Using homemade solutions, such as soapy water, can cause damage to the pipes and injectors of the washing system. For each vehicle there is a more suitable type of fluid.
Wiper fluid plays a crucial role in driver safety. In the fall, one of the times of year with the highest incidence of rain, it is even more essential to drive with wiper blades in good condition and quality fluid, thus ensuring clear and safe visibility on the road.
Euromaster, a specialist in comprehensive vehicle maintenance, warns of the importance of using specific, professional products, rather than homemade solutions - such as soapy water - which can damage the system's pipes and injectors, as well as compromising visibility while driving.
Properties that make it indispensable
Professional wiper fluid not only cleans, but also protects the vehicle and contributes to safer driving. These are its main properties:
- Improves visibility by effectively dissolving dirt accumulated on the windshield.
- Protects the vehicle's paintwork and plastic components from aggressive and corrosive compounds.
- Controls the formation of foam, preventing residue and ensuring uniform cleaning.
- Reduces glare by preventing light refraction and minimizing visual distractions.
- Increases overall driving safety by providing clear visibility in all weather conditions.
Euromaster also stresses that if the tank needs to be refilled, it is best to contact a professional garage to ensure that the product used is suitable and will not compromise any of the vehicle's components.
Much more than soapy water: what is it really made of?
Unlike homemade solutions, windshield washer fluid is carefully formulated from a balanced combination of water, alcohols, dyes, flavorings and methanol-free surfactants. To this composition are added specific detergents and solvents, which effectively remove all kinds of dirt accumulated on the windshield and headlights, without leaving any residue or damaging the vehicle's surfaces.
There are two main types of wiper fluid on the market: the ready-to-use product and the concentrate, which must be diluted according to the proportions indicated by the vehicle manufacturer. Incorrect dilution can compromise the effectiveness of the product and even damage the wipers, so it is essential to follow the technical recommendations.
Euromaster also recommends that drivers go to a specialist workshop for advice on the type of wiper fluid best suited to each vehicle.
The workshop network offers professional solutions to help extend the life of the cleaning system and ensure safer driving. Checking the windshield washer fluid level is one of the routine inspections carried out at every service in the brand and the service includes free refilling of the tank, as part of the 12-point check available in its workshops.