Windshield Vs De-Icer: Can you mix windshield fluid with de icer
Windshield washer fluid is a solution usually in liquid form, which contains a mixture of water, methanol or ethylene glycol, and detergents that is used in cleaning vehicles’ windshield and improving visibility while driving.
On the other hand, De-icer are specialized products which are specifically designed to melt ice and frost buildup on vehicles, windows, locks, and other surfaces.
Windshield Vs De-Icer: Can you mix windshield fluid with de icer
No, generally it is not recommended to mix windshield washer fluid with de-icer products. Consider the following reasons.
Like early explained, Windshield Washer Fluid contains a mixture of water, methanol (or ethylene glycol), and detergents and are designed for the purpose of cleaning the windshield and providing some de-icing capabilities in milder conditions. Whereas De-Icer Products contain much higher concentrations of methanol or other freezing point depressants
designed solely and specifically for melting existing ice buildup on windshields.
When these two liquid solutions are mixed together, the higher concentration of de-icer becomes diluted by the windshield washer fluid and this in turn reduces the effectiveness of melting heavy ice.
Furthermore, the chemical reactions from the detergent present in the windshield washer fluid and the salt or other related compounds present in many de-icer formulas may leave residue or streaks on the windshield of the vehicle.
Best Ways To Use The Both
Having understood the chemical components present in the two solutions, it is recommended to use them in the following ways;
1. It is recommended to use the windshield washer fluid for cleaning and lighting de-icing duties.
2. It is recommended to separately use the dedicated de-icer product to melt heavy ice buildup first.
3. After which the washer fluid is then used to rinse away any remaining de-icer residue.
Summary
When these two Mixtures are combined, it could compromise both the cleaning ability of the fluid and reduce the de-icing power of de icer. It is recommended to use them separately for their intended purposes.
