Windshield washer fluid

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Windshield washer fluid is a fluid for motor vehicles that is used in cleaning the windshield while the vehicle is being driven.

This is usually a concentrated cleansing agent that should be diluted by water in the windshield washer fluid reservoir. A control within the car can be operated to squirt fluid onto the windshield - typically using an electrical pump via jets mounted either beneath the windshield or beneath the wiper blade(s). The windshield wipers are then turned on cleaning dirt and debris off of the windshield. As the fluid is depleted, water can be used to refill the fluid reservoir. Some vehicles use the same method to clean the rear window also.

The fluid comes in many forms and must generally be diluted before being applied. Dilution factors will vary depending on season, for example, in winter the dilution factor may be 1:1, whereas during summer the dilution factor may be 1:10.

Several types of fluids are available on the market such as ready-made fluid, which is used 'neat' or as-is and sachet of crystals, which is also diluted with water. Anti-freeze, or methylated spirts, may be added to a mixture to give the product a lower freezing temperature.