Vehicles use various fluids and each performs a specific function. The windshield washer fluid is indicated to clean the front glass so that the driver can maintain good visibility of everything around him. Let's not forget that around 90% of the information that a motorist receives and processes comes from sight, hence the importance of keeping all the windows in the car clean, especially the windshield.
Windshield washer fluid is stored in a small tank located next to the engine. To apply the liquid on the glass you have to keep the wiper lever that is next to the steering wheel pressed. While the lever is held down, a jet of fluid sprays onto the windshield, and at the same time, the wipers automatically activate to clean the windshield.
Every time we repeat this action we are releasing emissions into the environment without realizing it. Windshield washer fluid produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can easily vaporize and pollute the atmosphere. Two of the main elements it contains are methanol and ethanol, two chemical compounds that belong to the alcohol family and that could be a greater source of VOCs than the gases that come out of the exhaust pipe of vehicles, according to a study. carried out by researchers from Environmental Science
The study Undeclared VOC emissions from road transport, including from electric vehicles analyzes the environmental impact of car windshield washer fluid. To address this question, the professors in charge of the research carried out measurements on vehicles under normal driving conditions. The analyzes were carried out on different roads around the world.
The authors found that two alcohols in particular, ethanol and methanol, contained approximately twice as many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as vehicle exhaust emissions. Specifically, they quantified them in an amount of 58 ± 39 milligrams per kilometer and car.
To put the value of these figures in context, we have contacted Xavier Giménez, professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Barcelona (UB). "It is not a very high amount compared to other emission sources, both natural and human." "These are not worrying figures, but it is good to know these data because it is something that will be maintained when all mobility becomes electric," the teacher points out.
Giménez insists that there is no need to worry about the volatile organic compounds released by windshield washer fluids. “The data is not alarming. Much more methanol is used in many industrial processes -where evaporations that generate VOCs also occur-, and ethanol is the alcohol that is produced in all the fermentations with which alcoholic beverages are made. Therefore, volatile organic compounds are also emitted in all establishments where alcoholic beverages are served”, adds the professor, downplaying the emissions of windshield washer fluids.
"Methanol is an alcohol that is traditionally used in the formulation of windshield washers, since it contributes to the cleaning of the glass while lowering the freezing point of the cleaning solution," explains Kraft on its website. Since 2019, the European Union prohibits the sale of windshield washer fluids with methanol in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.6% by weight. Kraft claims that it has substituted other permitted alcohols for methanol.
“Some VOCs can be harmful when released in large quantities. But this is not the case of windshield washers”, insists the UB professor. “Nor can it be said from the outset that these emissions are harmful. It is enough to take into account that nature emits more VOCs than man with his activity”.
Aside from the emissions generated by car windshield washer fluid, it is important to note that vehicle tires and brakes are also significant sources of pollution. Several studies have concluded that the release of microplastics from tires can become a serious problem worldwide.
Aware of this concern, a system has been developed in the UK to collect dust generated by tyres. The initiative aims to mitigate the negative effects of this form of pollution and seek more sustainable solutions in the automotive industry.
