Windscreen Washer System

Headhurts

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
1,048
Reaction score
330
Location
Norwich, Norfolk
Your Mercedes
Mercedes GLC300 2021
I recently had the windscreen washer bottle replaced on my car and as the weather has been pretty wet recently when it came to topping up I used de-ionised water to top up the system.

I have read somewhere on previous threads that some people use this or distilled water.

I was reading the hand book today and under the relevant section it says ‘Do not use distilled or de-ionised water in the reservoir . Otherwise, the level sensor may be damaged’

It seems strange to me that water that is more purified than tap water would damage a sensor, I would have thought the opposite would be the case.

This thread may be or not useful to those using purified water in cars with a level sensor.

Robin
 

EmilysDad

Senior Member
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
12,120
Reaction score
5,664
Location
Bury Lancs
Your Mercedes
ML350
I just use 'Corporation Pop' .... It's good enough here to top your battery up. :D
Not sure how it would damage the level sensor though anyway, they're normally a float with a magnetic switch inside.
 

Sloss

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2018
Messages
18
Reaction score
6
Your Mercedes
C350 CDi BlueEFF AMG Sport Plus 5 Door Auto
I recently had the windscreen washer bottle replaced on my car and as the weather has been pretty wet recently when it came to topping up I used de-ionised water to top up the system.

I have read somewhere on previous threads that some people use this or distilled water.

I was reading the hand book today and under the relevant section it says ‘Do not use distilled or de-ionised water in the reservoir . Otherwise, the level sensor may be damaged’

It seems strange to me that water that is more purified than tap water would damage a sensor, I would have thought the opposite would be the case.

This thread may be or not useful to those using purified water in cars with a level sensor.

Robin
It’s the ions in the water that allow current to flow across the sensor so that it can work.

De ionised won’t break it - just stop it sensing!
 
OP
Headhurts

Headhurts

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
1,048
Reaction score
330
Location
Norwich, Norfolk
Your Mercedes
Mercedes GLC300 2021
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #4
It’s the ions in the water that allow current to flow across the sensor so that it can work.

De ionised won’t break it - just stop it sensing!

Many thanks that makes sense I suppose, cars are getting more and more complicated I liked the idea of a float though.

Robin
 

L John

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2013
Messages
2,860
Reaction score
553
Location
UK
Your Mercedes
W204 C350 Petrol Elegance
It’s the ions in the water that allow current to flow across the sensor so that it can work.

De ionised won’t break it - just stop it sensing!

I'm guessing the sensor would "think" it was empty at any level as it can't sense the water and so the warning would show at all times whether full, empty or anywhere in-between?
If so and the low warning is not showing when it's full, it's sensing the water being there and will warn ok when the water drops to the low level?
 
OP
Headhurts

Headhurts

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
1,048
Reaction score
330
Location
Norwich, Norfolk
Your Mercedes
Mercedes GLC300 2021
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I'm guessing the sensor would "think" it was empty at any level as it can't sense the water and so the warning would show at all times whether full, empty or anywhere in-between?
If so and the low warning is not showing when it's full, it's sensing the water being there and will warn ok when the water drops to the low level?

Bloomin heck, now I’m more confused.
 

You lost your key ? Or maybe you need a spare! Your vehicle imobilliser does not respond anymore? WE CAN FIX THEM ALL !! Mobile ! Save Time and Increase Profits With us !
Top Bottom