why TOPCHIM shares with you useful tips:
- DO NOT pay attention to very favorable offers – remember that there should always be a certain ratio of price and quality. If you are offered a windshield washer based on bioethanol at a very low price, it is most likely a fake.
- Place of purchase – it does not matter whether it is a summer washer, a winter washer or a universal washer, the place of purchase is an important factor. It is best to buy a glass washer from trusted stores, car dealerships, or gas stations. They clearly care about their reputation and are unlikely to sell a low-quality product. But spontaneous markets do not have such an advantage.
- Label – a quality windshield washer will always have a label with the composition, manufacturer’s name and barcode. Note that the label must also be of high quality.
In TOPHIM, you can buy a premium quality windshield washer that will ensure reliable cleaning of the car glass.
General advice for use
In order to achieve the most effective level of cleaning, it is important to follow certain rules when using a glass washer:
- Regularly check the level of the windshield washer, if necessary, top up the solution in the washer tank.
- Clean the tank from the remains of summer or winter washer during car maintenance.
- Monitor the condition of the wiper blades, replace them from time to time.
- Avoid counterfeits and low-quality glass cleaning fluids, as they can damage the system.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you need a glass washer?
The windshield washer is used to effectively clean the windshield of the car from dust, dirt, traces of insects, etc.
What is the difference between winter and summer washer?
The main difference between these two types of washer is that the winter washer has antifreeze components that allow you to maintain a liquid state even at sub-zero temperatures.
How to make the right choice of glass washer?
In order to choose a high-quality washer, you need to pay attention to the following factors: the climate of your region, the composition of the washer, the reliability of the manufacturer, as well as the place of purchase.