Do you need to replace or refill your windshield wiper fluid? Well, if you’re looking for a cost-effective option that’s very easy to prepare, try this DIY tutorial that will show you how to make your own windshield wiper fluid!
Importance of windshield wiper fluid
A windshield washer is a vehicle-mounted device that sprays fluid on a car’s windscreen or other windows.
Its main function is to clean off dirt and debris from the surface before it becomes scratched by contact with another object like an insect, stone chip, or bug.
It also helps keep rain droplets from building up on the screen and creating a blurry vision for drivers in wet conditions. It can help make driving safer in inclement weather because a blurry windshield due to precipitation reduces driver safety significantly more than any added risk.
You can buy the wiper fluid in-store or you can make one yourself!
Benefits of DIY Windshield washer fluid:
1. Easy to make, with a few ingredients that one can find in their home.
2. Windshield wipers work much better than they would if the car owner had only used water on them before applying screen cleaner spray.
3. It’s cheap! The cost for the items needed equals about $0.25 per gallon and is cheaper than buying pre-mixed solutions which range from $0.75-$14 per 16 oz bottle (Source: WikiHow).
Materials to use
1. A container with a lid
2. A funnel to help pour the mixture in.
3. Two empty bottles, preferably plastic–one for your homemade fluid and one for rinsing out if you want later on.
4. Water and Dawn dish soap is what is used most often but there’s no set standard so use whatever cleaner you have handy!
5. A measuring cup or spoon that can measure in ounces.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SAFETY. If children live in your home make sure they do not come into contact with any of these products. They may cause eye irritation.
Step by Step DIY Guide
1. Measure out the water and Dawn dish soap into your container.
2. Fill it to about a third of its capacity.
3. Cap tightly, shake well, and then put in the funnel with one end open on top of the bottles for easy pouring later on.
4. Pour some mixture from your bottle where you measured it into a new empty bottle (preferably plastic) that will serve as storage for ready-made fluid until needed again or use right away!
Tip: Make sure not to pour too much at once. So that when using this DIY windshield wiper fluid, there is enough left over to rinse off any leftover residue.
Take care when opening the lid because pressure has built up!
Where can I find my wiper fluid reservoir?
The wiper fluid reservoir is typically located in the engine bay near the windshield. You can usually find it by looking for a bottle with an “H” or “antifreeze” label on its side. The cap has a wiper symbol on its surface. You may also find instructions to check the level of liquid inside. If you can’t find it, check your manual.
Most drivers often forgot to refill their washer fluid and complaint that the wiper nozzles won’t spray.
How much do these items cost?
1. Dish soap: $0.50 (depends on the amount or concentration)
2. Empty bottles (disposable is better): $0.15-$0.25 each
3. Water: free!
The total cost to make one bottle of windshield wiper fluid varies. It may cost from $0.75 – $ 0.95 per bottle depending on whether you used disposable or reusable containers. The kind of soap you use at home is also a factor.
This DIY Windshield Wiper Fluid recipe will last about six months in the garage. After that, it needs to be replenished with more plain water.
The key to making this solution strong enough for your car’s wipers depends on how often they are in contact with dirt/grime when driving through inclement weather conditions like rain and snow.
Bonus Content: DIY Winter Windshield Washer Fluid
The wipers and windshield would need the assistance of wiper fluid to dislodge ice and melt it before being cleared off.
Hence, it’s important to add an anti-freezing agent to the DIY wiper mixture. Doing so will ensure that the fluid won’t freeze and clog some parts of your car most commercial windshield washer fluids contain methanol because it is a strong form of alcohol.
Rubbing or isopropyl alcohol (70% for not too cold weather conditions, while 99% for extremely low temperatures) would be the best choice. Vodka is also a great alternative- typically with 40% alcohol content.
How To Prepare a Homemade Windshield Cleaner With Vinegar and Alcohol
1. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Add enough alcohol to make it come out clear, but not too much that the washer fluid becomes excessively thin or is unable to freeze when temperatures drop below freezing point.
3. The mixture should be around 50% liquid and 50% alcohol.
Best wiper fluid you can buy on store
If you don’t have the time for DIY, here are some of the best-reviewed products on Amazon:
1. Prestone Anti-Freeze Wiper Fluid
This product is formulated with ArmorAll® Protectant so that it maintains a streak-free finish and provides long-lasting protection to your wipers, blades, metal parts, and rubber wiper seals.
It has an easy glide formula that will provide you with the safest wiping surface for all types of weather conditions while providing optimum visibility in any light condition.
The Prestone Anti Freeze solution can be used safely on all car models including AWD vehicles as well as heated windshields without damaging those materials. The special formulation also makes this fluid compatible with other fluids like silicone oil or grease lubricants when servicing automotive mechanical systems requiring these products.
2. Rain-X Original 2-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
The Rain-X Original 2-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a specially formulated product that will provide you with the easiest wiping surface for all weather conditions while providing optimum visibility in any light condition.
This formula has been designed to safely remove water and ice from your windshield without using too much pressure or removing paint on heated surfaces, yet still giving you enough contact time to scrape off stubborn snow or frost build-up on the glass.
The special formulation also makes this fluid compatible with other fluids like silicone oil lubricants when servicing automotive mechanical systems requiring these products.
3. Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate is a water-based, high-quality windshield wiper fluid that’s specifically designed for European vehicles. The solution contains no harsh chemicals and provides superior visibility when driving in any weather condition while providing optimum protection against dirt and grime build-up on the glass of your vehicle with just one application.
Aqua Charge Windshield Waser Fluid also protects painted surfaces from corrosion caused by salt or winter ices due to its specially formulated composition which uses only biodegradable materials. Its long-lasting formula does not contain alcohol so there is no worry about freezing during cold temperatures as well!
Conclusion
The best wiper fluid makes the difference between a clear window or one that is constantly smearing with dirty water from your wiper’s blade. This DIY recipe will ensure you have an ample supply of strong wiper fluid to meet all weather challenges ahead! Learn how to replace your car wiper blades on our basic DIY car maintenance guide.
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