Can You Add Water to Windshield Washer Fluid?
2 Answers
Whether you can add water to windshield washer fluid depends on different situations: In northern regions, adding water can prevent the fluid from freezing; in southern regions, adding water is not recommended as it may reduce cleaning effectiveness. The functions of windshield washer fluid are: 1. Maintaining clear visibility of the windshield while driving; 2. Extending the lifespan of the windshield and wiper blades; 3. Preventing window icing in winter; 4. Reducing static electricity on windows. The method for adding windshield washer fluid is: 1. Activate the wiper switch to spray fluid from nozzles below the windshield; 2. Continue until nozzles stop spraying, then open the washer fluid reservoir cap to refill; 3. Reactivate the wiper switch to clear residual fluid; 4. When nozzles stop spraying, refill the reservoir and securely close the cap.
As an ordinary person who drives frequently, I think it's okay to add water to windshield washer fluid temporarily, but it's best not to make it a habit. I've tried adding tap water a few times, and the spray nozzles got clogged soon after, which was troublesome to clean. The minerals in tap water can slowly precipitate and form scale, blocking the small holes and affecting the spraying effect. Specialized windshield washer fluid contains cleaning agents and also provides anti-freeze and anti-corrosion properties, which are weakened when diluted with water. During the hot summer months, if you run out of washer fluid, adding some purified water in an emergency is fine, but don't overdo it. In the long run, buying a bottle of specialized fluid from the supermarket is more convenient, protecting your car and saving on repair costs. I've made it a habit to only add a small amount of water when absolutely necessary to avoid long-term damage. Remember, cleaning effectiveness and durability will be compromised, so it's best to adjust the amount based on the weather.
