Does the Quality of Windshield Washer Fluid Affect the Car?
3 Answers
The impact of windshield washer fluid quality on the car is as follows: 1. Disadvantages of inferior windshield washer fluid: Most inferior windshield washer fluids are mixed with water and alcohol, which not only damages the gloss of the car paint and the hardness of rubber strips but may also cause color differences, swelling, or dissolution of rubber or other plastic parts in severe cases. After cleaning the windshield, the fluid flows near the air conditioning intake, and the odor from the fluid's evaporation can enter the cabin through the car's air conditioning ventilation ducts. The gases emitted by inferior windshield washer fluids are harmful and can become invisible killers to the health of the car owner. 2. Advantages of high-quality windshield washer fluid: High-quality windshield washer fluids are made from deionized water and various environmentally friendly additives, featuring functions such as stain removal, antifreeze, antistatic, and anti-corrosion. Some superior high-quality windshield washer fluids also have properties like quick snow and ice melting, anti-glare, and anti-fogging, playing a significant role in enhancing driving safety.
The quality of windshield washer fluid has a significant impact on vehicles. Having driven for over 20 years, I've found that poor-quality washer fluid can lead to incomplete window cleaning, leaving water stains or oily films, which cause blurred vision during rainy or nighttime driving and can easily lead to safety accidents. Once I used a cheap product, and during light rain on the highway, the wipers couldn’t clean properly, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Good-quality washer fluid has strong cleaning power, is freeze-resistant in winter, dries quickly in summer, and sprays an even mist from the nozzle, instantly clearing the view. Moreover, it protects the wiper rubber from damage and prevents premature aging. I recommend car owners choose well-known brands, avoid cutting corners, regularly check the washer fluid reservoir, and top it up with high-quality products—this investment in safety is worth it.
From a mechanic's perspective, the quality of windshield washer fluid directly impacts the durability of the cleaning system. I've handled numerous cases where owners using inferior fluids experienced clogged nozzles or corroded tubing, resulting in time-consuming and labor-intensive repairs. Poor-quality fluids contain particulate impurities that gradually clog the tiny spray orifices, weakening water pressure or causing complete failure. Moreover, corrosive components can degrade plastic reservoirs or metal wiper arms, leading to leaks and rust. In contrast, premium washer fluids feature balanced, non-irritating formulations that prolong component lifespan. I once serviced a vehicle whose reservoir developed holes from years of acidic fluid use, requiring a costly replacement. I recommend selecting pH-neutral products and opting for antifreeze formulas in winter—avoid tap water as a cost-saving measure that ultimately backfires.
