Summer windshield washer fluid has different properties than its winter counterpart. Therefore, if you still have “anti-freeze” in your tank, then with the arrival of spring it’s time to change it. In the summer, the main task of the cleaning fluid is to efficiently wash dirt, tar, midges and other small debris from the glass. For the winter composition, a similar task is to clean the dirt, and also the ability to not freeze. Many drivers do not take summer windshield wiper fluid seriously at all, pouring regular or distilled water into the reservoir. But in vain!
Automotive stores offer many, usually concentrated, windshield wiper fluids for the summer. However, their effectiveness and price vary. In order to help the average driver decide on the choice of fluid for the windshield washer reservoir, a rating of summer windshield washer fluids has been compiled based on reviews found on the Internet and real tests. But first, find out why washer is better than water and how to choose it correctly.
Why can't you pour water?
To get an answer to the question of what to pour into the windshield washer reservoir in the summer, it makes sense to find out why you shouldn’t pour regular water into it. The fact is that any water contains impurities - metal salts, which over time can settle on the pump impeller and on the walls of the tank, as well as clog the system and nozzles. And this factor is even more relevant the more “hard” the water is in your region.
In addition, the cleaning efficiency of hard water is extremely low. It is not capable of properly cleaning grease stains, tar droplets and other significant contaminants from the windshield. As a last resort, instead of regular hard water, you can use its distilled analogue. There are no impurities (salts) in such water, and its washing efficiency is somewhat higher. And, of course, for obvious reasons, you cannot use ordinary water during the season when there may still be even slight frosts (in particular, in spring and autumn, it depends more on the region of the country).
It is strictly forbidden to pour water from local reservoirs into the glass washer reservoir as it can turn the liquid reservoir into a separate microflora in 2-3 months.
What to look for when choosing
When purchasing summer washer fluid, you should always pay attention to the following factors.
Degree of concentration
Washer fluids are sold in two versions - in the form of a concentrate, and also completely ready for use. However, there are more concentrated formulations because, firstly, their cost after use will be lower, and secondly, the car owner himself can create a ready-to-use product in the proportions that he needs in a particular case.
The packaging of the canister in which summer windshield washer concentrate is sold always indicates the range (or exact value) of proportions in which it is recommended to dilute the composition with water. Moreover, it also indicates what kind of water needs to be diluted. By the way, for this you need to use distilled or, at least, “soft” water. This is due to the fact that “hard” water (which contains a lot of salts) does not dissolve surfactants (surfactants) that are part of the concentrate. Accordingly, the performance of such summer washer fluid will be weak.
Composition of summer windshield washer fluid
All manufacturers (with very rare exceptions, which indicates counterfeit or low efficiency of the composition) of summer windshield washer fluids always indicate directly on the label what substances are included in their composition. The effectiveness of the product directly depends on this, as well as what type of contaminants it can remove. As a rule, the basis of any windshield washer is alcohol - ethyl, methyl, isopropyl. However, each of them has its own characteristics. Let's look at them in order.
Methyl alcohol
The cost of methyl alcohol (methanol) is low, and at the same time it has excellent cleaning properties. However, there is a significant drawback - it is very poisonous. Accordingly, inhaling its vapors is dangerous! In the chemical industry it is used in the manufacture of paints and varnishes. But it is prohibited to use it for the manufacture of washer fluids for windshield wipers! This requirement is clearly stated in Resolution No. 4 of May 25, 2000. However, as often happens in post-Soviet countries, unscrupulous manufacturers still use methyl alcohol in their products. Such cleaners are usually cheap and are sold not in reputable auto chemical stores, but in small kiosks and retail outlets, where, in addition to wash products, there are a lot of counterfeit products.
An important factor here is that inhaled methyl alcohol vapors accumulate in the human body over time, which can lead to poisoning and the most severe consequences. Therefore, if for some reason you still fill the reservoir with washer fluid based on methyl alcohol, then you can only use it while driving, when the ventilation in the cabin is working at full efficiency. But in a stopped car (in a parking lot or in a traffic jam), in this case, you should never turn on the windshield washers!
Isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol (also known as isopropanol) has a characteristic odor similar to acetone (which is actually used in its manufacture). Isopropyl alcohol is also harmful to the human body, but unlike methyl alcohol, it does not accumulate in it. Given this fact, as well as the low cost of the product, isopropyl alcohol is the basis of a large number of summer detergents. Thus, the use of isopropanol-based “washers” is allowed, but it is still advisable not to inhale the vapors of the sprayed products.
Ethanol
Ethyl alcohol (or ethanol) is the basis of any alcoholic beverage, and most people know its smell. This product has a number of unique qualities - low freezing point, excellent cleaning ability, and the ability to dissolve many chemical compounds. However, to create technical fluids (including glass washers), alcohol of a fraction of eighth and lower is used. This means that it contains many fusel impurities that are not permissible in the manufacture of food alcoholic products.
Due to the fact that the excise tax on ethyl alcohol in most countries is quite high, the price of summer washes based on it is usually higher than those based on methyl or isopropyl alcohol. However, it is precisely these glass cleaners that are the safest for the human body, as well as the most effective.
Those detergents that contain alcohol cause windshield wiper blades to deteriorate faster!
Surfactants
The term surfactants refers to a large list of chemical compounds whose main task is to dissolve fats and organic elements. In particular, this is necessary for cleaning the surfaces being treated. And the higher the solvent properties of the surfactant, the better. This is especially true for summer washer fluids, since it is in warm weather that organic material needs to be washed off the glass - insect remains, bird droppings, traces of fallen fruit, tree leaves, plant pollen, and so on.
Flavors
Almost all factory-made glass cleaners contain fragrances, the task of which is to mask the unpleasant odors emanating from the alcohol and surfactant base. In the summer version these are usually light fruity aromas. Often the same product in a product line is offered by the manufacturer in different scents. Therefore, it makes sense to choose one or another summer washer in accordance with personal preferences.
Safety
Summer car washer fluid should be safe not only for the human body, but also for individual elements of the car. In particular, it should not corrode the internal elements of the cleaning system (rubber pipes, plastic impeller blades, walls of the storage tank), and also be safe in relation to the paintwork of the car. Since when splashed, a lot of liquid ends up not only on the glass, but also on the body.
Additional recommendations
Summer washer products are counterfeited quite rarely, because these products are less common than their winter anti-freeze products, and the price is not justified. However, it’s also not worth buying the first washer you come across. To minimize the likelihood of purchasing counterfeit products, because they are easy to make with your own hands, pay attention to:
- The packaging must be neat, with a high-quality label that is glued evenly. Same with the bottle.
- It is desirable (but not necessary, and depends on the manufacturer) to have a protective membrane on the neck.
- The color of the washer fluid, in principle, can be any (except frankly dark), but the liquid itself must be transparent.
In general, try to buy any auto chemicals, including washer fluid, in trusted, reputable stores that have licenses and permits. This way you will reduce the risk of buying counterfeit products to a minimum. When purchasing an unfamiliar liquid for the first time, it makes sense to purchase a small volume (small bottle) in order to test the effectiveness of the product in practice.
Value for money
Make your choice based on the cost of the product, the volume of its packaging, the level of concentration, time consumption (including the volume of the tank), and effectiveness. Also an important factor in this case will be the assortment presented in a certain region. Therefore, it is impossible to give universal advice in this case. However, instead, you can present a list of the most popular summer washes.
Conventional anti-freeze formulations
Any factory anti-freeze for a windshield wiper is based on the same water. However, in cold weather, water freezes and can rupture the tank, water lines and nozzles. Therefore, impurities (alcohols) are added to the water, which increase the frost resistance of the liquid and have effective cleansing properties.
Most modern antifreeze liquids are created based on a mixture of water and one of three alcohols:
- Methyl is the cheapest anti-freeze product, which is almost never produced (only counterfeit) due to the toxicity of methyl fumes to humans and the integrity of the elements and systems of the car. Usually has no odor.
- Isopropyl is the most popular, safe and inexpensive mixture with a slight fragrance odor.
- Ethyl is an expensive ethyl-based liquid with a characteristic “vodka” smell.
In addition, the factory antifreeze may contain detergents. The most important characteristics of the liquid are the freezing point, kinematic viscosity (thickening conditions) and the coefficient of surface tension of the protective film on the glass created by the mixture.
Therefore, buy antifreeze only from well-known brands from trusted sellers, and when purchasing, always carefully read the labels and product data sheet! And if you want to save money, make your own antifreeze liquid for windshield wipers - it’s easy and inexpensive.
What summer windshield washer fluid should I use?
A large selection of funds always leads to confusion. This section provides a list of the most popular of them. The rating is not of an advertising nature, but, on the contrary, was created on the basis of reviews found on the Internet and tests actually carried out by enthusiasts. It will help you decide what to pour into the windshield washer reservoir in the summer.
Sonax Xtreme
Sonax makes three different windshield washer products for the summer. Sonax Xtreme is a completely ready-to-use liquid that is sold in 4-liter canisters and can simply be poured into the windshield washer reservoir. Can be used not only for cleaning the windshield, but also for cleaning the surface of headlights (including xenon ones). Absolutely safe for car paintwork.
Real tests and reviews suggest that the product copes with its tasks very well and removes dirt, traces of insects, grease, and dried vegetation. The price of the mentioned 4-liter canister as of spring 2022 is about 300 rubles. The article number for this package is 272405.
There is also windshield wiper fluid Sonax concentrate. Specifically, in a 250 ml bottle. It must be diluted in a ratio of 1:100. That is, from one such bottle you can get 25 liters of finished cleaner. The average price of such packaging is about 380 rubles, article number - 271141.
Liqui Moly
The cleaner from a well-known German manufacturer is called Liqui Moly Scheiben-Reiniger-Super Konzentrat. A very effective and popular product among domestic and foreign car owners. Sold in a 250 ml bottle. Diluted in a ratio of 1:100. Accordingly, the volume of one bottle is enough to obtain 25 liters of the finished product. Perfectly removes dirt, grease, silicone, traces of insects and other contaminants, including biological ones. Does not contain alcohols, phosphates, is safe for rubber seals of the washer system and the paintwork of the car body. Available in three flavors: peach/lime/apple. Accordingly, it has different colors - orange/yellow/green.
Real tests have shown the high efficiency of Liqui Moly washer fluid. The finished product perfectly removes even traces of dried insects with just a few strokes of the windshield wiper blades. The only disadvantage we can note is the high cost. Thus, the price for summer windshield washer Liqui Moly concentrate, 250 ml, is about 400 rubles. You can buy it using the following article number - 2385.
If you don’t want to bother with dilution, you can buy ready-made Liqui Moly KRISTALLGLAS Scheiben-Reiniger-Sommer liquid in a 4-liter canister. The basis of such a summer windshield washer: water, surfactants, additives (including an antistatic agent). It also contains biocides that protect the liquid from bacteria (thanks to their action, the water does not “bloom” or smell in a closed tank). Capable of cleaning more than 85% of contaminants. Cleans well, degreases, does not leave the effect of dried drops. Freezes at 0 °C. The price of such a summer windshield washer is 150 rubles, article number - 01164.
Hi-Gear
High-Gear has a summer windshield washer fluid concentrate that can remove dirt and biological traces from the surface of the windshield and headlights. Sold in a 1 liter canister. It must be diluted in a ratio of 1 to 5. That is, the specified volume of concentrate is enough to obtain 4...6 liters of the finished composition. In addition to direct cleaning, it gives the glass surface dirt and water-repellent properties. Safe for rubber, paintwork, plastic. The washer can only be used at positive air temperatures.
Real tests of car owners have shown that the Hi-Gear summer washer cleans really well. Including excellent removal of traces of insects and greasy stains. Among the shortcomings, there is a not entirely pleasant technical smell. As for the cost of one liter canister, it is about 85 rubles. Product number for purchase: HG5647.
Kerry
Kerry super concentrate is available in two versions - odorless and with wild berry aroma. However, the first one is more common. The description states that the product copes well with grease and stains on glass, including those resulting from biological origin. Packaged in a small plastic bottle with a dispenser cap. With its help you can easily prepare a ready-made solution. The proportion in which you need to stir the summer liquid concentrate is 1:100. That is, from one such bottle you can get 27 liters of finished washer.
Real tests have shown the average effectiveness of the Kerry summer window washer. However, given its low price and availability, the product has gained wide popularity among domestic car enthusiasts. So, the price of this bottle is about 90 rubles. You can buy it in the online store under the article number - KR336.
FILL INN
The FILL INN brand also produces a summer concentrate in the washer reservoir. Absolutely harmless to the paintwork of the car, its rubber and plastic parts. It copes with average efficiency in cleaning windshields, headlights and other glass surfaces. Has the aroma of green apples. The concentrate must be diluted in a ratio of 1:20.
Sold in a 400 ml bottle, which is enough to make 8 liters of finished washer. On average, the price of such a bottle is about 100 rubles. You can buy it by article number - FL073.
Pingo
Pingo washing concentrate is sold in one liter. It must be diluted in a ratio of 1:10. This summer windshield washer is available in four versions - with lemon, strawberry, apple and odorless scents. Designed to clean glass surfaces from oil, dirt, insect traces, lime deposits and other debris. Does not clog hoses and other elements of the windshield cleaning system. Safe for rubber, plastic and car paint.
The effectiveness of the product, as tests have shown, can be described as mediocre. The Pingo washer copes with difficult stains (especially traces of insects). The average price is about 160 rubles. The article number for the washer with lemon aroma is 850300. With strawberry aroma - 850301. With apple aroma - 850302. Unscented washer - 850303. But Pingo Wisch & Klar has proven itself much better. This concentrate is diluted 1:100. It does an excellent job of removing dirt, insect traces, grease, and tar stains. True, you can rarely find it on sale.
Fin Tippa
Fin Tippa Kesälasinpesu Tiiviste summer windshield wiper concentrate has Finnish roots, but is produced in the Russian Federation. Has an orange aroma. Sold in a one-liter package. It is diluted in a ratio of 1:50, that is, from one package you can get 50 liters of finished washer. Tests showed a truly pleasant and unobtrusive aroma of the finished product. It copes well with dirt and removes traces of knocked-down insects well, and even more so greasy stains. Therefore, it is definitely recommended for purchase. The price of one package of concentrate is about 100 rubles.
How to make a washer with your own hands
As mentioned above, many washer fluids are based on three components - alcohol, surfactants and water. Before factory-made windshield cleaning products became widely available on sale, car owners used homemade windshield washers based on these ingredients. Here are a few such recipes.
Alcohol-free products
One of the simplest and most common recipes is based on liquid soap or dishwashing detergent (Fairy, Gala or similar). To prepare the solution, you need to take 2 liters of cold water (preferably distilled or simply “soft”) and add 10...15 milliliters of detergent to it. Then mix thoroughly. There is no need to pour a lot of cleaning agent, this can only cause harm by causing foam to appear.
Since dishwashing detergent is originally intended to remove greasy stains, including old ones, such a solution usually does a good job of cleaning the surface of the windshield. Especially if the wipers have good rubber bands.
Similarly, instead of dishwashing detergent, you can add liquid soap to the water. The proportions are the same. Also, instead of dishwashing detergent, use car shampoo.
Another product is the famous Mister Muscle glass cleaner. The solution must be made at the rate of 250 ml of “Mister” per 3 liters of water. This composition perfectly cleans the windshield and does not harm the paintwork.
Please note that some drivers note that after prolonged use of water with the mentioned cleaning products, problems may arise with the nozzles supplying water to the glass. In particular, they become clogged and therefore need to be cleaned.
Another problem that may arise after using such products is the formation of strong stains on the hood. This depends on the frequency of use of a homemade summer windshield washer and the percentage of detergent in the water (respectively, foam). Therefore, stains have to be removed from the hood using a rag and water. And if “Fairy” gets on the paintwork regularly and for a long time, then the shine may disappear from the varnish on the car body.
Adding alcohol
Similarly, a small amount of ethyl alcohol or vodka can be added to distilled or “soft” water. For a volume of 5 liters, 20...30 grams of alcohol will be enough. Naturally, after adding the solution you need to stir thoroughly. Similarly, instead of alcohol, you can add any alcohol-containing, but safe for glass and rubber, products.
How to drain washer fluid
Many, especially novice, car enthusiasts are interested in the question of how to drain washer fluid from the system. This must be done before switching from winter anti-freeze to summer windshield washer. There is nothing complicated in this process, unless it is winter and the liquid there is not frozen, otherwise you will have to pour alcohol and warm water into the tank.
windshield washer reservoir
First you need to disconnect the pipes going to the tank. Then disconnect the fasteners and dismantle the tank. The mounts are located differently for each car, so you need to navigate the situation. Then pour out the old fluid accordingly. Or simply disconnect the lower tube that goes to the injectors and get rid of the old fluid.
The composition of both summer and winter washer fluid is not hazardous to the environment, so there is no need to dispose of them additionally (for example, like used motor oil). Accordingly, you can simply pour out the contents of the tank and then install it in place. The amount of old fluid in the system will be insignificant, and it will not in any way affect the properties of the newly filled fluid.
As a last resort, if for some reason it is impossible to dismantle the washer fluid reservoir, you can try to extract its contents using a syringe. Preferably with a large volume.
Conclusion
In the summer, instead of winter anti-freeze washer fluid, it makes sense to fill the system reservoir with summer washer fluid. It cleans well grease and dirt on glass - sand, dried stains after rain, insect remains, pollen, bird droppings. Compared to ordinary water, visibility through glass after treatment increases by 5...6%. If you buy a concentrated washer, it is better to dilute it in distilled or at least “soft” water (without metal salts). This will increase the efficiency of its work. Instead of factory-made products, you can also use homemade formulations. For example, you can add dishwashing detergent, car shampoo, and alcohol to the water. What summer glass cleaning products do you use? Tell us about it in the comments.
Special windshield washer
The properties of this tool are as follows:
- high-quality removal of all dirt from the glass with one stroke of the wipers, for example, from dust, the remains of butterflies, flies and midges, which ordinary water will only grind and leave glare;
- reduces friction of brushes on glass and, accordingly, increases their service life;
- does not clog nozzles or cause other problems in the windshield washer system.
Everyone must decide for himself what is best to use as a windshield washer in the summer - ordinary water or a good windshield washer fluid that copes well with typical road contaminants without leaving streaks. In the second case, you will have perfectly transparent glass in all driving situations.
