A windscreen washer system efficiently cleans your car's windshield using a simple but effective mechanism.
At its core, a windscreen washer system is designed to deliver cleaning fluid from a storage tank to the windscreen surface on demand. This is achieved through a series of interconnected components that work together when the driver activates the system, typically via a lever or button inside the vehicle.
Here's a breakdown of the key components and the process:
Key Components of a Windscreen Washer System
The system relies on several parts to function correctly:
- Washer Fluid Reservoir: This is a plastic tank, usually located under the bonnet (hood), that stores the special cleaning fluid. It often has a marked level indicator and a wide opening for easy refilling.
- Windscreen Washer Pump: As highlighted in the reference, a windscreen washer pump is a small pump that feeds fluid from the windscreen wash reservoir to the washer nozzles. It's the heart of the system, responsible for moving the liquid.
- Electric Motor: The pump is powered by a motor, which is needed to generate enough pressure to force the liquid along the washer feed tubes. This motor starts running when you activate the system.
- Washer Feed Tubes: These are flexible hoses or pipes that carry the pressurized fluid from the pump to the various spray nozzles.
- Washer Nozzles: Located typically on the bonnet, scuttle panel, or sometimes integrated into the wiper arms, these small outlets spray the fluid onto the windscreen, headlights, or rear window. The reference specifically mentions output on the windscreen, headlights, or rear window.
- Control Switch: The driver's interface, usually a stalk on the steering column or a dashboard button, which activates the pump and often the wipers simultaneously.
The Process: Step-by-Step
When you operate the control switch:
- Signal Activation: An electrical signal is sent to the washer pump's motor.
- Pump Engagement: The electric motor powers the windscreen washer pump.
- Fluid Intake: The pump draws washer fluid from the reservoir.
- Pressurization: The pump generates enough pressure to push the fluid through the system.
- Fluid Delivery: The pressurized fluid travels along the washer feed tubes.
- Spraying: The fluid is forced out through the washer nozzles onto the target surface (windscreen, headlights, or rear window).
- Wiping (Optional but Common): Often, activating the washer system also triggers the windscreen wipers to sweep across the glass, spreading the fluid and cleaning the surface.
Practical Insights
- Fluid Type: Using proper windscreen washer fluid is crucial, especially in winter, as it contains antifreeze to prevent the system from freezing.
- Maintenance: Regularly check and refill the reservoir. Clogged nozzles are a common issue and can often be cleared with a thin pin.
- Multiple Pumps: Vehicles with headlamp washers or rear window washers may have separate pumps or a single pump with multiple outlets and valves.
This simple yet vital system ensures clear visibility, contributing significantly to driving safety.
