What is the method for making homemade windshield washer fluid for cars?

[Lois]

Mix 500ml of 95% alcohol, 2 liters of purified water, and a capful of detergent thoroughly to create homemade windshield washer fluid. Below is an introduction to the functions of automotive windshield washer fluid: 1. Cleaning performance: Windshield washer fluid is composed of various surfactants and additives. Surfactants typically have functions such as wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning and removing dirt. 2. Antifreeze performance: It can significantly lower the freezing point of the liquid, thus providing antifreeze effects and quickly dissolving frost. 3. Anti-fog performance: A single-molecule protective layer forms on the glass surface. This protective film prevents the formation of fog droplets, ensuring the windshield remains clear and transparent with a clear field of vision. 4. Anti-static performance: After cleaning with windshield washer fluid, substances adsorbed on the glass surface can eliminate static charges on the glass, providing anti-static properties. 5. Lubrication performance: Its higher viscosity can provide lubrication, reducing friction between the wiper and the glass, thereby preventing scratches.

[LaEzra]

I usually mix my own windshield washer fluid, and it's super simple. Find a large bottle, use purified water or boiled and cooled tap water—don't use tap water directly to avoid scale buildup. Then add dish soap in proportion, typically 5ml for every 2 liters of water is enough. Dish soap can remove grease, but avoid laundry detergent as it may clog the nozzles. In summer, you can add some household alcohol as an insect repellent. In winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, switch to an antifreeze formula—remember to use 95% alcohol mixed with purified water, half a pound of alcohol per 2 liters of water to prevent freezing down to -15°C. Finally, add a bit of white vinegar to prevent fogging, but be careful not to add too much to avoid corroding rubber hoses. I've been using this method for three years without any nozzle clogs—the key is using purified water.

[TylerMarie]

Last winter, I found the windshield washer reservoir was empty, and the auto repair shop owner taught me an emergency recipe: take an empty mineral water bottle, fill it with warm water, add three drops of dish soap, and shake well. However, for long-term use, you need to be more careful—filtered water must be used, otherwise, limescale will clog the nozzles. Freeze protection is the most critical. I once saw someone use cheap liquor, but the alcohol concentration was insufficient, causing the entire system to freeze and crack. The proper formula should be four parts water to one part medical alcohol. If you want insect repellent, add a slice of lemon peel and let it soak for two days. Remember, never mix in soapy water—the alkalinity will corrode the rubber of the wipers. I learned this the hard way myself.

[Percy]

Making your own windshield washer fluid is all about the details. I prefer using distilled water as the base, as it protects the washer system better than tap water. For the cleaning agent, opt for a neutral dish soap—just half a cap per liter of water is enough. Folks in the north should pay extra attention to winter antifreeze: a 1:3 mix of medical alcohol and purified water provides stable antifreeze performance. To boost cleaning power, add 5ml of dishwashing liquid. Three key reminders: 1) Never use laundry detergent, as it can crystallize and clog the system; 2) Avoid adding perfume, which disrupts the pH balance; 3) Clean the reservoir sediment regularly. This formula has served me well over 100,000 kilometers without a single issue.