Is the washer fluid reservoir only for windshield washer fluid?
4 Answers
The washer fluid reservoir is where you add windshield washer fluid. Here is some relevant knowledge about windshield washer fluid: Definition of windshield washer fluid: Commonly known as automotive windshield cleaning fluid. It is a consumable item in vehicle use. High-quality automotive windshield washer fluid is mainly composed of water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. Automotive windshield washer fluid is commonly referred to as glass water. Functions of windshield washer fluid: Cleaning performance: Windshield washer fluid typically has wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing functions, thereby serving to clean and remove dirt. Antifreeze performance: The presence of alcohol and ethylene glycol can significantly lower the freezing point of the liquid, thus providing antifreeze effects and quickly dissolving frost.
I remember the first time I did car maintenance myself, I also thought it was simple to use dish soap mixed with water as windshield washer fluid. But when winter came and temperatures dropped below zero, the entire pipe froze solid, making it impossible to even start the car. Later, I learned that ordinary detergents are meant for dishes or laundry—they have simple compositions and may leave alkaline residues, which can cause wiper blades to deteriorate and nozzles to clog. Real windshield washer fluid is different; it contains alcohol-based substances for antifreeze and additives to remove oil films, ensuring a fine mist spray during sudden braking or rainy days for clear visibility. My advice is not to cut corners—just buy a bottle of dedicated windshield washer fluid from the supermarket for around ten yuan. Regularly refilling it is safer and more convenient. If you don’t have any on hand, using purified water mixed with a bit of white vinegar can work in a pinch, but in the long run, dedicated fluid is better. Safety is no small matter, especially when it comes to visibility during night driving.
From a compositional analysis standpoint, regular detergent and windshield washer fluid are not in the same league. The former is a mixture of surfactants that generates excessive foam when used on vehicles, potentially clogging the wiper system. Prolonged use can also corrode rubber gaskets and shorten component lifespan. Windshield washer fluid, however, features specialized formulations—such as methanol or ethanol antifreeze components—that perform in extreme cold and heat. Its low-foam cleaning agents prevent water spots or residue buildup. I've noticed that using dish soap alone leaves a hazy film on windindows, creating dangerous visibility issues at highway speeds. When you consider that investing in proper fluid helps avoid costly future repairs, it's far more economical than replacing wiper blades.
As a budget-conscious car owner, I've tried making my own windshield washer fluid by mixing detergent with water. While it seems cost-effective on the surface, the results are far from satisfactory. Ordinary liquids lack strong cleaning power, making it difficult to remove bird droppings or mud, requiring repeated wiping. It becomes even more troublesome when it freezes in winter. In contrast, commercial windshield washer fluid is affordable, costing just a few dollars per bottle, and contains anti-freeze and anti-corrosion ingredients that even extend the lifespan of wiper blades. Now, with experience, I buy large containers with anti-freeze ratings as backup, replacing them once a year for superb cost performance. Why trouble yourself? Using specialized products is a simple step that makes driving safer and more effortless.
