How Often Should Windshield Washer Fluid Be Added to a New Car?
2 Answers
New car windshield washer fluid usage duration primarily depends on frequency of use. Simply refill when depleted, as there is no fixed refill cycle. Below are the specific functions of windshield washer fluid: Cleaning Performance: Windshield washer fluid is formulated with multiple surfactants and additives. Surfactants typically feature wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing properties, thereby achieving cleaning and stain removal effects. Antifreeze Performance: Significantly lowers the liquid's freezing point to prevent freezing, enabling rapid dissolution of frost. Anti-Fog Performance: Forms a monomolecular protective layer on the glass surface. This protective film prevents fog droplet formation, ensuring windshield clarity and unobstructed visibility. Lubrication Performance: Higher viscosity provides lubrication, reducing friction between wipers and glass to prevent scratches.
I usually drive my new car to and from work, and friends often ask me how often to add windshield washer fluid. Actually, there's no fixed answer to this question—it mainly depends on your driving habits. For example, I commute for an hour every day, mostly on highways where there's more dust, so I use the washer more frequently and may need to refill it every two weeks or even weekly. In summer, when I use the air conditioning more often, the windshield fogs up more, requiring more frequent use of the washer to clear my view, which also means faster consumption. Rainy days also increase the frequency of washer use—when I notice the spray weakening, I check the fluid level. When I first got my new car, I had no experience and waited until no fluid came out before refilling, which ended up scratching the wipers. Now I've learned a trick: every time I refuel, I glance at the dashboard warning light or pop the hood to check the reservoir's level, topping it up when it drops below halfway. I always keep a bottle of washer fluid in the trunk and don't wait until it's an emergency to handle it. This is especially important in winter—remember to switch to an antifreeze type to avoid frozen nozzles.
