Windshield Washer Fluid and Which Type to Use

Windshield Washer Fluids and Which Type You Need: Windshield washer fluid is something you think about only when you run out of it and windshield becomes a solid mess. Opening driver’s window and sticking your head out of window usually doesn’t work that well when driving in winter in Ontario.

Visibility is first to go when roads fill up with abundant amounts of salt, slush, ice and the car in front you becomes a salt water spraying machine. These winter driving conditions will repeat every year, and it’s all free with no extra charge.

What is Windshield Washer Fluid?

Washer fluid is a liquid designed to clean your windshield (and headlight in some cases) while vehicle is in motion. Fluid is sprayed by a set of spraying nozzles located on car hood, close to windshield base. Wiper blades will spread fluid around windshield to clean dirt, snow, salt, etc.

Washer fluid is a mix of methanol, ethylene glycol and water. Methanol and ethylene glycol are anti-freeze compounds which prevent washer fluid from freezing, enabling it to withstand temperatures as low as -40 Celsius, much needed in Canada.

How to Fill Up Fluid Reservoir

Cars are equipped with low level washer fluid indicator light. Washer fluid light will illuminate in your instrument cluster when your washer fluid reservoir is low on fluid. Washer fluid reservoir is located under the hood, usually on easily accessible parts of engine bay.

Open hood on your car and locate washer fluid filler cap, it has a visible washer fluid symbol imprinted (image below), fluid reservoir takes about 4 liters of washer fluid. Open washer fluid filler cap and pour 4 liters of washer fluid or until reservoir is full. Close washer fluid filler cap and then close vehicle hood.

Washer Fluid types

Washer fluid comes in different configurations which are designed for different weather conditions. In some places with year around summer even water will do fine, in Canada you will need proper anti-freeze washer fluid, and a lot of it.

Using washer fluid not designed for cold temperatures will cause it to freeze inside washer fluid lines and washer fluid reservoir. Freezing will cause windshield cleaning system to stop operating and damage to fluid reservoir can occur. Most likely fluid reservoir will crack.

1) Standard Fluid

Standard fluid is a basic fluid which can be used year around, it’s the cheapest you can buy. It will work fine on fair and somewhat cold weather but with Canadian winters you will need something stronger. Use standard washer fluid only when weather is warm and above freezing temperatures. Standard windshield washer fluid cost about $3 to $4 per jug, one gallon or 3.78L.

2) De-icing Washer Fluid

De-icing washer fluid is designed for extreme winter temperatures and will do fine in Canada and Ontario winters. It has high concentrations of anti-freezing compounds and can handle freezing temperatures up to -40 Celsius. De icing windshield fluid can also melt fair amounts of windshield ice, therefore making driving in extreme weather safer.

De-icing fluid is a mix up water and methanol. Methyl alcohol amounts used on de-icing washer fluid are quite high to prevent freezing. Also, other anti-freeze agent are used to improve handling of freezing temperatures, below -30 Celsius. Rain-x is a common brand of de-icing fluid and can be purchased for around $6 at Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire.

3) Bug Removing Fluid

Bug removing washer fluid is a type of fluid created for warm weather and formulated to remove bugs, grime, bird droppings and other stuff that decided your windshield is good place to rest. Bug removing fluid are strictly for summer or for temperature well above freezing. Do not use this fluid in winter in Canada.

4) All Season Fluid

All season is a do all fluid, it can handle freezing temperatures well enough combined with bug and grime cleaning properties. All season windshield fluid can be used without problems year around. except on very low and steady winter temperatures of -30 Celsius or below. If you are unsure on what fluid to use then all season fluid is good enough in most situations and weather conditions.

Water Repellent Fluid

These washer fluids are a bit expensive and specifically formulated to help driving in rainy conditions. Water Repellent Washer fluid use water-beading technology and repel water from windshield. There are also additives which can be added to plain washer fluid to improve water removal from windshield adding better visibility.

Silicon is water repellent. However, windshield fluids with silicone might affect wiper blade operation and leave streaks on windshield. Some manufacturers do not recommend washer fluid with silicone additives.

Check your car manual or research online before using silicone based washer fluid. Confirm manufacturer of your car recommends silicone based washer fluids before using it.

5) Using Water as Windshield Fluid

Although, is generally better to use washer fluid, there is nothing wrong with using water as washer fluid. As long as you live in areas where temperatures do not drop below freezing point. As long as water does not freeze, there no problem using it. Cheap too, you dont have to buy it.

However, Do Not use water as windshield washer fluid in Ontario or Canada, period. Water will freeze and is guaranteed to make a mess out of your windshield washer system.

Water does not have cleaning abilities of specifically formulated washer fluids in regards of removing bugs, grime and dirt. But, as with anything else, washer fluid has a price and will cost you about $5 to fill up your washer fluid reservoir. Water is free, almost. Water also does not have any chemicals as washer fluid does and is not toxic to environment or people, its water.

As a conclusion, might as well mention that windshield washer fluid is poisonous if swallowed. Ethylene glycol and methanol compounds are poisonous to humans even in small quantities. Do not keep it in other unmarked containers, nice colors make it easy to mistake it for something drinkable.

(If you are also looking for a fast and easy solution to sell your car, more here on “How To Sell Your Car Fast In Ontario”. )

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