Major World Issue!

[Maleficent13]

Windshield Washing Etiquette...

Is there such a thing? A time when you should or should not use your windshield washer fluid to clean your windshield?

I ask because I have never, ever thought about this before. Then today as I was running to get something for lunch, my windshield was filthy. Cruising down the road, doing about 30 mph, I hit the button, doused it and ran the wipers.

The guy behind me (by about a car length) immediately hit his wipers as if I had hit him (although I cannot see how that was possible), and then sped up to pass me giving me dirty looks.

Did I commit a driving crime??

 

[piglet too]

The only time I don't use mine is if I am next to a car with their windows down, next to a convertable with the top down or if I am parked and people are walking by.

 

[Michie]

YES!!! If you had gotten Pearl wet, well, it would have gotten ugly

It irks me to no end, to be sitting at a stoplight and it being a windy day and somebody decides to wash thier back window Pearl was hit by overspray once.

 

[Maleficent13]

LOL...I don't even HAVE a back window washer...I cain't afford them spiffy accoutrements.

BTW, if it matters, his truck was filthy.

 

[Kimberly815]

The only time I don't use mine is if I am next to a car with their windows down, next to a convertable with the top down or if I am parked and people are walking by.

These are the only times I would think twice about it. Other than that, I just wash wash wash to my little hearts content.

Your intention is not to make them mad. Just that you can see and drive safely!!

 

[NMAmy]

BTW, if it matters, his truck was filthy.

Well, THAT was the problem. Do you know how weird it looks to have one clean spot on a filthy truck?

I should know--I left my car at the airport for a week and it's just covered with dust! I really think airport parking ramps import dust to blow all over the cars at night. Where the heck does it all come from anyway? If I leave my car outside my house in the suburbs, it's not totally covered with dust.

I think you were fine, Mal. I do it all the time.

 

[jennyl772003]

I don't use them when stopped next to a convertable, motorcycle or pedestrian, or when at the drive thru window.

Otherwise, I will use them. And I have a wonky washer squirter thing. The front washer will spray clear over my car sometimes.

 

[Tina]

I've had to flip on the wipers many times after the car in front of me washed their windshield. I just consider it a free spritz of washer fluid.

As far as windshield washing taboos, I don't recommend doing it while your OWN sunroof is open. I really got my DH good one day with that. LOL He had to wipe off his glasses on his shirt. Whoopsy!

 

[Microcell]

LOL...I don't even HAVE a back window washer...I cain't afford them spiffy accoutrements.

BTW, if it matters, his truck was filthy.

Oh, it does! You were simply doing a service!

We used to own an Intrepid, and it had a huge overspray problem. My Dh and I would use it as a weapon with tailgaters!

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

The only time I don't use mine is if I am next to a car with their windows down, next to a convertable with the top down or if I am parked and people are walking by.

That about sums it up for me. Mal, I see nothing wrong with what you did. Maybe he was a real weirdo who doesn't like getting things for free?

Similar to Tina, I once washed my windshield while I had my windows down. I got a nice spritz. I was young and a new driver, I didn't know any better. But hey, I've never done it since!

 

[Saffron]

Just make sure if you do any brushing of snow off your car that your little jets are still aimed at your window, not over your car. I never knew this could happen until one day, while I was sitting at a light ...

 

[Jennifer48]

I don't use them when stopped next to a convertable, motorcycle or pedestrian, or when at the drive thru window.

Same here. I don't think you did anything wrong. He was probably already in a bad mood to begin with. He didn't want to have to flick his finger to turn on his wipers