Going 12,000 miles between services (or so the computer is currently guessing) has at least one disadvantge - I ran out of windshield washer fluid! I've never run out of it with any other car, probably because it got refilled every 3-5K miles during service.

Anybody have tips on what to get to refill? I'm sure I can go buy a big gallon of blue stuff at Pep Boys, but something tells me the fanatics around here have better ideas.

Tips on replacement wiper blades also appreciated - the Mini's weren't great to start with, and they're no better now.

Thanks everyone!

 

I use the plain blue stuff in mine. My only beef is that there is no 'low fluid' warning. You just 'run out'.

I replaced the blades on mine with Bosch blades, they are pretty decent, although I find the wiping area to be a little bit reduced. The original MINI blades are offset slightly and are two different lengths, and the driver's side has a 'spoiler' which adds more downforce to that side when the blade is near the pillar and you are at speed.

I am probably going to order the original ones from Classic along with the rear blade as well, which I cant find locally.

Wash the glass with a grease-cutting cleaner as well as ammonia-based glass cleaner to make the wipers work their best. I sometimes have to resort to using laquer thinner to get the oily residues off the glass.

 

In the summer, I just use water. In the winter, the blue stuff from Pep Boys or Target.

I don't know of a premium replacement. If someone else does, I might start using it...

I still have my factory wiper blades, so I can't help with that one.

 

I use a couple things that I feel make a huge difference. The 303 Wiper Treatment really works nice. Keeps the blades soft and they never stick.

In addition, I clay the windshield a couple times a season. Makes a big difference especially when followed up with a quality polish. I like Einszett or Autoglym.

As far as fluid, I use water all summer with Einszett booster. It cleans well, doesn't spot and lubricates the blades to keep them quiet. In winter I use the cheapo blue stuff.

 

Do not use Rain-X. It eats the foam vent covers away!

 

I use normal blue stuff and a funnel to get it in there. With such a small opening the funnel helps me from making a mess.

 

Really? Yikes!

 

Yes it does, only the Rain-X though. Not the blue stuff

 

I think it's Prestone that makes a better windshield washer cleaner. It seems to do a better job against the bugs and other accumulated road debris. It's also for generally colder climates. But, I use it year around.

Doesn't Griots have a high end warm weather windshield washer cleaner? Has any body here used it?

Hunter

 

I second the Prestone brand. They have it at autozone for about $4.00 and it is 100% better than the blue stuff.

 

See I knew there would be something! I found that 303 makes some tablets that dissolve in water for instant windshield-washer fluid. Does anyone have any experience with them? (I might just try them since I can order more Aerospace Protectant and the wiper wipes at the same time)

You know you're dealing with enthusiasts when you get this many responses to a question about windshield washer fluid!

 

Scary, isn't it!

 

Which foam vent covers ? Are you talking about the vent covers on the bonnet?

I've been using Rain-X .

 

I have to refill my washer fluid about once a week,so I always have a bottle in the car.In the summer I use the pink bug remover kind,then in the winter I use the blue stuff that is rated for -40F.There is also a product up here that has teflon in it,costs about twice as much,but works great in the extreme cold.
I only put that in my windshield washers,not the headlights.

 

Since you live in benign San Diego, just get the cheapest stuff you can find regardless of color. It works well enough. Walmart usually has the cheapest prices on stuff like this.

You could also swing by your very friendly Mini dealer and have them top it up for free.

 

Years ago, my wife and I traveled from Connecticut to Ireland for a relaxing vacation, driving the entire southern coastline of Ireland over the course of 2 weeks. About half way around, the windshield washer ran out of fluid. I inquired about washer fluid from the 2 guys manning the next local gas station we came across and they got a good laugh at my expense. In-between chuckles, one of them pointed me to their endless supply of windshield washer fluid... 10 feet of garden hose attached to the water faucet between the pumps.

The blue/pink stuff may strip your windshield of bugs better, but (in a temperate climate) I can fairly safely say that Irelands windshield washer fluid will be less likely to dammage your paint or foamy-bits...

 

Now where's the fun in that?! Sounds like someone is being practical - I don't think that's allowed in the detailing forum.

 

That's what I'm using now, can you go into more detail?

 

For those of you with '02 and '03 models with the foam in the cowl vent covers, you can get the newly designed full plastic insert to replace the honeycomb shaped ones, under warranty. It was certainly a poor design, the new ones are much better. No foam to disintegrate away.

 

Water is probably adequately effective in cleaning the windscreen. However, you run the risk of having stuff (algae?) start to grow in the nice warm moist environment within the tanks. This happened to me many years ago in my very first Porsche (a 924, so it was nearly an Audi...). The green stuff clogged the plastic tubing and nozzles. It was quite the pain.

 

Don't the 05 have a low fluid light? I wonder if that is retro fittable.


Paul

 

So, just to clarify, you're saying that RainX washer fluid is not a problem in an '05 model? Seriously, is there a big reason I shouldn't be using the stuff for the windscreen, rear window, and headlight washers?

 

If you like the stuff, don't worry about it. And for those of you who still have your foam intact, time and sunlight will cause it to deteriorate.

 

Had to get mine changed,does that count as a mod