Can Tap Water Be Used as Windshield Washer Fluid?
2 Answers
Tap water should not be used as windshield washer fluid. Here are some key points about windshield washer fluid: 1. Reason: Tap water contains many impurities. With prolonged use, these impurities can accumulate on the rubber spray tubes, affecting normal spraying. Windshield washer fluid is formulated with various surfactants and additives. 2. Tap water: Tap water can only superficially clean dust off car windows and lacks effective cleaning power against stubborn dirt and grime on windshields. When impurities in tap water come into contact with the glass and are rubbed back and forth by wiper blades, they may cause scratches on the glass.
To be honest, as a seasoned driver, I've tried using tap water before and found it totally unreliable. One winter, trying to save money, I used tap water and ended up with clogged washer nozzles and a windshield covered in ice—nearly causing an accident due to poor visibility. Windshield washer fluid contains antifreeze to withstand sub-zero temperatures and cleaning agents to remove dust and bug residue. Tap water contains minerals that can build up as scale in the system over time, eventually leading to costly nozzle replacements. During rainy summers, visibility is already poor, and tap water can't effectively remove oily grime. My advice: stick to store-bought windshield washer fluid—one bottle lasts months. In emergencies, distilled water is a temporary fix, but switch back to proper fluid ASAP to avoid bigger issues. Make it a habit to check regularly—your car's health is what really matters.
