do you put tag water in your wind screen washer fluid reservoir ?

dada44

I just read an article that said one should use the special fluid one can buy, and not use tap water, as it prevents bacteria spreading.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10293519

wondering what ppl do in practise ?

victor2

Buy the cheaper supermarket screenwash when it's on offer (like before the ice and snow comes:)) and keep it in the garage until needed. It not only protects against freezing (although I've even had that stuff freeze) but does a better job of cleaning the windscreen that just plain tap water.

Nilrem

I just put in some screenwash concentrate (stops it freezing as well), and tap water.

The article itself notes the risk is from not adding screenwash, which normally comes in either "ready to use" (IE about 5 litres for £3-5) or a bottle of concentrate (for about 99p) which you can add as needed (IE more if it's going to be cold weather, less in the summer as it's an anti freeze as well).

Valli

Any water, held in ANY 'reservoir' and not swilled through regularly can become infected with legionella. This is one of the reasons air conditioning systems are such high risk.

Interestingly, another possible risk of contamination can arise in buildings which aren't used for a few weeks, so hotels/hostels/guest houses which close for the winter, theme park washrooms, or schools over the summer break, anywhere, in fact with rooms unoccupied and therefore unflushed toilets and shower heads which have water held in them.

Any fine spray can be breathed in and hence legionella could be contracted from these sources.

Tiddlywinks

dada44 wrote: »

I just read an article that said one should use the special fluid one can buy, and not use tap water, as it prevents bacteria spreading.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10293519

wondering what ppl do in practise ?

Right, first of all, the article does not say don't use tap water - it is pointing out that adding screenwash fluid to tapwater kills the bacteria.

So, tap water is OK as long as something is added which wll deal with the bacteria.

phill99

And how many people have been infected from water in the windscreen wash reservoir? How many of you actually drink it or brush our teeth in it.

This just adds something the list for the OCDs to be paranoid about.

dada44

what about adding a bit of washing up fluid with it ? the type that we wash dishes with

jbainbridge

dada44 wrote: »

what about adding a bit of washing up fluid with it ? the type that we wash dishes with

Do you really want those bubbles on your car :rotfl:

Tiddlywinks

phill99 wrote: »

And how many people have been infected from water in the windscreen wash reservoir? How many of you actually drink it or brush our teeth in it.

This just adds something the list for the OCDs to be paranoid about.

Not being paranoid at all but... it's quite easy sometimes to inhale the vapours of a screen jet - using it with the windows open, walking past when someone else uses theirs...

Valli

phill99 wrote: »

And how many people have been infected from water in the windscreen wash reservoir? How many of you actually drink it or brush our teeth in it.

This just adds something the list for the OCDs to be paranoid about.

Legionella is carried in fine water droplets - exactly as can be emitted from a windscreen spray. AFAIK it causes problems when breathed in - not by ingestion.

Ich_2

what about adding a bit of washing up fluid with it ? the type that we wash dishes with

I use it all the time, removes the grease and streaks far better than anything!