I have always used RainX de-icer fluid in my cars and SUVs in the winter.
Anyone have suggestions on which fluids you use in the washer systems in the MCS? I think straight water may be in store for my headlamp washer system....given the washer nozzle is heated do I really even need the de-icer in the windshield system other than keeping the windshield clear?....I really do like RainX products...since my 2006 MCS is still a factory fluid virgin I am trying to do this fluid addition correctly!

 

Don't use plain water in either washer system. It WILL freeze even with heated nozzles. If you like the Rain X deicer I'd recommend staying with it. My choice for deicer has been Prestone windshield deicer. Works well for me.

 

yeah prestone is decent stuff. I try and avoid to use my wash fluid and so far, in.... hm 4 months now I have had my car in NY, I have not yet used my washer fluid. I also do not garage the car. Intriguing right? I use lots of elbow grease keeping the car spotles, I claybar the windows and then I use RainX glass treatment. Whenever water hits the windshield, it flies off instantly so no dirt buildup while you drive.

I also use 303 wiper treatment. In one draw my stock wiper blades remove everything. that is due to super clean windshield and the blades being smooth and pliable. I also have 303 washer tabs. I bet they work really well as so far all 303 products are very effective and unique.

yeah, rainx stuff is decent stuff, never saw anything bad in their line either.

the blue stuff from local places is not at all standardized. I wonder what the heck is in there, and I know that the OEM fluid is supposed to be like ultra over concentrated and possibly harmful to the car.

 

Not plain water - whatever's in the washer fluid bottle and lines will freeze when the car's off. I've used various forms of winter fluids with no problems, currently using RainX fluid because it was on sale.

BTW, that new PPG windshield treatment (their version of RainX) is FANTASTIC - comes in an integral applicator, goes on easier (wipe on, buff with paper towel), lasts many months longer than RainX, and (important to me) does NOT smear. Repels water as well if not better. Initially I thought it wasn't working as well but that was because the droplets on the window were so fine it was hard to tell if it was raining.

 

Whatever is on sale for $0.99 at the local gas station.

 

That's what my dad gets. I didn't really care until my nozzles started getting clogged. I've been using RainX since then with no problems.

 

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ditto. Never had an issue. I clay, then wax my windsheild every few months.

Mark

 

In order to get freeze suppression all washer fluids add Methanol. This will remove wax faster than a MINI through a curve. I don't think there is an alternative if you live in the cold however. I guess you could just forgo any fluid use and keep it in reserve for emergencies.
Based on what my MINI looks like after slushing around for the past three weeks in the snow - a clean windshield would be laughable.

 

I have been using Prestone Bug Wash lately. No worries about freezing up where I live

 

Ditto... I went through a gallon and a half so far, and more snow on the way this week! I just want a dry, sand/gravel free road so I can properly wash my baby!!

Although, I will be washing her today, just to get dirty again...

 

I use RainX as well. Heated washer nozzles are a joke, you'll be at your destination before they thaw.

 

my father, an ink and coatings chemist said that methanol would not mess up wax that much if at all. He said that methanol reacts with wax much like water would. hm. water with some methanol in it would be really easy on wax. Also: it is raining when you use it . the small amount of methanol would be untraceable in the rain. I too thought that methanol would be really bad for the wax, but I guess I was wrong.

 

Now that is interesting. I always thought the "ol" as in ethanol, methanol, propanol - indicated an alcohol. I assumed that alcohol would remove wax. Probably need a chemist to chime in here since it has been about 25 years since I had organic chemistry in college. Some days I can't even remember my two kid's names, oh wait I have three.

 

The washer nozzles are not heated, the fluid is heated way up stream of them. If the nozzles freeze, they will stay that way till engine heat/warmer outside temps thaw them out. Anti-freeze will not thaw out things, just prevents them from freezing.

In colder temps some amount of anti-freeze should be used in the washer system as the tanks and lines or pumps could burst.

Mark

 

I'm not a chemist and can't speak to the wax issue but I do use ethanol and menthanol based products in my industry. They are both alchohol based (almost pure), think moon shine.

 

"Think moon shine", heck I drink it - why do you think my memory is shot.
Now what was this thread about? Oh yeah, washer fluid - never drink it!

 

Do you have any problems with the wash taking off your wax or damaging your paint? I was a little concerned after reading the label and it says it takes off tree sap! I'm in Arkansas in Jonesboro with rice fields literally in the city limits and for miles around the city, so mosquitos are a big problem! Thanks!

 

If I'm using the windshield washer nozzles at all, the Mini's about due for a wash anyway, and I dry with FastWax so I wouldn't notice!

Also, note that summer windshield washer fluid advertise on the bottle "freezes at 32 degrees!" as though it's a benefit of the washer fluid! It's blue water with some soap in it. I don't know for sure, but I'd bet it's a pretty high profit item. Winter washer fluid will have a lower freeze point (-20, I think, but it depends).

Motto: Be sure to change it out when it gets colder!