Comments on: How to Make Your Own Windshield Wiper Fluid

on 12/18/2008 the article can be kind of confusing, since the directions state, to add 3 cups of window cleaner per 1 gallon water - and then in the Warnings, it says to dillute well.

Is that saying 3cups window cleaner is too much? too little?

What about vinegar? I've had bad luck with window cleaners leaving streaks....on my house windows that is (but I don't dillute it, just straight out of the bottle which could be why).


Another point, RainX has a "Glass Cleaner" spray, anyone tried this? Sure, it's a bit more pricey than a "Windex" or other equivalent generic, but it may be better suited since it's specifically for "Automotive" - and well, you'd only use 3cups of the bottle.

on 7/21/2008 I wasn't responding to Moltke, by the way, I was responding to "anonymous" who keeps insisting that alcohol and water and water don't mix.

on 7/21/2008 That's idiotic. Rubbing alcohol itself is not pure alcohol, it is alcohol and water.

on 9/16/2007 In dilute solution some detergents are acidic and could give rise to corrosion of metallic parts of the automobile. Best beware cheap alternatives and stick with approved proprietary products.

on 1/1/2007 If you accidently put the washer fluid in the power steering resevoir, is this a major problem?

on 3/20/2006 When you add alcohol to water; they do mix. If you don't believe me, try mixing any type of alcoholic to water and see what happens.

on 4/3/2006 Of course alcohol and water mix. You don't see layers in your glass of wine do you?

I'd be wary of using my own alcohol though. Add too little and it'll freeze; add too much and you may ruin your hoses.

Be safe, use the commercial stuff in the winter.

on 1/26/2006 If you add rubbing alcohol, it will separate from water.

on 11/22/2005 Adding alcohol to washer fluid makes a good defroster.

on 11/22/2005 Try adding a little rubbing alcohol to the mixture to avoid freezing.

on 11/22/2005 Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of liquid
HAND dishwashing detergent to washer reservoir and stir. This will eliminate streaking and will not remove wax from paint
as ammonia does.

on 11/22/2005 When traveling, I always keep a spray bottle full of windshield cleaner in a box in the trunk. I also include a sponge with netting around it for removing bugs (the soft non-scratch type). Also include a towel and a small squeegee.

on 11/22/2005 Use it in summer, winter use may cause it to freeze in the tubing, leaving you without windshield wiper fluid when you need it the most.

on 11/22/2005 The tip for making your own windshield wiper fluid will work fine as long as the outside temps don't fall below 32 deg. (freezing). This fluid will freeze making your windshield wipers non-functional!