Windshield washer fluid experiences
 

It's winter. There's salt, road grime, and other dirty crap on the road that gets sprayed onto your windshield. Unfortunately after my last visit to a shop that I frequent to get some work done, they topped up my windshield washer fluid for me with a type that leaves spots on my hood (my nozzles are on my hood) once it dries and I have actually found it difficult to remove the stains!

I remember using RainX washer fluid in the past that leaves yellow marks on my hood, and if I remember correctly the only washer fluid I've had experience with that didn't leave hard-to-remove residue on the paint once dry was OEM Toyota washer fluid back when I used to work for them.

What is everyone's experience here with various windshield washer fluids? I did a quick browse on Amazon and it seems like the most popular ones are still RainX or Prestone. Would appreciate any feedback!

I use Toyota stuff in my cars simply because I work for them.
As for deposits left behind by the fluid, I have never experienced that with any other washer fluids and do not with the Toyota stuff as well.
The only thing I could think of is when you are washing the glass the stuff that is lifted off with the fluid is then re-deposited elsewhere on the car and becomes dried on. In the winter months I can see this happen on many cars with the chemical de-icers they use on the roads now. I find that keeping your cars paintwork in top shape will help. Before the winter months I usually apply a high quality paint sealant and follow it up with a couple layers of a good quality wax. This will help prevent anything from sticking to the paintwork.

Other stuff does stick onto the paint, however there is a distinctive V-shape residue from both washer nozzles on the hood towards the windshield with certain washer fluids, especially orange RainX that I used for one summer, that was terrible.

Whatever is on sale for 2.99 at Walmart

Hmm really I've stuck to rain x cuz I stock up when they are $2.99 I've never really spray it much though. only recent more to defrost I never notice the residue

:derp:

my washer nozzle (or motor?) has been messed up for years now...it barely cleans the bottom third of my windshield

:fuckthatshit:

i should really get that fixed

i use high quality e85, no sticks and no stains

:seriously:

I use blue stuff. You know, that soapy liquid you can buy and it doesn't freeze.

Kinda surprised this is a thread. Pretty sure any fluid you use (since your car is covered in salt and sticky winter shit) will make spots if you get overspray on the hood

Well I ended up calling White Rock Honda to see if they have OEM windshield washer fluid, lady on the phone said yes and they can fill it up for me for free. I arrived and the technician came out with a jug of Turbo Power Bug Wash lol.

Oh well, it's free not going to complain, they completely filled it up as well :alonehappy: will report back with results.

I think e as in ethanol.. which is the active ingredient in the washer fluid. Ethanol has a much lower freezing point than water. It is also more volatile hence dry faster and no marks.

In the past windshield washer fluid were sold cool aid powder and people just mix it in water.. at least the Mercedes ones were.

Those who had failed You! might have fell asleep during science class.

Turbo power is good n always goes on sale at Home Depot. Rain X weather the orange or yellow one def leaves residue on ur hood, and it's not something u can easily wipe away. I had to use paint cleaner n scrub the hood to get rid of those yellow or orange spots.

I use whatever my dealer has in the tank. Zero issues.

Anyone here run methanol injection also use their washer tank as their methanol tank? I use 75-100% methanol as my washer fluid :D

i've been using rain-x for awhile. i don't have this paint staining problem though which is making me a bit worried :(

usually they are on sale and overstocked at walmart.

re-aim it or check for breaks in the plastic tubing

http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/...W5n/s-l225.jpg

I use the green stuff from Costco. Laurentian? It works pretty darn well and it's rated to -45c

usually whatever CT has on sale, sometimes its rain-x

I use water as I cant control my idiotic headlight washers which cover EVERYTHING including traffic in washer fluid.

And to deal with the issue of freezing, I add a little vodka in for winter. No issues!

Same here...

So far, i dont see any paint stain yet.
But after seeing this thread, i am worried too.

Ok, good news. Used quite a bit of the Turbo Power summer wash the Honda dealer put in for me for free, has not left any pink coloured liquid stains on the paint or windshield (the liquid is pink). Unlike the RainX summer bug wash, which I distinctly remember leaves pink-coloured stains on my hood.

I do hate driving on the highway on sunny days when the pavement is wet, especially driving behind lifted trucks without mud flaps :fuuuuu: grimy water gets sprayed all over the car.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMj...VVq7lr/$_1.JPG
:troll:

Probably depends on the brand, but try turning off your headlights when you hit the washer. Most vehicles will disable the headlight portion of the wash if your lights aren't on. Doesn't help much if you are driving along at night, but if you are stopped at a light you can do it then