It is interesting that some people will not take their car out if rain is forecast. However they wash the car on a regular basis. Wet is wet, what difference does it make? I can see keeping an open car (no top) inside.
Water is water, or is it? Remember the scare about "acid rain" several years ago? Have conditions changed that much that it can not happen again?
What do you wash your car with? Tap water is the usual reply. How good is that water? I once talked to an employee of a filtration plant. His comment that the filtering system only took out solids. Granted the water is chemically treated to be safe. But what affect can this have for long term use on paint and the engine cooling system? Chlorine can be corrosive.
Well water can be another source, but it comes with it's own problems. Some wells have contained so much methane that you could set it on fire! Anyone using well water can have it tested to ensure that it is safe and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
There is no easy answer. You have to use what is available, but be aware that not all water is the same.
The one time that using the correct water is is important is in the battery. Use only DISTILLED water in your battery to insure longer life. As mentioned above, not all water is the same. Distilled water is pure, with no other chemicals.
Happy motoring and keep your battery charged.
Sid Gough - Technical Editor
