Over the course of the year, the price of windshield washer fluid for automobiles in Russia rose by about 13 percent. Market observers who track this segment describe the move as part of wider shifts in household car care costs during the cold season. The rise underscores how production inputs and logistics can translate into higher shelf prices even when immediate demand remains steady. Retailers and manufacturers faced the double challenge of maintaining availability while guarding margins as costs moved. Analysts from Kontur.Market note that the latest price level signals a broader rebalancing of the market influenced by input volatility and regulatory changes in the supply chain. [Kontur.Market analysts]
Demand for washing liquids in retail held almost unchanged throughout the year. Buyers continued to replenish supplies at a familiar pace while the average ticket rose by roughly 13 percent, reaching around 680 rubles. The combination of flat volume and rising per unit costs suggests shoppers leaned toward slightly more expensive formulations or larger bottle sizes rather than simply buying more frequently. Merchants adjusted their assortments and promotions to keep sales moving while absorbing part of the higher costs themselves. The shift also hints at consumer willingness to invest a bit more for winter readiness and reliability. [Kontur.Market analysts]
Analysts tie the antifreeze price hike to higher prices for isopropyl alcohol, a solvent used to replace methanol in liquid production after restrictions on methanol use. The change reflects a broader move within the solvent market as manufacturers adapt to safety guidelines and supply constraints. When methanol faced limitations, producers turned to alternative ingredients to preserve freezing protection and performance in washer fluids. In this dynamic, the cost of the substitute solvent feeds into end products seen by drivers in their everyday purchases. [Kontur.Market analysts]
Earlier, an industry expert stated that methanol based antifreeze remains highly suitable for winter service in a vehicle washer fluid reservoir. The expert noted that methanol behaves consistently at very low temperatures, maintaining flow without thickening in the cold. The substance is described as thoroughly blended and carrying a slight odor, yet its sale is officially prohibited in many markets. This regulatory environment pushes producers toward safer alternatives while keeping discussions about older formulations alive. [Industry expert]
Previously another auto specialist warned about three categories of washer fluids that can damage a vehicle injector system. The caution highlights the risk of abrasive additives, inappropriate surfactants, or misaligned viscosity that can strain spray nozzles and injectors. While not every formulation poses danger, drivers are encouraged to check product labels and choose options designed for winter use and compatible with their vehicle. The debate within the auto care community continues to influence consumer choices and retailer recommendations as winter approaches, a trend observers in North America are watching closely for similar price and safety dynamics. [Auto specialist]