What is the most suitable liquid to add to the windshield wiper?
3 Answers
It is appropriate to add windshield washer fluid to the wiper. It is best not to directly add tap water or use substitutes like soapy water. Using standard windshield washer fluid can better clean the windshield. Windshield washer fluid is divided into two types: non-concentrated and concentrated. Non-concentrated fluid can be added directly, while concentrated fluid requires adding the concentrate first and then diluting it with purified water in the reservoir. Here are the benefits of adding high-quality windshield washer fluid: 1. High-quality windshield washer fluid is made from deionized water and various environmentally friendly additives, providing functions such as cleaning, antifreeze, antistatic, and anti-corrosion. Some better-quality fluids also have features like rapid snow and ice melting, anti-glare, and anti-fogging, which significantly enhance driving safety. 2. Inferior windshield washer fluids are mostly mixed with water and alcohol, which not only damages the gloss of the car paint and the hardness of rubber strips but can also cause color differences, swelling, or dissolution in rubber or other plastic parts. After cleaning the windshield, the fluid flows near the air conditioning intake, and the volatile odor can enter the cabin through the car's air conditioning ventilation ducts. The gases emitted by inferior windshield washer fluids are harmful.
Having driven for over twenty years, I've learned that adding windshield washer fluid is not something to take lightly. The first choice must be professional glass cleaning fluid, which comes in summer and winter versions: the summer type is excellent for removing insect residue and stains, while the winter type is antifreeze, preventing freezing in sub-zero temperatures and avoiding reservoir cracks. Some people cut corners by using tap or mineral water, but in hard water areas, this can easily clog the nozzle pipes, lead to poor cleaning, and accelerate wiper blade aging. I once tried using dish soap mixed with water to save money temporarily, but the wiper blades squeaked, and the glass was left with streaks that caused glare. Now, I always buy branded washer fluid—a bottle costing just over ten yuan lasts for months, and ensuring clear driving visibility is well worth it. Spending a little on detailed maintenance prevents bigger problems; never cut corners.
When I first bought a car, I was completely clueless. I tried using pure water, but it froze in winter, clogging the nozzles and leaving the wipers to scratch the glass dry. Later, a friend taught me to switch to dedicated windshield washer fluid: in summer, the ordinary blue bottle offers strong cleaning power; in winter, the red antifreeze version ensures it won’t freeze at low temperatures. Avoid the temptation to add dish soap or alcohol solutions, as they can corrode system components. Experience has taught me that poor choices compromise safe driving: blurred vision increases risks. Now, I grab a bottle of professional product every time I refuel—simple and easy, a small cost for peace of mind on the road. As a beginner, this investment is essential, forming a habit that ensures smooth and worry-free driving.
