My 2007 R56 MINI has the cold weather package, so the windshield wiper fluid is heated. Now that I have to refill the fluid for the first time, can I just use the plain blue fluid, or is there a special "heat-friendly" fluid that should be used?

Thanks in advance!

 

The windsheild washer jets are heated so they don't freeze up. The washer fluid itself is not heated.

 

I use the orange junk that I got at a local auto supply chain store -- It works better at low temps than the "blue stuff" you get at gas stations.

 

When my car was delivered my MA said I have to use 'special washer fluid' since I have the cold weather package and it 'heats up'.

Is this total B.S. or what? I haven't seen a special part number or anything for this 'special fluid'. And now that it seems I have experience the weeping issue for the first time, I'd like to use something that won't stain or damage the paint or stripes.

What are other people using with the cold weather package?

 

Yes, you need to use a bottle of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. I recommend the '82.
It's just washer fluid! Get the 99-cent jugs from the discount store. If you live somewhere where it frezes, make sure it's a formula for below frezing weather. Other than that, buy whatever color you like!

 

hmm, I was pretty sure my MA was full of it but it doesn't hurt to ask...this damn car is so needy and annoyingly quirky I wanted to be sure....

I personally like the orange stuff...maybe it will help with the streaking issues (along with applying aquapel and changing my oem wipers).

At this point the washer fluid is the least of my concerns....sigh...

 

One of our local independant shops that only works on BMW's and MINIs has suggested Mercedes Benz washer solvent; it comes in a tube that you mix with distilled water. Won't leave residue on the bonnett, etc.
I haven't tried it yet; 21,000 miles and I still have some original in there.

 

The washer is "heated" to like 55 degrees (F, that is). It's not like you are throwing something in a kiln.

 

They gave me a bottle of windshield washer antifreeze. You mix it with water at different concentrations depending on expected ambient temperature. It is in a MINI labeled bottle.

 

Is everything okay, Ambrosia?

 

lol..yeah, don't mind me! Just a little grumpy at work today as I peruse NAM for answers to some of my concerns and questions. I'm still getting used to little Ambrosia but have been noticing some disconcerting 'quirks' here and there as I reach 3300 miles in almost 2 months of ownership.

I think I just need a vacation...you're out in San Antonio I see! I have been dying to go back to SA and Austin since I visited in 2006. I'm hoping the bf and I can get back out there sometime this summer....I really loved it when I was out there!

 

Hang in there, Ambrosia. We've just passed 400 or so miles. I know the quirks, squeaks, and oddities will be coming.

Let us know if y'all make it down to San Antonio.

 

The weeping thing is totally different from the fluid type--those that weep have done so from the start, with the OEM fluid. Not all have the problem. Go to your dealer and get the check valve that stops this. If your SA professes no knowledge, refer him/her to the several threads on NAM. One of them even has the part number, IIRC.

I use the blue stuff--99 cents--and haven't had a problem. I don't live in freezing weather. I do have the cold weather package, but that's only because I wanted the bun warmers.

 

yup i definitely know the weeping issue is independent of fluid type (but since finding a popped hood scoop and the first incidence of weeping I want to prevent any possible staining until I get this resolved). I'm still using the oem stuff the dealer put in. I just remember my MA saying not to use normal fluid (among other silly things like not trying to change my own oil...lol). I'm partial to the orange stuff although I have also tried the 303 instant windshield washer tablets (trying to be eco-conscious) in my previous car. I'm also hoping it improves the windshield streaking when I use the oem fluid and wipers (and now I have to find some decent wipers...the spending $$$ and fun never end!).

 

You're still in warranty--the dealer will replace them free.

As for the stripes, I've heard that the stain won't come out. I can't say myself, as I never had the problem.

 

I like the 99 cent stuff because it's probably 99% water and a little blue dye. I'm not a big fan of washer fluid that promises to perform miracles on my windshield for $4-$5 per gallon. I bet plain water would work nearly as well.

 

In winter, 'round here, the blue juice will freeze solid to the windshield in moments, before dawn or after dusk. You get a nice sheen of ice where before you may just have had a little snow. The orange stuff (Rain-X brand is the stuff I've been buying) doesn't have this problem. The blue juice is usually rated -25F and the orange -50F. Does it get that cold? No, but the moment it mixes with any water (ice/snow) *on* the windshield, those numbers degrade rapidly. It does get -10F here mid-winter, overnight.

 

Any fluid will work.

Just remember to never clean your windscreen when you are in motion. That is discourteous to the guy behind you that just cleaned his car and is now screaming at you because you hosed his front end.

 

Is there a button to turn the heat on or does it automatically come on when needed like the heated mirrors?

 

OTOH, I've heard of people (on NAM, no less!), who wash their REAR window to make tailgaters back off. Haven't used it myself, and I don't think it would be too helpful with the 18-wheelers. Anyone else I don't even notice in Houston traffic.

 

The orange stuff makes suds and a friggin mess on your windshield and paint.

The blue stuff is much "cleaner" to use.

Personally, I don't use any wiper fluid unless the windshield is really cruddy (winter, when the salt trucks are out). I prefer to wait until I get home and use the Prima Clarity and glass cloth, which I do just about every single day.

 

I tried the Rain-x. What a mess. Never again. Blue all the way.

 

haha, mental note - blue is better. =)

 

yeah...the dealer can shove the craptastic oem wipers where the sun don't shine...lol

thoroughly cleaning (was too cold to clay bar) the windshield and applying aquapel has worked wonders so far on the windshield streaking issue but the oem wipers have got to go. unfortunately people are experiencing uneven wiper coverage with a few of the aftermarket models (what the heck is up with the way the windshield is curved/designed?) but it's still a major improvement.

I am pretty obsessive about my ability to see clearly out of my windshield at all times and in all types of weather so I'm ready to test out all the recommended wipers if necessary...lol.

 

the heated washer jets? they should automatically heat up as the mirrors do.