Can I add some detergent into washer liquid?

[itsmyways]

Hi all,

I am wondering could I add some kind of detergent into my washer liquid? I don't know it's because my windshield blades are not good or it's because road grease splatters on the glass (I assume it's because of the latter one.)? Anyone could give me a suggestion? Appreciate it!!

Thanks.

[KorruptioN]

Don't. You don't know if it'll strip paint or harm the finish in some manner. Get the proper fluid for the season.

[itsmyways]

Don't. You don't know if it'll strip paint or harm the finish in some manner. Get the proper fluid for the season.

Thanks for your reply. It looks like I only can clean my windshield more often.

[IoannI]

Canadian Tire has some windsheild washer fluid that has detergent mixed into it. I've never tried it and most likley will never, but if your interested in getting something with detergent in it they have it.

[itsmyways]

Canadian Tire has some windsheild washer fluid that has detergent mixed into it. I've never tried it and most likley will never, but if your interested in getting something with detergent in it they have it.

Thanks for your information. I will go to CT to take a look. Another question: could you explain why you'll never use this kind of antifreeze washer fluid? It might hurt the windshield or is just because you don't have the same problem I have?

Thanks a lot!!

[skidz88]

How old are your wipers? Consider replacing them if they're leaving streaks.

[l69norm]

All washer fluid has some detergent in it. There's also a small bottle of additive you can add to your existing fluid. It's meant for people who need to strengthen old/ cheaper washer fluid. It's cheaper to buy premium fluid in the first place.

[selpats]

There is some stuff called 2010 which is exactly what you are looking for. I have used it for 20 years. Just look at Crappy Tire or an auto parts store. It comes in a green bottle.

http://www.2010products.com/MSDS/auto.htm

You can get smaller bottles that this...
http://www.2010products.com/images/p...aner-small.gif

[itsmyways]

Thanks for the information from you all kind guys.

I just bought my car 6 months ago so I don't know how old my blades are. I will try to use the washer fluid with detergents first. If it's not improved, I think maybe it's time to get new blades (usually how often I should change them?).

Thanks a lot!

[skidz88]

You should change blades every 4-6 months.

[selpats]

I change mine every 6 months to a year. It depends on the quality of the blade...

[itsmyways]

wa.... Then I gotta change my blades first... Maybe that's the main reason.
Thanks for your great help.

[gh05t]

I know some people do use dish washing detergent with water in some countries where they don't use windshield washer fluid but I guess as the one poster said, it may strip the wax over your paint etc.The dried soapy residue to the side of your windshield might make visibility worse or look unsightly plus you might put too much detergent too.

Most windshield washer fluids should already include a non soapy detergent to take care of the normal levels of grime but I suppose you can clean your windscreen more often too like at the Gas station while filling up or at home use a soapy solution specifically on the windshield alone making sure to hose off any residue from your paint.

Then maybe try some rain-X solution on the windshield or maybe invest in the more expensive Rain-X washer fluid.

As most have already suggested, maybe you need new wiper blades as the old ones may be worn or damaged. Even a cheap pair from Wallymart is better than worn damaged ones.

[selpats]

Rain-X is definitely hit and miss. Some people love it, some people absolutely hate it. Personally I can't stand it.

Nothing replaces really good quality blades.

[ES_Revenge]

Hi all,

I am wondering could I add some kind of detergent into my washer liquid? I don't know it's because my windshield blades are not good or it's because road grease splatters on the glass (I assume it's because of the latter one.)? Anyone could give me a suggestion? Appreciate it!!

Thanks.

You could, but it probably wouldn't be a great idea. If you're talking about dish soap or laundry soap or something, I think it would cause more problems than it solves. It would be all foamy and stuff and if your wipers don't work well at "squeege-ing" then the bubbles may make it even harder to see out of the windshield.

If you replace your wipers and find that the performance isn't all that great, you may want to check into replacing your wiper arms/springs as well. Particularly if the vehicle is older, the springs in the arms can be worn out and that would put less pressure on the blades and result in poor wiper performance.

You should change blades every 4-6 months.

Seems a bit excessive to me. I change mine like every 2-3 years...