DIY windshield washer fluid

[Sequoiasoon]

This. Walmart haa some pink stuff thats -50 I think. It's labeled rv marine

That is for drain lines, other potable water IIRC. I don't know how it would work as windshield washer and potential film left on window.

I do use that in all my pool piping and RV toilets/drains as well as when we winterize the hunting cabin.

 

[Sumboodie]

The -34 is the best I can find on the store of a US shelf.

Windex used to make a -35 washer fluid that was purple in color (but it was $6 a gallon), but it doesn't seem to be made anymore.

I wish I could get the -45 stuff they have in Canada

We carry -60*

 

[willbur]

If you lease a car sure.
Methanol is nasty stuff and will degrade your plastic, seals, your trim.
I want to keep my car as long as i can rust belt permitting so...

that's funny. Isn't methanol a component of deicer/cleaner?

 

[Jetronic]

I just looked up DIY windshield washer fluid stuff. It sounds great and dandy if you live SOUTH of the mason dixon line. But dear god! I looked at what I will need here in Buffalo NY so it doesnt freeze and it is simply not economically feasible with the amount of isosporyl alcohol or methanol that I have to dump into it. Around 38-40 bucks for a gallon jug of either.

I use ethanol. if needed. I would never use methanol and that's one reason to not get pre-made.

 

[Jetronic]

The -34 is the best I can find on the store of a US shelf.

Windex used to make a -35 washer fluid that was purple in color (but it was $6 a gallon), but it doesn't seem to be made anymore.

I wish I could get the -45 stuff they have in Canada

I think I have some -60°C stuff in the basement. it rarely gets below -10°C here though

 

[KrisZ]

Yup, making your own washer fluid only makes sense in the south. When I lived in Canada I always stocked up on the winter rated washer fluid when it went on sale.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

that's funny. Isn't methanol a component of deicer/cleaner?

Yes

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I use ethanol. if needed. I would never use methanol and that's one reason to not get pre-made.

Are the ethanol ratios similar to get freezing performance?

 

[Jetronic]

Are the ethanol ratios similar to get freezing performance?

yes

 

[martinq]

Are the ethanol ratios similar to get freezing performance?

Close but methanol freezes at lower temperatures.

50/50 methanol by volume ~ -40C
50/50 ethanol by volume ~ -32C

 

[willbur]

Yes

Are the manufacturers of these cleaners/deicers aware of this horrible truth that it will degrade your plastic, seals, your trim? I think I will go out right now and drain it from my car. Thanks

 

[martinq]

Are the manufacturers of these cleaners/deicers aware of this horrible truth that it will degrade your plastic, seals, your trim? I think I will go out right now and drain it from my car. Thanks

Yes I'm sure they've been very aware for decades. I've been using methanol fluid in my cars for 30+ years as that's what's available. I'm sure it's been the same since long before I was alive.

 

[willbur]

Are the manufacturers of these cleaners/deicers aware of this horrible truth that it will degrade your plastic, seals, your trim? I think I will go out right now and drain it from my car. Thanks

I forgot to say I even turned on the flashing blue lights as I rushed out to do this

 

[Sumboodie]

that's funny. Isn't methanol a component of deicer/cleaner?

Are the manufacturers of these cleaners/deicers aware of this horrible truth that it will degrade your plastic, seals, your trim? I think I will go out right now and drain it from my car. Thanks

If that was true, all the vehicles here would be falling apart.
Some shops use just pure methanol for winter windshield wash.

 

[Delta1]

I once tried to make my own 'less toxic' wash fluid by mixing water, dish soap and the cheapest vodka I could find.
The results were hilarious, and a total failure. Sure the windshield got clean, but the vodka fumes were so strong in the cabin it would make my eyes water.
My passengers were always quite confused at the sudden smell of alcohol whenever I used the washer fluid....I maybe had the concentration of vodka a bit too high.