Do I really need to put in windshield wiper fluid in my car???

Question

I have a Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor 2005 1.8 I4 automatic with about 186K miles on it. Recently on the dashboard the cars asking me to refill the windshield wiper and my dad who is a mechanic has been bugging me to do it. as far as I'm concerned its only a fluid that washes the windshield. I've tried telling him that its not that big of a deal since I always wash the car by hand anyway. but he keeps insisting that these Mercedes cars are built different and use it to cool the supercharger?? or something like that. sounds like a lot of baloney to me but I need another opinion thanks

Chuck Tobias · Accepted Answer

Windshield washer fluid won't affect the way your car runs. It's for use in the event that mud or dirt splashes on your windshield while driving so you can easily clear it off. If you need it sometime you'll wish you had filled the washer bottle. (Then again, this is Mercedes Benz we're talking about, so maybe they came up with this scheme - check with a dealer or Mercedes mechanic to be sure.)

I've never heard of it being used for any other purpose. The only time I can recall fluid being used with forced induction in a production car was "Turbo Rocket Fluid" (an alcohol and water mix) in the 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire's turbocharged V8 to cool combustion and prevent detonation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w_erOV-Kro

Mod_Man · Answer

My bigger concern: if you don't want to spend $4 on a gallon of washer fluid, what other maintenance have you skimped on regarding that Mercedes?

You don't strike me as someone who should be driving that particular car. More like a Honda/Toyota person as neglecting things there is ok. Neglecting maintenance on a Benz will bankrupt you later when things go wrong.

Buy the fluid. Put it in. Turn off the light. Happy Dad, happy car, you're not a pedestrian. A win all around.

yaser · Answer

It is only for wading the windshield. Just fill it up and make your father happy.