Can Summer and Winter Windshield Washer Fluids Be Mixed?
3 Answers
Summer windshield washer fluid commonly contains insect-cleaning agents in the cleaning solution, which can quickly remove insect residues from the windshield. Winter antifreeze windshield washer fluid ensures that it does not freeze and damage car equipment even when the outside temperature drops below -20°C, with its main feature being antifreeze. Car owners in southern regions can use summer windshield washer fluid in winter, but this is not recommended for those in northern regions. High-quality windshield washer fluid is made from deionized water and various environmentally friendly additives, offering functions such as dirt removal, antifreeze, antistatic, and anti-corrosion. Some superior windshield washer fluids also feature rapid snow and ice melting, anti-glare, and anti-fog properties, significantly enhancing driving safety. There are also concentrated windshield washer fluids and solid windshield washer fluids. Concentrated windshield washer fluid: Needs to be diluted with water in the correct proportion before use. Solid windshield washer fluid: Also known as effervescent tablets, its usage is similar to concentrated liquid windshield washer fluid, requiring dissolution in water before use.
I remember one winter when I poured leftover summer windshield washer fluid into the mix, and it almost caused trouble. Winter windshield washer fluid contains antifreeze components that can withstand temperatures as low as -20 to -30 degrees Celsius, while the summer version mainly removes insect and tree sap residues and has much poorer antifreeze performance. If you mix them, not only will the antifreeze effect be compromised, but there's also a risk of freezing around zero degrees, which could at least clog the nozzles or, in severe cases, freeze and crack the entire windshield washer reservoir. So don't try to save trouble—especially in the north, make sure to completely replace summer fluid before winter sets in. Now, I always keep both types in my garage, switching to the winter version by October, and the nozzles work much more smoothly.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I strongly advise against mixing these two. Winter windshield washer fluid contains methanol and ethylene glycol for antifreeze protection, while the summer variant focuses on cleaning power. Mixing them will compromise the freezing point - a fluid originally rated for -25°C might freeze at -5°C after mixing. Additionally, chemical reactions between different formulations can produce impurities that clog the nozzles, requiring bumper removal for repairs. In our car enthusiast group, someone damaged their fluid level sensor by mixing fluids, costing 800 yuan to fix. Remember to use up summer fluid before frost season and only use reputable brand winter windshield washer fluid for safety.
