Can Tap Water Be Used for Windshield Wipers?
2 Answers
Glass cleaner cannot be replaced with tap water. Here are the relevant details: 1. Tap water does not have cleaning properties and contains impurities, which may clog the windshield washer nozzles. It is recommended to use glass cleaner for washing the windshield and avoid using tap water. 2. If you run out of glass cleaner, make sure to replenish it promptly. This is especially important in winter when tap water should never be used. During colder temperatures, tap water can easily freeze. When liquids freeze, they expand, which may damage the windshield washer reservoir or even the rubber hoses. 3. In winter, always use a glass cleaner with a sufficiently low freezing point. If the glass cleaner's freezing point is too high, it may also freeze.
As a long-time enthusiast in the automotive industry, I must warn you: Never use tap water for the windshield washer reservoir! While it may seem convenient and cost-effective, it causes numerous problems. Tap water contains minerals and impurities that can deposit in the nozzles and hoses, forming scale that clogs the spray holes. In severe cases, water output weakens to the point where it can no longer clean the windshield. Especially in winter, freezing water can expand and potentially crack the system, leading to repair costs as high as several hundred yuan. I've seen many cases where poor visibility in rainy or foggy conditions increases accident risks, or vehicles suffer water damage for no apparent reason. Always use dedicated windshield washer fluid—it contains detergents to remove grease, prevents freezing, lubricates the wipers, and extends their lifespan. Even in emergencies, distilled or filtered water is a better alternative. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the nozzles can prevent minor issues from turning into major expenses.
