Do I Need to Drain the Original Windshield Washer Fluid Before Adding Antifreeze Washer Fluid?
1 Answers
Under normal circumstances, there is no need to drain the windshield washer fluid before refilling it. It is generally sufficient to add new fluid when the existing one runs out. Windshield washer fluid is a type of liquid used frequently in vehicles, primarily for cleaning the front windshield. Additionally, unlike coolant, windshield washer fluids from different brands can be used interchangeably without causing issues. Pay Attention to the Antifreeze Rating: When selecting windshield washer fluid, it is important to consider the antifreeze rating. Different antifreeze ratings are suitable for different environmental temperatures. There is one situation where it is necessary to drain the existing washer fluid and replace it entirely—when winter approaches. The previously used washer fluid may have a lower antifreeze rating, and in northern regions with extremely low temperatures during winter, it becomes essential to switch to a washer fluid with a higher antifreeze rating. Before replacing, simply spray out the old fluid using the windshield wipers and then pour in the new fluid. Lubrication Effect: Windshield washer fluid offers significantly better cleaning performance than plain water and also provides a certain level of lubrication, which helps slow down the aging process of the wiper blades and reduces the likelihood of clogging the spray nozzles. Therefore, regardless of the situation, it is advisable to use windshield washer fluid and avoid substituting it with tap water.
