Does Car Windshield Washer Fluid Need to Be Diluted with Water?
3 Answers
For household cars, there is no need to dilute the windshield washer fluid with water; simply purchase a bottle from a car wash shop and add it directly. Here is more information about car windshield washer fluid: 1. Car windshield washer fluid is generally categorized into summer-use 0°C fluid and winter-use -20°C or -35°C fluid. 2. Car windshield washer fluid is made from deionized water and various environmentally friendly additives. It has functions such as cleaning, soaking, antifreeze, anti-static, and anti-corrosion, effectively removing dust, lubricating oil, gasoline, diesel, residual polishing wax, chewing gum, bird droppings, and highway insect residue. 3. It can quickly disperse rainwater on the windshield, preventing drivers from having blurred vision during heavy rain.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered windshield washer fluid issues multiple times. In my younger days, to save money, I used to mix water myself, which resulted in the fluid not spraying in winter, the windshield freezing over and becoming unclear, nearly causing an accident. Later, I learned that most ready-to-use windshield washer fluids are pre-mixed with antifreeze additives, detergents, and protective agents, so you can just pour them in directly. Mixing with water dilutes these components, reducing effectiveness, making it prone to freezing in cold weather or corroding the nozzle system. Now, I strongly advise fellow drivers not to mix water—safety comes first. If you buy a concentrated type, you must mix it with distilled water according to the package ratio; getting the ratio wrong is also problematic. Regularly checking the windshield washer fluid and keeping the system clean can extend your car's lifespan.
When I first got my driver's license and bought my first car, I thought I could save money by mixing windshield washer fluid with tap water. As a result, after spraying it in summer, the water splashed all over the car, and the cleaning effect was poor. It wasn't until I asked an experienced driver that I learned the windshield washer fluid comes pre-mixed with a fixed proportion of additives like alcohol or ethylene glycol. Adding water disrupts this chemical balance, leading to incomplete cleaning or freezing in winter. Now I've learned my lesson—I simply buy a pre-mixed bottle at the supermarket and use it as directed for peace of mind. If buying concentrate, always follow the instructions for dilution and don't rely on guesswork. As a beginner, these simple maintenance practices can help avoid major troubles.
