Windshield Washer Fluid

[jsfinn]

I've only ever used the the blue stuff but now they make this orange stuff that is supposed to protect to -30 degrees (not that it ever gets that cold here...). <br /><br />I needed to refill the washer fluid today and the store only had the orange stuff.<br /><br />What's the difference? It had a lot of chemicals listed on the bottle ... will any of this stuff hurt the paint?<br /><br />Also, they sell some other kind of fluid that is supposed to repel water off of the windshield. Does it work? I like RainX, but it seams to wear out quickly. Maybe this is a better way to make it last longer.

 

[nothreat]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

If this is the orange stuff you get at Wallyworld I have been using it for about a year. I like it because it acts like rainx and beads the water up real well. It does leave a film on the window that is evident when it is cold and takes moment to clear up under defrost. Also, I don't think you can mix it with the blue stuff. My neighbor did it and it made a cloudy mess on his windshield. I still use it and like it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

No orange stuff here.<br />We have pink, blue, dark blue, and purple.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

WW Fluid is a main staple here in VT. Between all the salt and slush we go through gallons a week. The most important quality is non-freezing to at least 25 below. <br /><br />As soon as this snow is over (April we hope) then comes the real bad season MUD season which also taxes the WW pumps.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Barlow]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

I bought a few gallons of that rain-X stuff - its orange.. as for it ruining the paint on the truck.. ?? I figure there's 3" of salt on the roads here and what could this stuff possibly do thats worse than the salt.

 

[marcmccain]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

Winshield washing fluid cost about five bucks a gallon (four liters) here in Spain. Does anyone have a formula for a homemade version. If so, please share it with all of us.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

Thanks for the input, everyone.<br /><br />As for asking about hurting the paint - a while back I had a Black VW Golf. It always had dull spots infront of the WW sprayers which must have been from the fluid sitting on the hood after the car was parked. It didn't seem like I could ever get them off no matter how much I tried.<br /><br />Warhorse, I think the blue stuff just water mixed with some antifreeze. I'm sure others will post more though.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

Originally posted by jsfinn:<br /> ...<br />Warhorse, I think the blue stuff just water mixed with some antifreeze. I'm sure others will post more though.

hope not, since most antifreeze is toxic (and I believe, tasty to pets)....

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

Warhorse- If you are not going to get below freezing you can use the following. This makes about 3 gallons-one bottle of rubbing alcohol, 16 oz of vinegar, and the rest water.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

Also go through a lot of WW here in PA. I personally put over 500 miles on a week and go through at least a gallon or ww fluid in this time. I usually end up investing in a case at a time (about .25/gal less) and keep it in my truck. <br /><br />Several years back I made a terrible mistake of going on a trip in the middle of winter without checking the ww fluid. Upon finding out I was dry, I pulled into a roadside rest and added some water to the reservoir thinking I could at least make it to purchase some WW fluid at the next service station. I only took about 5 miles of driving for everything (tank, lines, etc) to freeze up on me before I could find ww fluid. Now I make sure I carry an extra portion to prevent another crisis situation.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

Warhorse - sounds like you're paying more for windshield fluid than gasoline...here it's available for .75 USD per gallon...WOW!!! Kenneth Brown has a reasonable concoction. Also, I just can't get used to ornage washer, I'll stay with good ol'blue.

 

[DJ]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

KB's concoction will work just fine. The alcohol keeps it from freezing and the vinegar cleans the windshield. <br /><br />Window washers use vinegar to clean windows!<br /><br />I know you're in Spain, just don't use WINE vinegar. <br /><br />It's funny, regarding regional differences. I live in Arizona. I have NEVER used the "squirters" in six years. I can count the windshield wiper useage instances on one hand.<br /><br />Blue skies and sunshine from the desert.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Windshield Washer Fluid

Ahh, the smell of vinigar and alcohol.<br /><br />I make my own also, I have a cleaner I use around the shop called BH-38, the best grease cutting cleaner I have ever seen, I put two ounces per gallon and a bit of alcohol, Im sure it doesnt cost but about 5 cents per gallon. Boy does it clean the oily residue off the windsheild. Hey, Maybe I should market it,<br /><br /> LDS washer fluid and engine degreaser <br /><br />Wife has been spraying it full strength on the stains on my work cloths, takes grease spots right out, oh, and its great for ring around the collar also.