
So water is really only a suitable substitute if you live somewhere that temperatures don’t ever freeze. Plus, it can actually create a potentially dangerous situation or damage the reservoir and other components if the water freezes. But does it work well enough to do the job? Ultimately, water won’t clean a windshield as well as wiper fluid because it lacks the cleaning elements that make windshield wiper fluid so effective. Manufacturers add these in order to avoid freezing at low temperatures.ĭue to the existence of these chemicals, some may opt to use water instead. This includes methanol or “other alcohols like ethylene glycol.” In addition, these products can also contain ethanol or antifreeze composed of methylated spirits. According to, the majority of windshield washer fluid products are made with potentially toxic ingredients.

#Windshield wiper fluid image drivers
Some drivers may want to use water instead of windshield washer fluid because of the harsh chemicals that put people, animals, and the environment at risk. Is it dangerous to use water instead of windshield wiper fluid? Can water replace windshield wiper fluid? 2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Special Edition interior | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Tap water is easy to come by in modern U.S. Dirty Windshield | Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Imagesīut not everyone keeps a jug of it on hand.

Keeping a car clean is part of regular maintenance, but the need still arises that we need to wash the glass while in transit. When some friendly local birds leave us all sorts of yucky presents on the glass, it’s not a good time to be out of washer fluid. Windshield wiper fluid is helpful when the pollen film gets so thick we can barely see out of our windshields.
