Can dishwashing detergent be added to car windshield wiper fluid?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to add dishwashing detergent. Here are the relevant details: You must use windshield wiper fluid: Windshield wiper fluid effectively cleans the vehicle's front and rear windshields, protects the windshield washer reservoir, washer fluid lines, and wiper blades. If the fluid is low, it should be replenished promptly to avoid affecting performance. Types of windshield wiper fluid: One type is the common summer-use windshield wiper fluid, which contains insect-removing agents to quickly clean insect residue from the windshield. Another type is the winter-use antifreeze windshield wiper fluid, which ensures that the fluid does not freeze or damage vehicle components even when the temperature drops below -20 degrees Celsius. There is also a special antifreeze type that remains unfrozen at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, suitable for use in extremely cold regions of northern China.
The year I first started driving, to save money, I added dish soap to the windshield washer reservoir. After using the wipers a few times, they started squeaking. Upon inspection, I found the rubber blades had hardened and cracked, and the nozzles were clogged with residue, resulting in terrible cleaning performance. It wasn't until I went to the repair shop that I learned dish soap is designed for washing dishes—its high alkalinity can corrode plastic tubes and wiper blades. Over time, this could cost more in replacement parts. Now, I only use professional windshield washer fluid from the supermarket, which contains antifreeze and lubricants. Just mix it with water, and it even extends the system's lifespan. After more than ten years of driving, I sincerely advise against using dish soap to save a few bucks. Regularly checking the reservoir and wiper condition can prevent a lot of trouble.
I'm someone who enjoys DIY car maintenance. I once heard from online friends that adding dish soap to windshield washer fluid could save money and enhance cleaning power, so I tried a bottle. The result was excessive foam that obstructed my view, left streaks, and even caused slight corrosion in the tubing. The windshield washer system is actually quite delicate, containing soft tubing and an electric pump. Dish soap contains chemicals like surfactants, which can leave residue, cause scaling, clog the nozzles, and even freeze in cold weather. Now, I've switched to making my own cleaning solution with distilled water and a bit of isopropyl alcohol—it's low-cost, safe, effectively removes grime, prevents freezing, and provides more reliable windshield cleaning. Remember, car components are sensitive to chemicals, so specialized products are the way to go.
