methods and apparatus are provided for vehicle windshield washing - wiping and wiper de - icing . primary nozzles provide washing fluid to the windshield during normal operations and secondary nozzles bathe the wiper arms with washing fluid to de - ice the wipers during a de - icing mode . washing fluid is drawn from a reservoir and delivered to the nozzles by a pump . when the outside air temperature t is greater than tc , the critical temperature for ice formation , the wipers and washing - wiping proceed normally with washing fluid delivered to the primary nozzles for windshield washing . when t ≦ tc and the wipers are not moving , a washer fluid supply line valve delivers washing fluid to the secondary nozzles to de - ice the wipers . the wiper motor , washing fluid pump and valve are operated by a controller based on inputs from wiper position and air temperature sensors , using predetermined information stored in on - board memory .