Fine water droplets on windshield

[jb92563]

I have been noticing a very fine water droplets hitting my windshield now and then.

They form peculiar ^ (Inverted V) shapes on the windshield and evaporate fairly quickly.

At first I thought the car ahead of me used his wipers but did not see wiper activity.

Then I thought perhaps some left over water from my weekly car washing but I could not find any water anywhere.

The water temp gauge reads normal at just a hair over 180 F.

I checked the coolant tank in the trunk and the level looks normal and does not seem to be dropping.

The coolant cap was pressurized when I slowly opened it so I figured if anything was going to have a hole in it, it would leak coolant but I could not find any dripping anywhere.

I can't even imagine how coolant from the radiators and hoses could end up on my windshield while going 60mph as I would think it would all get sucked down below the car.

I have on a few occasions blipped the wiper spray instead of the cruise control but I made sure that was not happening during these events.

Is it possible that the wind over the wipers is sucking wiper fluid out of the tank?

Its the only thing I can think of that could be causing this.

I'm thinking I could completely drain the wiper fluid to eliminate that possibility.

Any suggestions?

[schnellman]

Why not put a piece of tape over the washer jets and go for a ride?

[nnewell]

I've had the same thing happening I believe it's coming off the A/C - condensate - it only happens when it's hot and around 50 to 60 MPH.

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by nnewell

I've had the same thing happening I believe it's coming off the A/C - condensate - it only happens when it's hot and around 50 to 60 MPH.

That makes sense and may explain the inverted V shapes of water landing on my windshield. Did not look like normal droplets of water at all.

My first impression of them was that it was snow, but I dismissed that idea since its California (Im Canadian so I know snow) and in the 90's but sure enough the AC was on.

I did not remember that the AC plumbing is in that area in front of the windshield.

I'll have to keep an eye on it to verify.

Thanks for that input.

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by schnellman

Why not put a piece of tape over the washer jets and go for a ride?

Faster than emptying the washer fluid no doubt.

Good point! 60 mph Duct Tape time...uuuuummmm.....better make that 80, I dont think I can drive only 60.

[BYprodriver]

I know it's ahead of schedule but we have been getting some precipitation lately!

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

I know it's ahead of schedule but we have been getting some precipitation lately!

Haaa, it was extreme clear yesterday when I notice the ^ appearing on my windshield. I even looked to see if any roadside sprinklers might be on......nope!

So far the AC snow makes the most sense as I have never seen water form a tiny ^ on a windshield except for on a dry cold day with tiny ice particles drifting in the wind in Canada.

Perhaps I was pulling more G's than I thought!

[nnewell]

The A/C drips by the right front wheel well , I think at certain highway speeds the
condensate hits the tire and gets spun up then carried back . It could also come from A/C of other cars ahead of you.


( this is the best theory I can come up with )