Can Adding Baijiu to Windshield Washer Fluid Prevent Freezing?
3 Answers
Adding baijiu to windshield washer fluid can prevent freezing, but it is not advisable to privately add baijiu to the fluid. The following explains why baijiu should not be added to windshield washer fluid: Risk of Combustion and Explosion: Alcohol is a flammable, volatile, colorless, and transparent liquid under normal temperature and pressure. If baijiu is added to the windshield washer fluid, although the reservoir is sealed, the alcohol can form "vapor" in the pipes due to heat. Under the high temperature of the engine block, this poses a risk of explosion. Harmful to the Vehicle: Windshield washer fluid already contains alcohol to achieve an anti-freezing effect. There is no need to add additional baijiu, as an excessively high alcohol content can be harmful to the vehicle.
I've been driving for over ten years and have seen people think that adding some liquor to the windshield washer fluid can prevent freezing, which is a way to save money. But in reality, it's unreliable. The alcohol in liquor can indeed lower the freezing point, but its concentration is too unstable, prone to evaporation, and can corrode the rubber hoses and plastic parts of the wiper system. I once saw a neighbor do this, and in winter, the fluid froze even harder and leaked. The correct approach is to use the antifreeze windshield washer fluid sold in supermarkets, which has a specialized chemical formula with clearly labeled antifreeze ratings, ensuring it won't freeze even at -20°C. Additionally, during seasonal changes, regularly check the fluid level and cleanliness of the washer reservoir. Don't take big risks for small savings—replacing a hose can cost over a hundred yuan.
As an average car owner, I believe adding liquor to windshield washer fluid as an antifreeze is the worst solution. While alcohol can prevent freezing, it corrodes sensitive vehicle components like water pumps and nozzles, leading to frequent malfunctions over time. More critically, if alcohol leaks or evaporates under sunlight or heat, its effectiveness diminishes. I simply purchase branded antifreeze windshield washer fluid, which contains specially formulated antifreeze agents—cost-effective and safe. Before driving in winter, check the wiper system and fluid level to ensure clear visibility; randomly adding substances only increases road risks and isn't worth trying.
