How to Make Car Windshield Washer Fluid?
2 Answers
Here are the methods for making homemade windshield washer fluid: 1. Spring Windshield Washer Fluid: Prepare a 2.5-liter plastic bottle, 2 liters of purified water, 250ML of 95% medical alcohol, and 1-2 caps of detergent. Mix them thoroughly and it's ready for use. The detergent is mainly for removing sand and dust, while the alcohol accelerates water evaporation, ensuring quick cleaning of the windshield. 2. Summer/Autumn Windshield Washer Fluid: Use a 2.5-liter plastic bottle, 2 liters of purified water, 500ML of 95% medical alcohol, and 1 cap of detergent. The alcohol is very effective in removing insect residue. If you're in the city, you can top up the reservoir with purified water, but it's not recommended to dilute the mixture on highways as it may reduce effectiveness. 3. Winter Windshield Washer Fluid: A mixture of 20% 95-proof alcohol and 80% water has a freezing point around -10°C, suitable for early winter. A mixture of 20-30% alcohol and 60% water has a freezing point of -15°C. A mixture of 40-50% alcohol and 50-60% water can reach a freezing point of -25°C without freezing, meeting most winter needs.
Making your own car windshield washer fluid is actually quite simple. My family has been in car maintenance for many years, and the basic recipe we commonly use is: take 1 liter of distilled or purified water to avoid mineral deposits clogging the nozzles; add about 250 ml of isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, mainly for antifreeze and cleaning oil stains; finally, add 5-10 drops of dishwashing liquid to enhance cleaning power. This ratio works for most seasons, and in winter, you can increase the alcohol content to around 40% for better antifreeze protection. Why this formula? Alcohol evaporates quickly without leaving residue, and dishwashing liquid is very effective at removing insect remains and bird droppings. However, I must remind everyone that DIY comes with some risks, such as high alcohol concentration potentially corroding rubber wiper blades, so test it on a small area first. Use plastic bottles for storage, not glass, and keep them sealed at room temperature. If you want to save trouble, I recommend buying commercial professional products, which contain anti-corrosion agents and UV protection, making them safer and more durable.
