Can purified water replace windshield washer fluid in summer?
3 Answers
Purified water can be used as a substitute for windshield washer fluid. More information about windshield washer fluid is as follows: 1. Cleaning performance of windshield washer fluid. Windshield washer fluid is composed of various surfactants and additives. Surfactants usually have functions such as wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning and removing dirt. 2. Anti-freeze performance of windshield washer fluid. It can significantly lower the freezing point of the liquid, thus providing anti-freeze protection and quickly dissolving frost. 3. Anti-fog performance of windshield washer fluid. A single-molecule protective layer forms on the glass surface. This protective film prevents the formation of fog droplets, ensuring the windshield remains clear and transparent with a clear view.
I actually tried using purified water instead of windshield washer fluid last summer. During the hot summer months when I ran out of washer fluid and couldn't buy more immediately, I used filtered purified water from home as a substitute. At first, it seemed fine, but after a few uses, I noticed slight water stains remaining on the windshield, and the cleaning effect was significantly worse. Later, I looked into it and found that purified water lacks the detergents and anti-mold agents found in windshield washer fluid. Long-term use can easily clog the nozzles and may even cause rust in the water channels. It's okay for emergency use once or twice, but I wouldn't recommend using it frequently. I suggest everyone keep a bottle of dedicated windshield washer fluid handy to avoid trouble, especially on highways where dust can severely reduce visibility, which can be very dangerous.
I have an old habit of trying to save money and effort in summer by using purified water as windshield washer fluid. But personal experience has taught me this isn't very wise. Purified water has weak cleaning power, and with more dust in summer, the windshield becomes blurry after just a few wipes. What's worse, minerals in the water can easily deposit in the system, potentially clogging the nozzles over time, which ends up costing more in repairs. My advice is to stock up on proper windshield washer fluid when it's on sale - it contains anti-oxidation additives that actually protect your car.
