Step 6 of 12 · Wipers, Washer Fluid & Cabin Filter
Winter mix vs summer bug-wash
Winter mix vs summer bug-wash — step 6 of 12 in Wipers, Washer Fluid & Cabin Filter. Read the cap: windshield washer, often blue. Summer fluid cuts bugs and road film.
Free auto & mechanics tip: Winter mix vs summer bug-wash (step 6 of 12 from "Wipers, Washer Fluid & Cabin Filter").
Read the cap: windshield washer, often blue. Summer fluid cuts bugs and road film. Winter fluid is methanol or similar, rated to a freeze point on the jug — buy to at least −20°C / −4°F if your nights get there, colder if you actually see −30°C. Diluting winter fluid 'to make it last' raises the freeze point. Frozen fluid in the pump is a $80–200 pump, not a savings.
If the reservoir is frozen solid, do not pour boiling water in to 'help.' Move the car inside or wait for a thaw, then fill with proper winter mix. In spring, you can use up the winter fluid; it still cleans, it just costs more per litre. Do not mix leftover coolant, rain-X concentrate at random ratios unless the bottle says how.
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