Can I use the gas station squeegee to wash my car?

By Product Expert | Posted in Tips & Tricks on Friday, May 8th, 2020 at 8:26 pm
washing a windshield at gas station

Gas station squeegee washing tips 

A rule of nature is that your vehicle is going to get dirty no matter what. Especially once the weather starts warming up, you’ll find pollen and bird droppings on your vehicle. While it may be tempting to use the gas station squeegee to do a quick clean up, it is in your best interest to keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t. 

man washing a windshield

Your vehicle may end up dirty than before 

The containers holding the water are black for a reason. The water is often dirtier than we would like to think about. We don’t know how often these containers are cleaned out and there is everything from brake dust to bug guts to engine oil mixed inside the liquid. This can lead to streaks on your vehicle and make your windshield looking worse than before. 

You risk scratching your paint 

Since we don’t always know how dirty the water is, we can conclude we don’t know what is stuck in the sponge on the squeegee. We may not notice it but there could easily be small rocks or other debris in the sponge. If this happens, you may end up scratching the paint on your vehicle or leaving scratch marks on your windows. 

When you should use the gas station squeegee 

While we have mentioned all the negative effects, there are sometimes when you should use the gas station squeegee on your windshield. If you are on a road trip and don’t have time to do a full wash but still need to clear off your windshield, the squeegee is okay to use. We just suggest trying to avoid using it as much as possible and not having it as your first option. 


Read more vehicle tips: How long can my Nissan vehicle sit without use?


Schedule a service appointment at Glendale Nissan 

If you need some repairs done or just need a routine maintenance, we have a service center at our dealership. Schedule an appointment through our website or give our service center a call.  


Read more tips: Disinfecting your Nissan vehicle from the Coronavirus


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