Dust, film and general nastiness eventually coat the windshield of a car after a certain number of miles, and the wipers and windshield washer fluid do their part to keep it clean so drivers can see to drive safely. Windshield washer fluid is fairly inexpensive at most auto supply stores or service stations, but you can still use other alternatives in place of the store-bought versions if you need it.
The window cleaner you use to clean your windows at home will work as windshield washer fluid in a pinch. The blue liquid found in many commercial glass cleaner brands works well -- pour 3 cups of the formula into 1 gallon of water and pour it directly into the washer fluid tank under the hood. It probably isn't a good alternative to use regularly since many brands of window cleaner cost more than the actual washer fluid in stores. But if you need to refill until you can get back to the store, this idea will be more than adequate.
Vinegar is a natural substance that tends to do a very good job with glass cleaning. White vinegar makes an acceptable alternative washer fluid when diluted using 3 cups to 1 gallon of water. Diluted vinegar is preferable since its acidity will be less harsh on surrounding paint and other components of your car. Vinegar is also freeze resistant and will prevent icing in cold weather, according to the Autos.com website.
Alcohol is another substance that cleans glass well and will work as a windshield washer fluid alternative. Like vinegar, alcohol will prevent icing in the tank. It should also be diluted with water using the standard 3 cups-to-1 gallon mixture. Do not use pure alcohol in your washer fluid tank because it is highly flammable and will create strong fumes.
If you need washer fluid while on the road and you don't have immediate access to a place that sells it, you can pour pure water into the washer fluid tank for a temporary fix. The action of the wiper blades combined with the water may be enough to get most of the grit and grime off the windshield. Don't use pure water unless the temperatures outside are going to stay well above freezing. Wintertime use of pure water can lead to a frozen tank. As the ice expands, it can crack the tank, necessitating costly repairs. Add 8 oz. of alcohol or vinegar to the water to keep it from freezing. The safer bet is to use actual washer fluid in the winter to prevent this damage, as it usually has an antifreeze ingredient already in it.
