Can Car Windshield Washer Fluid Be Directly Replaced with Mineral Water?
2 Answers
Whether car windshield washer fluid can be directly replaced with mineral water depends on the type of washer fluid: 1. Liquid non-concentrated washer fluid cannot be mixed with water and can be directly filled; 2. Solid washer fluid can be mixed with water and needs to be dissolved in clean water before use; 3. Liquid highly concentrated washer fluid needs to be diluted with water in proportion, as direct addition may cause excessive corrosiveness. Car windshield washer fluid, short for car windshield cleaning fluid, mainly consists of: water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. It can be classified by form into: solid washer fluid and liquid washer fluid, with cleaning and antifreeze properties.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen too many people try to save money by using plain water instead of windshield washer fluid, which leads to numerous problems. Water doesn't contain cleaning agents, so it can't properly remove oil stains and insect residue from the windshield, resulting in blurred vision that can easily cause accidents. It gets worse in winter - water freezes below zero degrees, causing the reservoir pipes to expand and crack, with repairs costing hundreds of dollars. Long-term use may also clog the nozzles, affecting spray performance. I recommend using dedicated windshield washer fluid, which contains antifreeze and detergents - a small price for safety and peace of mind. Make it a habit to refill regularly, never cut corners, and check before winter for extra assurance. Safety comes first - don't risk it for just a few dollars.
