Can you use water instead of washer fluid in your car?

If your car is low on washer fluid, water can help in an emergency. Here’s when you can use it, why it shouldn’t replace washer fluid altogether, and what to do if you’re stuck.

So, you’re on the road and your windscreen is getting mucky. You reach for the washer fluid stalk, only to realise you’re running low – and there’s no petrol station or supermarket in sight. At this point, you might be wondering whether you can simply top it up with water and carry on driving.

We’d recommend that you only use water in an emergency during warm weather, not as a permanent replacement for washer fluid.

Water can help remove light dirt and debris from your windscreen and improve visibility. However, water alone lacks the additives found in washer fluid, making it less effective at removing stubborn residue, grease and bugs.

Here’s why water isn’t a good permanent solution for cleaning your windscreen, and what you need to do if you find yourself stuck without washer fluid.

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What does washer fluid do?

Washer fluid cleans dirt, bugs and road grime from your car’s windscreen to give you a clear view of the road. It also wipes away streaks that cause glare from oncoming headlights at night, includes additives that stop the system’s spray nozzles from clogging, has anti-freeze properties so it still works in cold weather, and keeps the rubber wiper blades working well.

Can I use water instead of washer fluid?

You shouldn’t use still water instead of washer fluid except as a temporary emergency fix in warm weather.

Here are a few reasons why it’s not recommended:

• Water lacks the detergents and solvents needed to break down bug splatter, bird droppings, road grimes, and oily residue. It often just smears the dirt.
• In the winter months, water can freeze and potentially damage your washer system if temperatures drop below freezing, whereas most washer fluid products have anti-freeze properties
• Using water more permanently may lead to residue build-up on your windscreen over time. The minerals and impurities in water can leave streaks on the glass, impairing your visibility. There’s also the possibility that it can damage your wiper blades and washer system components.

What to do when washer fluid is low

When your washer fluid is low, here’s how to top it up:

1. Turn off the car engine before opening the bonnet.
2. Look for the washer fluid cap. This usually features a blue top with a windscreen wiper symbol matching your dashboard light.
3. Insert a funnel into the opening to avoid spilling liquid onto the engine parts.
4. Pour in a ready-mixed screen washer until the fluid reaches near the top. If you’re stuck, water can be used as a temporary emergency top-up.
5. Close the reservoir cap securely and close your car bonnet.

How can I avoid running out of washer fluid?

Here are some quick tips to avoid running out of washer fluid:

• Look under the bonnet at least once a month. Top off the fluid before long trips.
• Store an extra bottle of washer fluid in your boot so you’re always prepared.
• Top up your washer fluid more often during the winter because road conditions tend to be worse meaning dirt and grime can build up on your windscreen.
• Many modern cars have a dashboard light that turns on the fluid when it’s low, so don’t ignore it.

Washer fluid FAQS

Can I use bottled water instead of washer fluid?

You can use bottled water temporarily in an emergency, but don’t use it as a permanent replacement to washer fluid.

Can I use washing up liquid instead of washer fluid?

No, we’d advise against using washing up liquid instead of proper washer fluid. This is for a few reasons:

• Washing up liquid lacks alcohol or glycol, meaning it can freeze solid on your windscreen or inside the washer reservoir during cold weather, which can crack hoses and tanks.
• It creates too many suds when sprayed and wiped, which can block your view and create a dangerous driving hazard
• It can dry out or degrade rubber wiper blades.
• It leaves a sticky, smeary film on the glass when it dries, making glare and sun dazzle much worse.

Do I need to flush my washer fluid system after using water?

No, you don’t need a special chemical flush after using still water in your windshield washer system. But we do advise that you empty it and switch back to proper washer fluid before colder weather arrives.

What if my washer fluid keeps disappearing?

If your windscreen washer fluid keeps disappearing, you likely have a leak in the reservoir, a damaged hose, or failing pump. We’d recommend you have the system inspected rather than repeatedly topping it up.

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