Windshield washer fluid running over side window

[Tom Russ]

Hi,

every time I spray washer fluid over the windscreen, the wipers move it to the left side of the windshield. So far so good. But depending on the speed you’re driving it runs over the side window (driver side). If the side window is closed, the window will be all dirty and smudgy (if that is really the correct description). As specially in the darker winter period this can lead to bad visibility in the side mirror.
BUT in summer, when the window is open........ well you know what will happen
Is it just me, or are more people annoyed by this?

 

[SSedan]

When I lose my grip on my phone it rapidly accelerates towards the ground. I find that annoying.

 

[JulienW]

What I hate is driving down the road and my car is clean and the car in front of me decides to wash their windshield and the overspray lands all over my windshield/hood. Wish Tesla could find a fix for this.

 

[Candleflame]

Hi,

every time I spray washer fluid over the windscreen, the wipers move it to the left side of the windshield. So far so good. But depending on the speed you’re driving it runs over the side window (driver side). If the side window is closed, the window will be all dirty and smudgy (if that is really the correct description). As specially in the darker winter period this can lead to bad visibility in the side mirror.
BUT in summer, when the window is open........ well you know what will happen
Is it just me, or are more people annoyed by this?

yeah, standard on the 3 and really annoying. When you drive at speed a lot of it will run over the roof and then sort of run down the rear windshield and stop there as its shielded from the wind and then get baked in leading to waterspots.

I would put rainx or equivalent on the windshield, only use distilled water in the washer reservour and keep using the washer to a minimum.

 

[JulienW]

yeah, standard on the 3 and really annoying....

...and just about every car on the road. It is just physics: the water wiped must go somewhere. This is one advantage sequential wipers have is the volume is reduce by almost ½ since it is distributed between the driver's and passenger's sides and with pivot wipers you tend to get the passenger's volume added to the driver's.

 

[PDB2655]

I don't know an have driven many Vehicles that do the same thing.Like it was said its just physics and can't be controlled.

 

[Tom Russ]

...and just about every car on the road. It is just physics: the water wiped must go somewhere.

yes, can’t defy physics
But my VW and Audi have a kind of gutter which redirects the water upwards to the roof. As I’m an engineer, I already thought about 3D printing such a device..... but first need think a bit about this.

 

[CDN-Build]

yes, can’t defy physics
But my VW and Audi have a kind of gutter which redirects the water upwards to the roof. As I’m an engineer, I already thought about 3D printing such a device..... but first need think a bit about this.

It lacks those gutter systems for aerodynamics. If you or Tesla adds them, the efficiency and appearance of the car declines.

(Water on the side window)
Or
(Less efficient, and a hit to the appearance.)

??

 

[SSedan]

And will a gutter increase wind noise?

 

[CDN-Build]

And will a gutter increase wind noise?

I would assume yes.

 

[KenC]

You can solve the annoying washer fluid on the driver side window by accelerating really really fast as you wipe. Then the fluid goes over the top!

 

[Tom Russ]

It will definitely effect the aerodynamics, but will that be noticeable? Besides most of the other cars on the market don’t have this issue, so i’m convinced there is a working compromise between function, aerodynamics and ecstatics.
But let me experiment a little bit with this, I’ll keep you informed

 

[CDN-Build]

It will definitely effect the aerodynamics, but will that be noticeable? Besides most of the other cars on the market don’t have this issue, so i’m convinced there is a working compromise between function, aerodynamics and ecstatics.
But let me experiment a little bit with this, I’ll keep you informed

Keep in mind, most other cars on the market, don’t need to have optimum efficiency, so they don’t consider that in the design as much.
There is a happy medium, but you will lose efficiency/range.

 

[KenC]

You can solve the annoying washer fluid on the driver side window by accelerating really really fast as you wipe. Then the fluid goes over the top!

You think I'm joking, I'm not! I just went out in the heavy rain to test. As the wiper reaches the end of its stroke, give the accelerator pedal a hard, but brief, push. That'll send the fluid up and over. If you're careful, it'll add only 2mph of speed, per push. Enjoy.

 

[Seth2020]

....only use distilled water in the washer reservour....

and choose where you live very carefully based on climate and probability of below freezing temperatures...

 

[Fernand]

Maybe add a little alcohol to the distilled water?

 

[CDN-Build]

Maybe add a little alcohol to the distilled water?

And if you add a few olives, and some vermouth, to that, you’ve got something...

Anyone know if the squirt lines can be diverted to the cabin.....

 

[hellocar]

Yeah I've also noticed this, minor annoyance but no big deal. I like the aero shape of the car. Some of my previous cars have done the same on one or both sides. I'm gonna try the accelerator trick though!

 

[Candleflame]

and choose where you live very carefully based on climate and probability of below freezing temperatures...

ehm yeah obviously depends where you live. If you live somewhere cold you have to add some antifreeze - washer concentrate has already got this in if you live somewhere cold.

 

[SR-Plus]

Perhaps operate the washers when you’re stationary at a traffic lights etc. The water will drip downwards on the windshield.