Will Adding Alcohol to Windshield Washer Fluid Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Adding alcohol to windshield washer fluid can damage the car and may even cause fire damage to the vehicle in severe cases. Hazards of adding alcohol to windshield washer fluid: Alcohol is a flammable substance with strong volatility. The vapor it releases can form an "explosive" "mixed combustible gas" with the atmosphere, which may ignite or explode when exposed to high heat or open flames, leading to serious consequences. Even if added to the washer fluid reservoir, which is in a sealed state, alcohol can form "vapor" in the pipes due to heat, posing an explosion risk under the high temperature of the engine block. Functions of automotive windshield washer fluid: It has cleaning, antifreeze, antifog, antistatic, lubricating, and anticorrosion properties. Cleaning performance: surfactants typically have wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing functions, thereby aiding in cleaning and removing dirt. Antifreeze performance: it significantly lowers the freezing point of the liquid, preventing freezing and quickly dissolving frost. Antifog performance: it forms a monomolecular protective layer on the glass surface, preventing the formation of fog droplets and ensuring clear visibility through the windshield. Antistatic performance: after cleaning with the washer fluid, substances adsorbed on the glass surface eliminate static charges on the glass. Lubricating performance: its higher viscosity provides lubrication, reducing friction between the wipers and the glass to prevent scratches. Anticorrosion performance: the washer fluid contains various corrosion inhibitors that are completely safe for all metals, automotive paint, and rubber.
As someone who has repaired many cars, I think adding alcohol does pose significant risks. Standard windshield washer fluid contains specialized antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors. Adding high-concentration alcohol randomly can corrode the rubber wiper blades and spray nozzles. Last time, I saw a car owner mix half a bottle of liquor into the washer fluid, and within a month, the wipers started to dry and crack, and the spray hoses began to leak. Moreover, alcohol tends to accumulate in the engine compartment after evaporation, which could potentially cause a fire in high summer temperatures. If you really need an emergency solution, it's better to buy a bottle of proper windshield washer fluid—it only costs a little over ten yuan. Don't risk damaging your car just to save a few bucks.
