Can I add mineral water to the car's windshield washer fluid?
3 Answers
You can add mineral water to the car's windshield washer fluid, but the effect is not good, and it is recommended for emergency use only. High-quality windshield washer fluid is made of deionized water with various environmentally friendly additives, providing functions such as cleaning, antifreeze, antistatic, and anti-corrosion. Some premium windshield washer fluids even offer features like rapid snow and ice melting, anti-glare, and anti-fogging. Inferior windshield washer fluids are mostly mixed with water and alcohol, which not only damages the gloss of the car's paint and the hardness of rubber strips but can also cause color differences, swelling, or dissolution in rubber or plastic parts in severe cases. After cleaning the windshield, the washer fluid flows near the air conditioning intake, and the volatile odor of the fluid can enter the cabin through the car's air conditioning ventilation ducts. The gases emitted by inferior windshield washer fluids are harmful and can pose health risks to the car owner.
I've repaired many cars and noticed some owners take shortcuts by using bottled water in their windshield washer reservoirs. While it works in a pinch to rinse off dust, it's a bad long-term solution. Mineral deposits from the water can build up in the tank and hoses - especially problematic during northern winters when water freezes solid below zero, potentially blocking the nozzles. Proper washer fluid contains detergents, antifreeze, and lubricants that dissolve bug residue in summer and remain liquid at -20°C in winter. Bottled water also cleans poorly, creating dangerous visibility issues during highway rainstorms. Keep some proper washer fluid handy - at around 10 yuan per bottle, it prevents minor issues from becoming major repairs.
I often ponder these little details when washing my car myself. Indeed, you shouldn't substitute windshield washer fluid with mineral water. While mineral water may appear clean, it lacks cleaning agents, making it impossible to remove substances like tree sap from the windshield. Using it once or twice in an emergency isn't a big deal, but long-term use can lead to mineral deposits accumulating in the reservoir, eventually clogging the spray nozzles—costing you money to unclog later. Plus, I've tried it; mineral water causes the wipers to squeak, shortening the lifespan of the rubber blades. Professional windshield washer fluid offers better lubrication, ensuring smooth operation and protecting the wiper blades. Not to mention winter—mineral water can freeze and crack the water pipes. So, it's best to stick with proper windshield washer fluid.
