Northern blokes don't fill their washers
Check your screen wash levels -- autumn's on its way
Seven out of 10 motorists are running the risk of impaired visibility by driving with an empty windscreen washer bottle, according to new data from screen wash maker Comma. A recent survey of car owners saw a staggering 70 per cent admit to starting or continuing a journey without sufficient reserves of washer fluid to clean their windscreen.
And, as the sun sinks earlier and unpredictable weather experienced lately, herald the onset of autumn, now is a time when motorists will be increasingly in need of fluid to clear their windscreens. Be it flies, tree sap or the muddy aftermath of a sudden downpour, motorists must be able to keep screens clear of any dirt or grim to prevent even the slightest reduction in visibility.
Men were worse offenders than women, with no fewer than 73 per cent telling tales of their windscreen visibility being severely impaired, compared to 54 per cent of women. Northerners (with 78 per cent admitting to have run on empty) are more likely to be caught out than those living in the south with a slightly more cautious 66 per cent. Those least likely to run out were drivers over 55, with those aged 26 – 35 as the worst offenders.
"Poor road visibility has a massive, and possibly detrimental effect, on the judgements a driver will make. By not having clear all round vision, they are putting themselves, their passengers and other road users of being at risk of being involved in an accident," commented Mike Bewsey of Comma. "While we are always told to check our oil and tyre pressures, it seems an alarming few are heeding the advice to also check their screen wash."
Water on its own is rarely strong enough to contend with the grime collected on the windscreen. However, the addition of a chemical screen wash will better assist the removal of traffic film and insects, leaving the windscreen clean and smear free. Contrary to popular belief, washing-up liquid will smear a windscreen -- precisely what screen wash is formulated not to do.
To ensure you have enough screenwash, check weekly, topping up as necessary and always before a long journey. To ensure your windscreen remains clean and smear free, add some concentrated screen wash into the reservoir.
According to Comma, its Xstream screen wash is a super concentrated formula that is safe on paintwork and has added fragrance.
mybrainhurts said:
That was northernist. I protest
Well could I be taxidriverist then, having once been picked up from Manchester airport for a late night cross Pennine trip by a plonker who kept swerving from side to side to try and slop water so the pump would pick up enough to dribble a few drops on the screen.
Headlights encrusted in grime, supplemented by foglights in similar condition.
Then he took the hump when having spotted an open garage I just ordered him to stop the car and fill the washer bottle while I cleaned the lights and windows.
Talk about "your life in their hands!"
m-five said:
The computer checks mine, not me - if the display shows a low fluid level then I top it up!
There's three of the buggers after all and it would take all of 5 minutes to check them - that's 5 minutes of my time!
Yeah, but failing to check them could mean losing quite a few years from your lifespan
David
Anyway - rains so much oop 'ere we don't need to!
priceless!! 
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