1. Freezing Point: Ordinary water has a freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). In cold climates, the water in your windshield washer reservoir can freeze, rendering the washer system ineffective. This can be a safety hazard, especially in winter conditions when good visibility is crucial.
2. Cleaning Efficiency: Ordinary water is not as effective at cleaning dirt, grime, and road salt from your windshield as a formulated windshield washer fluid. Windshield washer fluids typically contain detergents and surfactants that help break down and remove these contaminants. Ordinary water may not be able to adequately clean your windshield, leading to reduced visibility.
3. Evaporation: Ordinary water evaporates more quickly than windshield washer fluid. This can result in your windshield washer fluid reservoir running out more frequently, requiring you to refill it more often.
4. Rust and Corrosion: Ordinary water can cause rust and corrosion in the windshield washer system, especially if the system contains metal components. Windshield washer fluids typically contain corrosion inhibitors to protect the system from rust and corrosion.
5. Additives: Some formulated windshield washer fluids contain additional additives such as antifreeze, which helps prevent the fluid from freezing in cold temperatures, or insect repellents, which help repel insects from your windshield. These additives are not present in ordinary water.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended to use a formulated windshield washer fluid rather than ordinary water. Windshield washer fluids are designed to provide effective cleaning, protection against freezing, and prevention of rust and corrosion, ensuring good visibility and safety while driving.
