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Cleaners like Windex help keep the glass, including your windshield, clean, right? AutoZone windshield washer fluid, So wouldn’t it be a good idea to add a bit of Windex to your windshield washer fluid, aka windshield washer fluid, to keep it that way, or to replace your wiper fluid entirely with Windex? The answer is a resounding “no” on all counts, as this will damage many parts of your vehicle, including the glass.
Ammonia’s Effects on Automobile Glass
While Windex is a great product for your home’s glass, you should absolutely not use it on your windshield, even for cleaning glass. Many Windex products have ammonia in them and can leave streaks on car glass. This can be dangerous as it can create glare when driving at night. You can also ruin your glass if it has been tinted, either from the factory or as an aftermarket product.
The effects are even more damaging if you ever add Windex to your windshield washer fluid or replace it with your fluid altogether. Windex contains chemicals that could harm the washer system and contains chemicals that could damage your car’s paint.
Ammonia also dries out rubber trim on cars and could dry out the hoses that run from the windshield washer fluid tank to the spray nozzles. It can even damage hood-mounted windshield washer spray nozzles over time. When the wipers move to clean the windshield after spraying the fluid, the ammonia-based cleaner would end up on the delicate wiper blade and damage it over time.
Chemical Composition of Windshield Washer Fluid
Let’s look at the chemicals found in windshield washer fluid. These include methanol and other types of alcohol, including ethylene glycol. Many also contain small amounts of ethanol (antifreeze) made from methyl alcohols to prevent the product from freezing during the winter.
The SC Johnson website lists Windex’s ingredients as water, 2-hexoxyethanol, isopropanolamine, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, lauramine oxide, ammonium hydroxide, fragrance, and Liquitint sky blue dye.
One important distinction is that windshield washer fluid has an additive to prevent freezing, while Windex does not. Neither is water, so don’t be tempted to top up your fluid with water to save money, as that’s not a good idea either.
Function and Types of Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid does more than just keep your windshield clean. It also lubricates the windshield washer fluid pump, which is a very important function. If the pump doesn’t stay lubricated, it can stop working, leak, and corrode, none of which is good for your car.
When you activate the washer, the pump sends the fluid through a tube that runs from the tank to just below the windshield. The process works the same if your vehicle also has a rear washer.
Don’t worry too much about which brand of fluid to buy, but you may want to consider the climate in which you live. A general windshield washer fluid works well for hot climates. If you have cold winters, you’ll want to invest in winter washer fluid, as they contain methanol with ethylene glycol, a more powerful antifreeze. In those colder climates, a de-icing fluid is also a good option.
There are other benefits to the ingredients found in windshield washer fluid, another reason to stick with these products. Some windshield washer fluids contain hydrophobic additives that can help pull rain off the windshield, while others contain an extra-strength bug remover.
Changing Wash Fluid
Now that you know what type of fluid to use and why it’s so important, you should check it periodically. After all, it’s important to always make sure you have enough fluid to keep your windshield clean, as this is important to ensure windshield visibility.
How to Check and Fill Windshield Washer Fluid:
- Make sure the vehicle is off and allow it to cool completely before opening the hood and proceeding to the following steps.
- Open the hood and locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir; look for a white or clear container and it may have a symbol for windshield or water. If you also have rear wipers, you are looking at two bins.
- Remove cap and check fluid level.
- Pour windshield washer fluid into the reservoir up to the fill line, or about an inch from the top of the reservoir if there is no fill line.
- Replace the cap and make sure it is secure.
Correcting Windshield Washer Fluid Problems
You may be reading this article after you have added Windex or water to the reservoir instead of windshield washer fluid. Here are some tips to correct that situation.
- Make sure the vehicle is turned off and allow it to cool completely before opening the hood and continuing with the following steps.
- Open the hood and locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir; look for a white or clear container and it may have a symbol for windshield or water. If you also have rear wipers, you are looking at two bins.
- Remove the windshield washer fluid reservoir cap.
- Place a large open container, such as an oil drain pan, on the ground below the reservoir.
- Place a pair of pliers on the hose at the bottom of the reservoir and pull the hose down and out. Let it drain completely into the container below.
- Dispose of Windex in accordance with local and federal regulations.
- After emptying the container, use a garden hose to spray water into the reservoir to remove any remaining sediment. Scrub the inside of the container with a toothbrush.
- When it’s all clean, push the hose into the bottom of the reservoir to reassemble, then pour the correct fluid into the container and fit the lid securely.
Keep all of this in mind the next time you go to top up your windshield washer fluid. Your car and its windshield will thank you.
ARE ALL WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID THE SAME?
The simple answer is no. Although all windshield washer fluids serve the same function (clearing your line of sight when driving in wet conditions), there are many different variations on the market with different price points. There is the standard type, the thaw type, and those that withstand bugs, tar, and other sludge.
Standard Windshield Washer Fluid
Standard windshield washer fluid is unvarnished and is sometimes labeled “summer windshield washer fluid.” Standard windshield washer fluid is usually the least expensive type and is widely available at gas stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Your standard lower-end windshield washer fluid will probably keep your windshield clean when conditions are relatively neutral, but there are other effective options you’ll want to consider if you’re regularly dealing with snow, ice, rain, or mud.
Windshield Washer Fluid Thawing
Regular windshield washer fluid can freeze in cold weather, either in the windshield washer reservoir or when you spray it on the windshield. Windshield washer formulations suitable for winter weather generally include higher concentrations of methyl alcohol, giving them a lower freezing point. As a result, they will not freeze in your tank or cause dangerous refreezing in freezing conditions. Some can also melt light layers of ice at temperatures as low as -50°C.
Windshield washer fluid with resistant properties (bugs, tar and other grime)
There are also formulas made to remove sticky bugs, tar, dirt, bird droppings and oil from your windshield. These unique formulas are designed for warmer environments, so some can freeze if used in winter.
Water Repellent Solutions
While water repellent remedies don’t technically count as “windshield washer fluid,” they can be helpful in addition to clearing your eyes. Water repellent treatments will generally be in a liquid form that wipes off the windshield and windows with a soft cloth. They are designed to repel water and snow to improve visibility while driving and can be very effective.
Choosing the Right Type of Windshield Washer Fluid
Now that it’s winter, many of us are putting our wiper and fluid systems to good use to clean dirt, frost and light snow from the windshield. When it’s time to fill up the reservoir, there are a few things to keep in mind, including the fact that not all windshield washer fluid is created equal.
First of all, it is important to mention that you should never fill the washer fluid tank with tap water. When the weather gets cold enough, regular H20 will turn into a giant frozen block that could create a safety hazard on the road. Temperature fluctuations that occur in the engine compartment can also cause the water to become a breeding ground for mold. The right fluids contain antifreeze that helps keep it liquid and free of bacteria.
There are many brands and types of windshield washer fluid on the market, something you’ll discover when you walk into any auto store or parts department. Be sure to choose one that is designed for the climate in which your vehicle lives. Sometimes the label may read year-round or winter, but it should also show the lowest temperature at which the particular fluid can operate, such as -40 or -45 C. If in doubt, ask an expert in the counter.
Different companies may also put special ingredients into their solutions to provide additional benefits. For example, MotoMaster Winter Windshield Washer Fluid includes detergent for greater strength in removing dirt. Rain-X De-Icer features its patented beading technology that repels rain, sleet and snow, preventing it from sticking to the windshield.
Adding fluid to the reservoir is almost always a simple task: on most vehicles, simply open the hood, locate the tank (check your owner’s manual if you can’t find it), remove the cap, and pour to the fill line. is reached. Or just do it the next time you take your car to the dealer for service.
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