General Motors recall

[Giant Communist Robot]

GM recalls almost 1,000,000 vehicles because their windshield wipers could catch fire.
linkie

[OperaTenor]

Windshield washer fluid heater?!

I thought that was called an engine.....

How stupid. I guess we'll be saying, "Hasta la vista, GM" pretty soon.

[analog]

Windshield washer fluid heater?!

What can you say about a society that says God is dead and Elvis is alive?

[Schmeelkie]

Windshield washer fluid heater?!

I thought that was called an engine.....

I can actually think of a good reason for it - if it works relatively fast after starting the vehicle. Up here in the north the washer fluid sometimes freezes in the tube between the resevoir and the wipers, or ice collects at the opening. A heater that worked quickly might mean that you could use your wipers right away, rather than wait for the bit by the washer fluid near the windshield to thaw out (since that's not as close to the engine). I probably use the washer fluid 4-5x more often in the winter than any other season - a fine mist of salty roadspray is hell on the windshield.

That said, I'd be pretty freaked if my wipers caught on fire!