Can Windshield Washer Fluid Be Diluted with Water in the Car?
2 Answers
Windshield washer fluid can be diluted with water in the car. Here are the relevant details about windshield washer fluid: 1. Situations where mixing is acceptable: In summer or warm weather, purified water can be added to the windshield washer fluid. In emergency situations, it is occasionally acceptable to mix different types of washer fluid once. The same brand of antifreeze windshield washer fluid can be mixed with summer windshield washer fluid for use. 2. Situations where mixing is not recommended: Different brands should not be mixed arbitrarily. In northern winters, it is best not to mix windshield washer fluids. Do not use water as a substitute for windshield washer fluid in winter. In special cases where washer fluids are mixed, remember to clean out the windshield washer fluid at night, especially when the weather is cold.
I used to think diluting windshield washer fluid with water could save money, until one summer after a heavy rain left my windshield covered in water stains, and the wipers just smeared them worse. Later I learned that washer fluid contains detergents and degreasers – adding water dilutes its effectiveness. Adding distilled water in a pinch for short trips is okay, but never use tap water directly, as mineral deposits can clog the nozzles. Honestly, a big jug of washer fluid from the supermarket costs just over ten yuan and lasts half a year – way more convenient than topping up with purified water. The real caution is never dilute it in winter. Last year, my neighbor’s washer fluid reservoir froze and cracked, costing over 300 yuan to fix. Folks in northern areas, remember to use winter-grade fluid rated for -25°C – skimping here really isn’t worth it.
