Can windshield washer fluid harm a car's finish?

Question

They say you should never allow anti-freeze to come in contact with your cars' paint because it can discolor it. However, some windshield washer fluids are prepared to withstand temperatures of up to 20 degrees below zero. That must mean there's a form of anti-freeze in them. So, I guess my question is...how does "regular" anti-freeze harm a paint finish and windshield washer fluid - which has anti-freeze properties in it - doesn't?

Thanks

Answer 1

always rinse any fluids off the painted surface

Answer 2

Personally, I don't like pre-mixed windshield washer solvents sold in most stores, as yes, it can damage the paint and more importantly, is toxic as well.

For nearly 35 years I've always found that a product called 20/10 summer time concentrate has worked very well. It is non-toxic and designed only to be used when the temp is above freezing, it can make up to 4 gallons of windshield washer cleaner depending upon the strength you wish to have. I don't suggest you'd want to drink it; but, I seem to remember reading somewhere that you could drink the entire quart bottle without any ill effects! Now the summer concentrate is in a green bottle, there is a winter formula that is in a white bottle with red lettering. The product is getting hard to find; stores in the Bay Area don't seem to carry the product any longer, I had to search the Web the last time and found someone who carried it.

It's a great product that works well and isn't toxic. It maybe a pain, but, you can switch the contents or use up the contents of a winshield washer bottle and put the winter time concentration when the weather turns cold. Given where I live, I've haven't used the winter formula in years, but, I understand its still available.

I hope this helps, a car nut.

Answer 3

It is the alcohol(glycol) component which has a low freezing point, and a high boiling point in specific mixtures, that gives windshield washer solvent its low freezing point, antifreeze its low freezing, and high boiling point, brake fluid its low freezing, and high boiling point.
Many substances containing alcohol are detrimental to most automotive paints, especially unwaxed paints, but windshield washer solvent is the least harmful because of the low alcohol content, and the way it is intended top be distributed. Antifreeze is not usually harmful, depending on how hot the paint is, but it is highly toxic, can be readily inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, and once in the blood it can quickly cause severe nervous system damage, paralysis, and death to humans and animals, and has a long half life(>10,000 years), which means it persists in ground water. Never dump it on the ground. Brake fluid is also an alcohol( polyglycol) that will dissolve paint quickly especially when warmed. When hot, it will strip paint to the metal. It is also highly toxic, readily absorbed through the skin, and has a long half life.
The most effective, single preventive measure when pouring any thing containing any of these substances is to have a container of clean water handy for rinsing the affected area. never pou on the gropund or down the drain. Wearing all protectives when using is highly recommended.

Answer 4

Yeah washer fluid and anti frezze is too very diff things.
Washer fluid is alcohol based, and a great cleaner

Etheline glycol is what anti freeze is based from.. It's a poor cleaner. It's greasy to a point and would be very bad on your front glass.

Answer 5

Winshield washer fluid has more water and color added to it, but if ur car ever overheats and ur not to far away from a gas station or home windshield wiper fluid will work just like anti freeze been there used it , it works

Answer 6

THE WAY THEY KEEP WASHER FLUID FROM FREEZING IS BY ADDING SOME ALCOHOL TO THE MIXTURE. ETHELINE GLYCOL, THE MAIN INGREDIENT IN ANTI-FREEZE, IS NOT USED, AND WOULD NOT WORK WELL AT CLEANING GLASS. TO ANSWER THE QUESTION CORRECTLY...THE ALCOHOL IN THE WASHER FLUID (IF USED IN THE FORMULA) COULD STRIP THE WAX FROM THE VEHICLE PAINT. NOT ALL WASHER FLUIDS USE ALCOHOL SO MY ADVICE TO YOU IS START READING THE LABELS ON THE PRODUCTS THAT YOU USE.