Do I Have to Use Windshield Wiper Fluid or Is Water OK?

If you run out of cleaning solutions when you don’t have it on hand, you may be wondering if you really need a special cleaning solution, or if you can just use plain water. Water is available almost everywhere, and filling your reservoir with it can save you hours of trips to the store. However, can the plain best windshield washer replace the cleaning solution?

Washing liquid compared to ordinary water

If you live in a place where the temperature never dips below freezing, you might be able to get by with clean water—but even then, water isn’t quite capable of removing bugs, bird droppings, road grime, and other debris that accumulates on your windshield. Windshield washer fluids contain ingredients designed to remove these stubborn dirt. Most products are made from other alcohols such as methanol and ethylene glycol. Many also contain a small amount of ethanol or denatured alcohol antifreeze to keep the product from freezing in the winter. The ingredients in the washer fluid work together to give you a clean, streak-free windshield no matter how cold it is outside.

The main advantage of water is that it is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than cleaning fluids. Its main drawbacks are the lack of cleaning solvents and cleaning agents, and it freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, rendering the vehicle’s windshield washer unusable in cold weather. So even if you live in a very warm climate, consider these grannies to Minneapolis; you don’t want to be stuck in a snowstorm without being able to clean your windshield because you don’t want to be at the store Stop for some cleaning fluid.

Windshield washer fluid works better, but at a price

Liquids specially formulated to clean windshields are generally cleaner than water and generally do not freeze to -20 degrees below zero or colder. The bad news about wipes is that it’s usually made from ethanol or methanol, which are toxic to humans and animals and harm the environment. Wiper fluid also typically contains a dose of ethylene glycol, a toxic alcohol used in car antifreeze. These substances can damage the paint and some plastic and rubber parts on the vehicle.

Due to health and environmental concerns, some car owners use non-toxic substances to make their own wiper fluid. We have no experience with these homemade blends and cannot guarantee their effectiveness. However, some people use ingredients like white vinegar and distilled water to clean windshields instead of toxic liquids.

Despite the toxic nature of over-the-counter wiper fluid, driving without it is very dangerous in many parts of the United States, especially in the winter. Snow, slush, ice, and road salt can quickly coat your windshield, and frequent washing with a high-performance winter windshield washer fluid is the only way to remove dirt so you know exactly where you’re going.

see more : https://www.pinterest.com/answerthequestionus/8-best-windshield-washer-fluids-for-car/

Benefits of Using Windshield Washer Fluid

At Hugh White Honda, we may have seen it all. From car maintenance “shortcuts”, from duct tape to connecting interior fabrics, to bigger things like superglue and rope networks connecting bumpers, it’s people’s creativity to keep cars running, with no road restrictions and minimal downtime. However, not all shortcuts are created equal. One thing you definitely don’t want to do is fill the windshield washer reservoir with clean water.

Many people think of water as a cleaning agent, and while it is true that water can be used to clean grime off a car, it should not end up in the washer fluid reservoir for the following reasons:

Water is not as clean as cleaning fluid. It contains no solvents that help break down bugs and dirt, and may leave more streaks obscuring your view.

Water provides a friendly environment for certain types of mold and bacteria that can pose a health risk to your car and passengers.

Water freezes at higher temperatures, leaving you vulnerable to burst pipes and damaged wash pumps. Windshield washer fluid, on the other hand, contains a small amount of antifreeze and can withstand cooler temperatures.

When you think it’s time to refill your windshield washer reservoir, visit Hugh White Honda’s Honda Service Center for express service. We can advise you on the right fluids and even show you how to refill at home.