Can Windshield Washer Fluid Be Mixed?
2 Answers
Windshield washer fluid can be mixed. Windshield washer fluid is the abbreviated term for automotive windshield cleaning solution, primarily composed of: water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. Windshield washer fluid can be categorized by form into: solid windshield washer fluid and liquid windshield washer fluid, both possessing cleaning and antifreeze properties. Precautions for using windshield washer fluid include: 1. Spray intermittently, do not spray continuously; 2. Be mindful not to overfill the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The method for adding windshield washer fluid is: 1. Open the front engine cover and locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir; 2. Open the packaging of the solid windshield washer fluid and place it into the reservoir; 3. Add clean water until the reservoir is full; 4. Wait for the solid windshield washer fluid to completely dissolve.
A friend of mine recently mixed different windshield washer fluids. He added some green concentrated type to the regular blue fluid, and within two weeks, he noticed the nozzles were slightly clogged, causing uneven spray. After a shop inspection, it turned out that the different surfactants and preservatives used by different brands had formed flocculants when mixed. Now, he only uses the same brand of washer fluid each time and frequently checks the nozzle condition. Actually, the formulations of washer fluids vary significantly—summer formulas for removing bug residues and winter antifreeze ones are completely different. Mixing them can either reduce cleaning effectiveness or weaken antifreeze performance. I recommend choosing a seasonal multifunctional washer fluid—it’s both convenient and protects the washer system.
