Is de icer the same as the windshield washer fluid?
In our previous article “Windshield Vs De-Icer” we covered some areas in a bid to differentiate between windshield washer fluid and de-icer.
In this article, we tend to categorically answer the questions “Is de icer the same as the windshield washer fluid? and as well, can you use windshield wiper fluid to melt ice?
“Is de icer the same as the windshield washer fluid?, no, de-icer and windshield washer fluid are not the same thing. Consider the following
Windshield Washer Fluid
This is a mixture of water, solvents, and detergents.
This is used to clean dirt, bug splatter, etc. off the windshield and help to enhance visibility while driving.
This does not actually melt ice or prevent icing.
De-Icer
This Contains glycols or other freezing point depressants like alcohols.
This specifically designed to melt existing ice and prevent ice from forming on surfaces.
This is sprayed onto windshields, windows, locks, etc. to de-ice them.
This is not intended for continuous windshield cleaning/visibility like washer fluid.
Can you use windshield wiper fluid to melt ice?
No, all things being equal, regular windshield wiper fluid does not melt ice very effectively.
Primarily, windshield wiper fluid is designed to clean dirt, bugs, road grime and other debris off your windshield when sprayed. The key ingredients are water, solvents like methanol or isopropanol, and detergents.
Whereas, the alcohol solvents in some wiper fluids can help prevent freezing to a degree, the concentrations are too low to actually melt ice that has already formed on the windshield.
In cold winter conditions, the water content in regular wiper fluid will simply freeze on contact with ice on the windshield, reducing visibility even further.
To effectively melt ice, you need a dedicated de-icer solution with much higher concentrations of glycols like ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. These act as extremely powerful freezing point depressants that can melt through ice buildup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wiper fluid may to some extent prevent some light icing, but lacks enough de-icing components to actually remove heavy ice accumulation on windshields and windows. If you need to remove heavy ice, a separate de-icer product is required.
