2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Windshield Washer Fluid & Windscreen Defroster Demister

 

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First Vehicle Owned in 2018 despite getting a G1 on 2007 and G in 2014 (been driving rental vehicle, bicycle or using public transit till then for work, school, college) and a forklift license in 2008.

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Bought the 2007 Dodge Grand caravan SE on Nov 07, 2018 from a dealership (AS IS) at a price of $1689.35 (Tax inclusive) and Odometer at 209,694 km

* Got it certified (which covers rustproofing) for another $2000-$4000. Spent another $1000+ on brake pads, calipers and rotors (seized)

Used it till Feb 05, 2020 until the van was involved in an accident because of mechanical failure (Brakes/Rotors/Calipers) as a the car took a skid despite the winter tires. Insurance company gave $1500 for "write-off" and awarded another $6000+ for the city to replace the traffic signal. But only the front engine portion was damaged in a collision with a traffic signal where the traffic signal came off. The van repair estimate was $12,724.20 as written in a document by the towing company.  Note: Vehicle was maintained and oil/lubricant changes done regularly via Master Mechanic and the mileage was between 221,000 - 260,000 km at the time of the accident)

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Return On Investment (Income and savings)

1) Property management and road trips for real estate hunting which covers trips to Sudbury & Windsor: $500 - $5000 (In savings from commuting via public transit or rental cars)

2) Employment (Remote Work/Wireless Support for Chatr Wireless) and Business (Intuit Product Support, Courier Service, Uber eats, Skip the dishes, Instacart, road trips, Roadside Assistance via Kijiji) Income (Divided between Acadia and 2007 Dodge Caravan): $65, 495.21 (verified by tax returns for 2018 and 2019)


Overall Return on Investment (Income and savings): $65,995 - $70,495.21

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Relevant Material: "Windshield washer fluids with de-icer properties are formulated with high methanol or alcohol content to prevent freezing and actively melt ice and frost in sub-zero temperatures. They offer specific performance statistics related to freezing point, cleaning power, and water repellency. 

Key De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid Statistics
  • Freeze Protection Rating: This is the primary statistic. While standard "all-season" fluids might protect down to -20°F (-29°C), dedicated de-icer fluids are typically effective at much lower temperatures.
    • Common Ratings: -25°F (-32°C) to -49°C (-56°F).
  • Active Ice Melting: They are specifically engineered to quickly melt existing light ice and frost on contact, as opposed to just preventing the fluid itself from freezing.
  • Prevents Refreeze: The formulation works to prevent the melted ice from instantly refreezing on the cold windshield, which is a significant safety hazard.
  • Cleaning Power: In addition to de-icing, these fluids are formulated to "power clean" away common winter road contaminants like salt, grime, and slush for improved visibility.
  • Water Repellency (Specific Brands): Many de-icer fluids, particularly the Rain-X brand, incorporate water-beading technology. This repels rain, sleet, and snow, further enhancing visibility during wet weather.
  • Non-Smear/Streak-Free Formula: High-quality de-icers are designed to provide a streak-free and glare-free clean to maintain clear vision.
  • Safety/Compatibility: Most modern formulas are safe for use with rain-sensing wiper technology. 
Common Ingredients
The key ingredient that provides the de-icing and anti-freezing properties is generally methanol (wood alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol. Surfactants and water softeners are also included for cleaning effectiveness. 
Important Considerations
  • Do not dilute pre-mixed de-icer fluids, as this will significantly reduce their freeze protection and effectiveness.
  • Check the label for the specific temperature rating and instructions, as color alone is not a reliable indicator of performance.
  • Ensure you switch from summer/all-season mixes to a dedicated winter de-icer fluid before freezing temperatures arrive to prevent damage to your vehicle's washer system. .." (Google) 
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Relevant Material: "Symptoms of low windshield washer fluid include a dashboard warning light (often a windshield with a spray icon), weak or sputtering spray from the nozzles, or no fluid at all when you activate the wipers, which can also lead to the washer pump overheating if you keep trying to use it when empty, causing potential damage. ..
Key Symptoms:

  • Warning Light: A symbol on your dash (usually yellow/amber) shaped like a windshield with water spraying up.
  • No Spray/Weak Spray: Activating the wipers yields little to no fluid, or just a weak dribble.
  • Sputtering Sound: A sputtering noise might come from the pump area before the fluid stops. 
Why It Matters:
  • Safety: Washer fluid is crucial for clearing debris, bugs, and dirt, maintaining clear visibility for safe driving.
  • Pump Protection: Running the pump dry can cause it to overheat and fail, leading to an expensive repair. 
What to Do:
  • Check the Reservoir: Open the hood and look for the translucent plastic reservoir with the washer symbol on the cap.
  • Refill Immediately: Top it off with the appropriate washer fluid to prevent pump damage and ensure clear visibility..." (Google) 
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Q: How does one refill windshield washer fluid? How does one clear up foggy windshield in extreme weather from inside the vehicle?

A: As shown
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Applications:
1. Windscreen Washer Fluid & Deicer: Deicing, Windscreen Wiper blades
2. Defroster Demister Fan: Defrost Windshield, heating/cooling fan
Relevant statistics on windshield washer fluid: "The Global Automotive Windshield Washer System Market is expected to cross USD 25.2 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of approximately 5.76% during the forecast period of 2019 - 2026.... The automotive windshield washer mechanism is gaining ground with the increasing need for safety and maintains the proper view. In cold countries, where there is a continuous snowfall during winter, it is essential to have a proper windshield wiping system to avoid any unexpected consequences. A proper wiping system prevents accidents by cleaning the dirt, snow and other particles from the vehicle's windshield.... The growing concerns for vehicle maintenance, installation of wipers with additional features such as defrost or heating, and other technological advances are also among the main drivers of the market in recent years.." ("Automotive Windshield Washer System Market Analysis - By Capacity (1.5 Litre - 2, 2-3 litre, 3-4 litre, 4-5 litre & Above 5 Litre), By Vehicle Type (Passenger, LCV & HCV), By Region (North America (United States & Canada), Europe (United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, France & Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina & Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Trends & Forecast Report | 2019 - 2026, https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.researchcosmos.com/amp/automotive-windshield-washer-system-market/280641605)
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Relevant statistics on auto accidents from rain: "A new analysis of federal data shows that rain causes more driving fatalities than snow in 39 of the 50 states.In fact, car accidents are the deadliest weather hazard in the United States — whether caused by rain, snow, fog or wind — and kill about 7,000 Americans a year..." ("Surprise: Rain is the deadliest weather driving hazard", https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/27300165)
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More statistics: "Dangerous winter storms and bad weather are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than two thousand road deaths every winter.About 46 percent of crashes involving bad weather take place in the winter, making it the worst time of year for driving in treacherous conditions, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a non-profit, charitable organization. Snow, ice and sleet are not only a problem when driving on the roadways, where it can cause significant safety problems by making it difficult to maneuver or stop, but also when it accumulates on the vehicle.The accumulation of snow and ice on the vehicle can also have significant impacts on both the driver and those around. AAA experts explain why it is important to clear off your vehicle of snow and ice before hitting the roads, as it can have both legal and safety repercussions... There are numerous hacks that you can try if you find your windshield frozen with ice and snow during the winter, such as filling the windshield washer reservoir with a winter fluid and using a plastic scraper, soft bristle brush or squeegee to remove the ice as it melts...” ("Potential dangers of not removing the snow, ice off your vehicle before driving", https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/potential-dangers-of-not-removing-the-snow-ice-off-your-vehicle-before-driving/336904/amp)

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Relevant article on Traffic Tickets & Penalties: “Edmonton police and city officials are reminding motorists that driving with an icy or snowy windshield can earn them a $155 ticket..." ("Don’t be a ‘peephole driver’: Driving without a clear windshield is illegal", https://www.google.com/amp/s/globalnews.ca/news/3895954/edmonton-winter-driving-clear-windshield-illegal-ticket/amp/)
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Relevant article on defogging windshield: "Windshields fog up because of differences in temperature and moisture in the air [humidity]. Window fog is caused by moist, humid air inside the vehicle coming in contact with the cold windshield before it’s warmed up. Your windshield will be colder than the air inside the car as it is in contact with cooler outside air.

There are several factors contributing to this humid air:

  • Driver or passenger breathing/inhaling and exhaling
  • A steaming mug of coffee
  • The rain and snow on your clothes

The humid/moist air comes into contact with the cold surface of the windshield glass, releases moisture and condenses into what we know as fog. The key to whether we can expect to find fog is the temperature at which the maximum amount of water vapour can be held in the air at a given pressure before condensing into a liquid. This is known as the dew point...It is also important to consider that the air trapped in the car from the previous day will be more humid than the outside humidity level, therefore holding more moisture..."("Winter Driving, Visibility and Defogging the Windscreen/ Windshield" https://www.arrivealive.mobi/winter-driving-windscreen-visibility-and-defogging-the-windscreen)

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Relevant Global statistics : " Every year, roughly 1.3 million people die in car accidents worldwide – an average of 3,287 deaths per day." ("Global Car Accident Statistics", https://safer-america.com/car-accident-statistics/#Global)

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Relevant Insurance coverage:
a. Auto insurance: all perils, collision, upset, dcpd, liability, uninsured auto, accident benefits, OMVAC
b. Travel & health with collision coverage for rental vehicles
c. Garage auto mobile policy
d. Personal property coverage
e. Windscreen Defroster/demister
f. De Icer washer fluid to deice windows
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