this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2023
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Can I use any windshield washer fluid I want for my car, or do I have to match it to whatever remains in the resevoir?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Use what you want.

What you want to use is RainX. Or at least use RainX's additive to what ever washer fluid you do use.

If you live in a cold climate, just make sure the fluid you use won't freeze.

[–] someguy3 3 points 2 years ago

Pretty sure you can use whatever.

Don't use plain water like the other guy said. That will give you legionnaires disease.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago

Regular water can cause buildup of deposits and minerals which will eventually clog the jets that spray onto your windshield. If you're not going to use proper wiper fluid at least use distilled water.

Personally for three bucks I prefer the real stuff that causes water to bead off the glass and prevents bug splatter. Totally worth it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

No need to match, but I like you use up what I've got before refilling just 'cuz. If you live in a place with particularly brutal winters (I've seen this in Wisconsin and Minnesota plenty, but less so in Colorado where I live now) there's a purple kind that's good for melting very light frost, and it'll better withstand the really crazy low temperatures. But in summer, I like the normal blue stuff to actually clean the windshield.

[–] [email protected] -5 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I believe so, but better yet (if your car will not be subjected to freezing temperatures) is to just use water. WW fluid contains VOC's which contribute significantly to pollution.

California Environmental Protection Agency Facts About Windshield Washer Fluid for Your Automobile

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/Remediated_windshield_washer_fluid.pdf

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

Noooo don’t use water unless you’re in a climate that NEVER freezes. I drove my grandpa’s car to Utah from Seattle and used the wiper fluid as I was coming down snoqualmie pass and froze the whole windshield because he had put water in and I almost died. DO NOT use water unless you’re 100% sure your car will never be in freezing temperatures.

And to answer the main question, you should be good to use any wiper fluid.

[–] someguy3 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Plain water can lead to legionnaires disease.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Citation required, only because it's an authoritative statement in a forum dedicated to asking for help and understanding.

Plus it's the dad thing to over explain how it causes legionnaires disease.