Can Mineral Water Be Used as Car Windshield Washer Fluid?
2 Answers
Mineral water should not be used as car windshield washer fluid because it dilutes the washer fluid, reduces its effectiveness, and may damage the wiper blades. The functions of windshield washer fluid are: 1. Cleaning the windshield to maintain clear visibility; 2. Providing antifreeze and defogging properties; 3. Offering antistatic, lubricating, and anti-corrosion effects. The steps to add windshield washer fluid are: 1. Open the hood and locate the washer fluid filler port; 2. Remove the cap and pour the washer fluid into the reservoir; 3. Observe the fluid level until it reaches the marked line. The characteristics of car windshield washer fluid include: 1. Cleaning capability; 2. Antifreeze performance; 3. Defogging properties.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have personally experienced this. Once during a long trip, I ran out of windshield washer fluid and used mineral water as an emergency substitute. Not long after, winter arrived, and the nozzles got completely blocked, making it impossible to spray any water. I had to rely on the wipers scraping dry, which quickly wore out the rubber blades, forcing me to replace them. Later, I learned that mineral water lacks antifreeze, freezing into solid ice at just a few degrees below zero, not only clogging the pipes but also risking cracking small components. The cleaning effect was poor too—mineral water doesn't contain detergents, leaving a hazy layer of residue that couldn't be wiped clean, affecting visibility. Now, during every maintenance check, I make sure to regularly top up with dedicated windshield washer fluid. It costs just a little over a hundred and lasts a long time, saving both money and hassle compared to repairing nozzles. Safety comes first when driving—don't make the same mistake I did in the past. Everyone, remember not to be as careless as I was.
