Can I Add Water If My Car's Windshield Washer Fluid Runs Out?
3 Answers
No. 1. Anti-freezing: Pure windshield washer fluid should be added because it can prevent freezing. 2. Cleaning and lubrication: Windshield washer fluid not only has a very low freezing point but also contains cleaning agents and lubricants, which can quickly clean insects off the windshield. Moreover, the lubricant can effectively prevent wiper jumping and noise during use and extend the lifespan of the wiper blades. 3. Composition of windshield washer fluid: High-quality automotive windshield washer fluid is mainly composed of water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants.
It's fine to add water temporarily when you run out of windshield washer fluid. I usually buy a large bucket of water from the convenience store near my neighborhood for backup. However, be aware that tap water contains many impurities, and long-term use can easily clog the washer nozzles. Especially for cars parked under trees, leaves and tree sap stick to the windshield, and water alone can't clean them off. Last week, cleaning the washer nozzles cost me 20 yuan in labor. The mechanic said it was due to scale buildup inside the nozzles. As autumn arrives, it's time to switch to antifreeze windshield washer fluid. Last winter, I forgot to change it, and the entire nozzle froze and cracked. In the end, I had to replace the whole set of pipes, costing over 200 yuan. It would have been better to stock up on two bottles of -25°C specialized windshield washer fluid in advance.
As a ride-hailing driver with five years of experience, I often need to clean the windshield for passengers. If I suddenly run out of windshield washer fluid on the road, using some bottled mineral water can serve as a temporary solution, but purified water really doesn't work well for cleaning car windows. Last time on the highway during rain, the oil stains and bug residues on the windshield became even more smeared when I sprayed ordinary water, forcing me to exit the highway to find a car wash. The biggest issue is in northern winters—my cousin's car had its reservoir cracked because the added water froze. So I always keep concentrated windshield washer tablets in my car. Just buy a bottle of mineral water at a gas station, drop two tablets in, and you've got effective windshield washer fluid that saves space and performs just as well as the original product.
