ISO 6255:1997

Overview

ISO 6255:1997 specifies standardized test methods for rear‑window washing and wiping systems on passenger cars (as defined in ISO 3833), excluding convertibles with plastic rear windows. The document defines how to verify component strength, functioning across temperature extremes, wiped/washed area measurement and the combined washing + wiping performance using repeatable, laboratory test procedures. ISO 6255:1997 provides methods only - it does not set pass/fail performance levels.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Terms such as nozzle, pump, reservoir, washer solution, target area, wiped area and wiper cycle are defined to ensure consistent testing.
• Test mixture: A standardized contaminant mix (by volume) - 92.5% water (low residue), 5% saturated NaCl solution and 2.5% test dust - is used to simulate real‑world fouling. The dust composition and particle size distribution are specified in tables.
• Strength and climatic exposure:
  • Tests include ambient conditioning at representative temperatures (e.g., -18 °C ±3 °C, 20 °C ±2 °C, 60 °C ±3 °C).
  • Pump actuation requirements are specified (hand: 11–13.5 daN; foot: 40–44.5 daN; max. power per vehicle manufacturer).
  • Procedures cover repeated freeze/thaw cycles and high‑temperature soak to verify structural integrity and leak‑free operation.
• Functioning tests: Verify that washer components deliver washer solution to the manufacturer’s declared target area without leakage or disconnection after temperature exposure.
• Wiped/washed area measurement:
  • Wiped area is traced on the inner glazed surface (Annex A) using tracing paper to calculate the percentage of the specified area reached by the wiper(s).
  • Combined performance test requires removal of the test mixture from a manufacturer‑specified percentage of a specified area within ten wiper cycles (using manufacturer‑specified pump inputs not exceeding the table limits).
• Test equipment: Test fixture or representative test vehicle, environmental chambers, spray equipment and cycle counting devices are described.

Applications and users

ISO 6255:1997 is intended for:

• Vehicle manufacturers validating rear‑window washer/wiper designs and integration.
• Component suppliers (pumps, nozzles, wiper systems) for product verification and R&D.
• Automotive test laboratories performing durability, climatic and performance testing.
• Regulatory bodies and type‑approval authorities that reference standardized test procedures.
• Quality assurance teams for production verification and troubleshooting of wash/wipe performance.

Practical uses include design validation, durability checks under extreme climates, homologation support, and comparative performance benchmarking.

Related standards

• ISO 3833:1977 (vehicle types/definitions) - normative reference.
• Related rear‑window and windscreen standards: ISO 5897, ISO 5898, ISO 3468, ISO 3469, ISO 3470, ISO 9619 (see Annex B of ISO 6255 for bibliography).

Keywords: ISO 6255:1997, rear‑window washing and wiping systems, passenger cars, test methods, washer solution, wiped area, freeze/thaw, environmental testing, pump force, nozzle verification.