The device and principle of operation of a car windshield washer

The windshield washer is an essential piece of equipment that comes standard on any modern vehicle. Its presence and serviceability directly affects the safety of driving. Without a windscreen washer, the wiper blades are ineffective, and visibility in front of the machine in bad weather conditions is significantly impaired. Therefore, the operation of a car with a faulty washer is prohibited by traffic rules.

What is a windshield washer

A windscreen washer is a functional device that is designed to supply washer fluid to the windshield. This is done in order to moisten the surface to be cleaned and wash away dirt or dust from it. Otherwise, the wipers will simply smear dirt on the glass, thereby impairing visibility. As a rule, a windscreen washer is used in the following cases:

• in rain or snow, when, without washer fluid, the brushes simply increase the number of stains on the glass;
• if the windshield is heavily soiled, to wash off the layer of dust or adhering insects.

The washer fluid used has a great influence on the result of the device operation. A high-quality washer guarantees a significant increase in visibility and easy removal of insect stains.

Some products have properties that guarantee resistance to freezing. In the winter season, they are well sprayed and do not form an ice film on the glass.

Scheme and design of the washer

The device diagram is as simple as possible and consists of the following functional elements:

• nozzles;
• washer fluid reservoir;
• pump equipped with a motor;
• connecting hoses.

Let's take a closer look at every detail:

1. The nozzles are the element that supplies the washer fluid to the windshield. The main task of the device is to get the liquid to the center of the surface, from where the brushes can most easily spread it over the working area. Depending on the principle of operation, a distinction is made between jet and fan nozzles. The latter are considered more efficient due to the higher fluid supply pressure and the number of nozzles.
2. The fluid reservoir located under the hood of the vehicle. The reservoir is connected by hoses to nozzles. Depending on the model of the tank, they are produced in volumes from 2,5 to 5 liters. Optionally, it can be equipped with a float-type washer fluid level sensor.
3. Centrifugal windscreen washer pump. Fixed on the reservoir and designed to create pressure and supply fluid. The device consists of an electric motor and an impeller.

The car windshield washer motor is quite small in size, so its prolonged and continuous use can negatively affect the resource. This is especially true for turning on the washer when the liquid is frozen.

Principle of operation of the device

Consider the algorithm of the washer operation from service to supplying funds to the glass:

1. It is necessary to fill a suitable washer fluid in the tank, which is located under the hood.
2. The driver activates the supply of cleaning agent to the glass and the operation of the wipers using the steering column switch.
3. The washer motor receives power from the on-board network and starts working.
4. The pump builds up pressure and pumps fluid through the washer hose to the injectors. Through special holes under the action of high pressure, the liquid is sprayed onto the glass.
5. The work includes brushes that carry the washer over the entire working area of ​​the windshield.

In most cases, the vehicle driver manually turns on the wipers and washer using special buttons. More expensive car models are equipped with smart systems with built-in sensors that independently determine the level of glass contamination and weather conditions in order to automatically use the washer.

Ways to solve problems with freezing of washer fluid

Drivers regularly face the problem of freezing fluids during the winter season. Even the most persistent substances may not retain their properties in severe frosts. As a result, some drivers turn off the system before warming, while others use alternative solutions to the problem. What to do if the windscreen washer is frozen:

1. Move the car to a warm heated garage or parking lot until the liquid is restored to its former properties. The option is suitable only for those who have free time and access to insulated premises.
2. Temporarily remove the water tank, if possible, and warm it up indoors. After defrosting, the tank must be reinstalled.
3. Pour an anti-icing washer fluid into the reservoir, which is designed to work in extreme conditions, including the interval from -70 to -50 degrees.

In winter, it is not recommended to completely fill the washer reservoir. Expansion of the frozen fluid can cause the reservoir to crack or burst.

Additional heating system

One of the current options for winter is the installation of an additional heating system for the washer reservoir and nozzles. The owner of the car can forget about problems with freezing liquid or icing pipes.

Equipment manufacturers produce standard nozzles with built-in heating. Resistors are used to maintain the temperature and prevent icing. The power supply passes through a resistance, as a result of which heat is generated, which does not allow the element to freeze. The pipes for the fluid supply are specially insulated, and electric heaters can be used to heat the tank.

A windshield washer is a must-have device, without which it is difficult to imagine a car. It improves the safety and comfort of driving.