Are you crazy?
That's the first thought I had when a friend of mine mentioned he had just installed one on his car.
For the life of me, I could not understand why anyone would want to purchase a product that heated the water in your windshield washer.
Well, after talking to him, and doing a little research I found out that this is a pretty good idea. Especially if you live in parts of the country that gets frost, ice or snow on your windshield.
If you have ever had to stand outside in freezing cold weather and try and clean your view with an ice scraper I'm sure you thought to yourself, there has to be a better way. There is, and that is simply by heating the washer fluid. The heated water or chemicals melt that frost, ice or snow, while you sit comfortably inside the car.
Turns out the idea can be used at other times of the year also. I really hate when I'm driving on a trip and some bugs decide to die on my window. The wiper blades seem to just smear their little bodies all over the place, and it becomes even harder to see then when I began to clean the window. Heated water helps loosen them up and makes it easier to clean up the mess.
If this now sounds like a good idea to you, here are some things to consider before you purchase one.
1. Look for system that is universal, and will fit a wide variety of vehicles.
2. Look for one that you can install by yourself, and avoid expensive installation charges.
3. Seek an American made model, and help our balance of trade.
4. Find one with a warranty.
5. Avoid cheap foreign made rip-off products.
6. Purchase a system that integrates with your current washer system. Don't drill holes in your car to add a strange contraption.
7. The best systems heat the fluid in less than a minute.
8. Get a system that heats the water to at least 125 degrees. Warm water does not clean as well as hot water.
9. Check out the installation manual, if there is one, first to insure that a particular product will work and fit in your vehicle.
10. Are there any reviews on the brand you are thinking of purchasing? Impartial reviews will help you decide on the right product.
