Does it matter which wiper fluid to use?
Content
The windshield of the car performs several functions. It not only protects you from wind, cold and rain while driving, but also provides good visibility of the road in front of you. Unfortunately, when a car moves, it rarely remains clean, as dust, dirt, small insects, flies, etc. stick to it.
The wipers your vehicle is equipped with can clean drops from rains in rainy weather, but they can do little when the sun is shining and the glass is dry. To clean the glass of dirt and provide a good overview on the road, use a special liquid for wipers.
Consider what role the tool for the windshield plays.
What is wiper fluid?
This is a specially formulated fluid that consists of:
- Water;
- Solvent;
- Alcohol;
- Dye;
- Perfumery perfumes;
- Cleaning products.
In other words, windshield wiper fluid is a type of cleaner designed to fight all types of dirt on your windshield and give you the visibility you need while driving.
Does the type of fluid matter?
In short, yes. Car windshield cleaners have specific characteristics, according to which they are divided into summer, winter and all-weather. This is why it is very important to use the right fluid for the season.
Types of Cleaning Fluids
Summer
This type of liquid contains a higher concentration of solvents and detergents and does not contain alcohol. It is used in the summer months (when the temperature is high) and copes with dirt, such as dust, insects adhering to glass, bird droppings and others.
The use of summer liquid provides very good visibility, since it completely removes all organic pollutants in the area of the wipers.
The disadvantage of a summer cleaner is that it cannot be used when the temperature drops below 0, because it freezes.
Winter
Winter liquid or De-Icer (thawing) contains surfactants, dyes, perfumes and a percentage of alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol or ethylene glycol). Alcohol lowers the freezing point, which prevents crystallization of the liquid and ensures perfect glass cleaning at sub-zero temperatures.
Winter wiper is not recommended for use in summer, as it does not contain ingredients that can remove organic substances. This means that they cannot clean the glass well from dust, dirt and insects.
All-weather
This liquid is intended for use all year round. Most often it will be a concentrate. In summer, it is diluted 1:10 with distilled water, and in winter it is used without dilution.
TOP wiper brands in 2020
Prestone
Prestone is an American company owned by KIK Custom Products Inc.
She is known for offering a very wide range of high-quality automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake, steering and wiper blades). Prestone products are consistently at the top of the global rating for the best windshield wiper fluids.
Best selling car window cleaners in Preston:
- Prestone AS657 Summer Fluid removes 99,9% of organic contaminants and provides very good visibility. In addition, there are water-repellent components that do not allow rain to interfere with visibility, do not contain alcohol and smell good. The product is available in different packages, ready to use. The disadvantage of Prestone AS657 is its higher price and the fact that it can only be used in summer.
- Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3 - 1. This is a fluid that keeps the windshield clean regardless of the season. Effectively removes snow and ice, as well as all types of road and organic pollution. The liquid is ready to use, works in all weather conditions, cleans, repels water and removes organic and dusty contaminants. The disadvantages of Prestone AS 658 Deluxe 3 - 1 are a higher price compared to concentrates and possible freezing at temperatures below -30 C.
Starline
The company was founded in 1999 and has since been offering high-quality products for automobiles. The product range of the brand is extremely diverse and includes 90% of auto parts and consumables needed for each car.
A large percentage of Starline's products come from the development and sale of high-quality cleaning fluids at good prices. The company offers some of the best summer and winter fluids at affordable prices that can be found on the market. Starline cleaners are available as concentrates.
Nextzett
Nextzett is a popular German company specializing in the development and sale of automotive products, including wiper fluids. One of the most popular car glass cleaners is Nextzett Kristall Klar.
The product is available as a strong concentrate that must be diluted with water before use. Nextzett Kristall Klar has a citrus flavor, is environmentally friendly and removes all types of contaminants, including oil or grease.
The product is biodegradable, phosphate and ammonia free and protects paint, chrome, rubber and plastic from corrosion and fading. Nextzett Kristall Klar is a summer liquid that freezes in sub-zero temperatures. As a negative, we can note that if the concentrate is not diluted properly, it can damage the wiper reservoir.
ITW (Illinois Tool Factory)
ITW is an American company founded in 1912. In 2011, the company became the owner of another company that sells additives and wiper fluids. ITW continues the tradition and focuses its production on the development of innovative and high-quality auto glass cleaners.
One of the most popular products of the brand is Rain - X All Season 2 - 1. The Rain - X formula works effectively both at sub-zero and positive temperatures. The liquid has high frost resistance (-31 C) and perfectly clears snow and ice. At the same time, it is extremely effective in summer, removing all organic impurities without residue. The product is ready to use and can be used all year round.
How to choose wiper fluid?
To make sure that you have purchased the right fluid, experts advise you to answer the following questions before you buy.
What climate do you live in?
If you live in a place where there is a lot of snow and winter temperatures are usually well below freezing, winter windshield wiper fluids are a good choice for you, which will not freeze even at -45 C. To make sure you choose the right winter fluid, look at the label. It is necessary to pay attention to the marking to which negative temperatures the liquid does not freeze.
If you live in an area where winter temperatures rarely drop below 0, you can choose either year-round liquid or use summer for windshield wipers. When choosing a summer liquid, you should consider what pollutants you most often encounter and buy an option with a formula that will help you get rid of dust and insects.
Do you prefer concentrate or prepared liquid?
Concentrates are more cost-effective, because 10-15 liters of liquid can be prepared from one liter of the substance. However, if you are not sure that you cannot dilute it in the correct ratio, experts advise you to stop at the finished version. Pre-made liquids are easy to work with, have the same effect as concentrates, and you don't have to worry about not following the manufacturer's instructions.
