Many drivers in Lithuania tend to overemphasize the freezing point of windshield washer fluid. It’s likely that after buying fluid with a low freezing temperature, they later dilute it with water. However, it’s important to know that when the fluid is diluted by half, its effectiveness can drop to as little as one-third. For example, if the fluid is rated for –25 °C, mixing it equally with water may cause it to freeze already at –8 °C or –9 °C.
During winter, windshield washer fluid plays a much greater role in driving safety than in summer. Therefore, fluids designed for warm and cold seasons differ significantly in their composition and purpose. In summer, the main goal is to remove insect residues from the glass, while in winter – to clean road grime: salt, soot from diesel engines, and oil traces. That’s why winter washer fluid performs a crucial function – it removes the film that forms on the windshield, which greatly impairs visibility, especially at night.
A washer fluid rated for –20 °C should not be diluted – doing so only reduces its effectiveness. This freezing point is optimal for our climate conditions.
In such cases, the likelihood of the fluid freezing is extremely low. On the other hand, in very cold weather, road dirt, snow, and salt are usually frozen, meaning they don’t reach the windshield. Still, it’s worth knowing that the lower the freezing temperature of the fluid, the higher the concentration of active substances – which can negatively affect the car’s paint, rubber parts, plastic surfaces, and wiper blades.
At retail locations – both fuel stations and supermarkets – you can find a wide variety of windshield washer fluids. They differ not only in scent or color but also in price, which can vary up to twofold. So how do you choose a fluid that’s effective but not overpriced? What should you pay attention to?
First, it’s worth checking the product’s composition. The price often depends on the type of alcohol used, as well as the quantity and quality of fragrances, anti-corrosion agents, and other additives. The cheapest products often contain low-quality alcohol that is incompatible with other components. As a result, when such fluid is sprayed onto a warm windshield, the alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving an unpleasant film on the glass.
The saying “buy cheap, pay twice” fits perfectly here – the satisfaction of a cheap purchase lasts only until you pay for it. Later, you may face poor visibility or even damage to car parts.
Even popular lemon-scented washer fluids can leave a film, especially if they contain an increased amount of ethylene glycol. This substance is added to prevent nozzle freezing, but its concentration should not exceed 2%.
Higher-priced washer fluids usually offer better interaction between their ingredients. They often use lemon fragrance, which blends best with an alcohol base. Many manufacturers claim their products are safe for rubber parts and protect against corrosion, but such claims should only be trusted if the product has an official quality certificate. For example, German manufacturer “Sonax” produces washer fluids certified with the TUV mark. However, counterfeit versions of these products can sometimes be found in Lithuania, especially at markets, so caution is advised.
It’s also important to make sure that the washer fluid is safe for polycarbonate surfaces, from which car headlights are made. To use washer fluid efficiently and economically, experts recommend not spraying it onto frost-covered glass. A common mistake among drivers is trying to clean an icy windshield in the morning using washer fluid. This is ineffective, wastes fluid, and can damage wiper blades as they scrape against sharp ice edges.
In such cases, it’s better to use special concentrated de-icers designed specifically to remove frost and ice. Depending on the manufacturer, their price ranges from about 2 to 3 euros. One such aerosol, which looks like a regular glass cleaner, is usually enough for an entire winter season.
