So I was taking out the headlight to replace a blown side marker light. I disconnected a hose and had no idea FLUID would be rushing out of it! WTH? So I can only assume this is to keep the Xenon lights cool? Never ran into something like this before.

So I caught a bunch of fluid in a water bottle. Can I put it back in the coolant reservoir?

 

That would be washer fluid for your headlight washers.

 

You F ing with me right now?

 

Look in your Owners Manual for washer fluid. In Europe, required by law for xenon/HID headlights.

 

 

No good deed huh fastlane?

 

My mind is blown right now. Seriously.

So does my car do this?? How??

 

There was thread about this a while back. If memory serves, I think headlights have to be on, wipers going and every couple of times you spray the windshield with fluid it will activate the headlight washer..

 

Guess I never considered that option because there isn't a wiper on the headlight like the Mercedes that I've seen. What's the point of spraying washer fluid if it's not going to be wiped? That's like spraying washer fluid on the windshield without using wipers. Not going to be very effective. Anywho, thanks for the responses. Glad I checked and didn't dump that into the coolant res.

 

I'd have to agree, not very effective. I have a '12 with xenon headlights, was rather surprised to learn I had them. Seems on the US version of mini it was an option if you have the xenon headlights.

OP, I smiled when I first read this thread, made my day..

 

The washers have only been made optional in the US for the past couple of years. Previously (2003-2012), xenon headlights always included washers, even in the US.

 

this thread is begging for a "blinker fluid" joke

 

Up north where salt dries on the lens it works great....washes thecsalt away...it can cake on, and make you pull over to rub it off.

 

Yep, it works well enough. It actually sprays once, waits five seconds or so and then sprays again to allow some 'soaking' to free up muck.

And I'm guessing the guys who know all the blinker fluid jokes are busy changing their muffler bearings today.

 

I always wondered why those were there to begin with as they serve no function for my Mini.

 

No joke!

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