[pidim]

Hi everyone, I tried to search but could not find anything on the question I have  on here.

Is it okay to use ordinary tap water in the windscreen washer reservoir or should it be filled with dedicated fluid eg:  SCA Windscreen Wash RTU 5 Litre Brand NEW Super Cheap Auto | eBay  ?

My question is not necessarily one of whether it will clean the windscreen better but whether plain water can cause issues with blocking pipes and washer nozzles or anything else.

Thanks for your help.

[CraigB]

I've only ever used tap water with some Trico additive in it, you'll find the SCA premix is just their concentrate mixed with tap water anyway

[Surferdude]

Tap water only here. For as long as I've had windscreen washers. And I'm 68.

[tw2005]

I've  used water, or a few drops of dish detergent but trying the TRICO additive which was reasonably priced at REPCO and gives a nice clear screen.

Good sized washer in the i30 too.

[Dazzler]

Avoid dishwashing liquid like the plague.  It can rust the window washer pump. Trico is good because it is ammonia free ( gentler on your paint and smells nicer)

[Phil №❶]

Dishwasher detergent is designed makes glass waxy.  That will make your wipers chatter across the screen.

[eye30]

The tubes on my washers got blocked some 2 months after the garage at a service put concentrate stuff in the washer bottle.

They did the right thing and cleared etc FOC.

I just use tap water with a very small drop of cleaner stuff so as to prevent the water freezing and smears on the glass.

[xiziz]

Ideally you want something that will kill any bacteria(which could clog the pipes/pump), usually there is a detergent in the ready made stuff that both helps clean the windshield and keeps the liquid stable.

Here you need to include ethanol/isopropanol to prevent the fluid freezing, but I don't think you have that problem down under.

I have a 5l bottle with concentrated stuff in the basement which I mix out with tap water according to the outdoor temperature(for the antifreeze, which needs to be a lot more concentrated in winter than in the summer), very cheap.

[Surferdude]

I just remembered we used to put a small amount of methylated spirits in the washer bottle. I had completely forgotten that but I still use a small amount of metho on a rage to clean stubborn spots of gunk of the screen and the wiper blades. No detrimental effect on the rubber.

[pidim]

Quite a few opinions.... tap water it is then   

Thank you all.

[John B]

Avoid dishwashing liquid like the plague.  It can rust the window washer pump. Trico is good because it is ammonia free ( gentler on your paint and smells nicer)

   

And use filtered water with your Trico, then you will have gentle on your paint ,smell nice and and have a healthier car

[Dazzler]

Avoid dishwashing liquid like the plague.  It can rust the window washer pump. Trico is good because it is ammonia free ( gentler on your paint and smells nicer)

   

And use filtered water with your Trico, then you will have gentle on your paint ,smell nice and and have a healthier car

I could easily do that. All our water is rainwater and we filter all the drinking water that doesn't go through the kettle for hot drinks.

[pidim]

Avoid dishwashing liquid like the plague.  It can rust the window washer pump. Trico is good because it is ammonia free ( gentler on your paint and smells nicer)

   

And use filtered water with your Trico, then you will have gentle on your paint ,smell nice and and have a healthier car

I could easily do that. All our water is rainwater and we filter all the drinking water that doesn't go through the kettle for hot drinks.

If I filter the water, the car won't get any fluoride.   

[asathorny]

All of which reminds me, I must top up my washer tank