Topic: Windshield wiper fluid

[Wainiha]

Who uses what?  I don't use store bought as I have no need of a deicer.  I use distilled water.  Toyota told me hose water but think with hard water it will cause build up on the jets.

I read somewhere someone in a cold climate rigged up hot water to jets.  Anybody care about  this topic?

[Gnarly4X]

Who uses what?  I don't use store bought as I have no need of a deicer.  I use distilled water.  Toyota told me hose water but think with hard water it will cause build up on the jets.

I read somewhere someone in a cold climate rigged up hot water to jets.  Anybody care about  this topic?

I use the Wally's brand blue stuff.  It's cheap.  If your climate is cold, the low temp stuff is an option. It doesn't leave that blue residue and it works really well.

I have made my own - 6 drops of dish soap in a gallon of distilled water..... REALLY cheap option.

In freezing temps I would NOT use heated water.

Gnarls.

[emsvitil]

I bought a gallon of concentrate from Grainger.    Supposed to make about 100 gallons worth...…….

I also add some dishwashing soap and vineager

[sirdeuce]

Tried water with vinegar, don't do it.
Tried water with TSP, don't do it.
Used Rain-X for a while, supposedly helps preserve the Rain-X windshield treatment. Not sure it worked.
Now I just clean the windshield when it needs it.

[RUGER]

i use the -20 blue stuff that napa sells. thats even froze, at least at the nozel. sprayed de-icer on it to free the clog.
got no experience with making my own.

RUGER

[Prismo]

I use the rain-x stuff, it puts a coating on the windshield that beads up & the rain rolls off. It works well enough that I don't even have to use the wipers in mild to moderate rain. Don't know how your red mud would affect it though. I mean you seem to live in the rain capitol of Hawaii.

[Gnarly4X]

Tried water with vinegar, don't do it.
Tried water with TSP, don't do it.
Used Rain-X for a while, supposedly helps preserve the Rain-X windshield treatment. Not sure it worked.
Now I just clean the windshield when it needs it.

Left on the glass long enough.....

White vinegar has pH around 2.5 ---- very acidic.  Even mixed with distilled water (pH 7.0 -- neutral pH), IT CAN ETCH GLASS.

The quick fix - a can of Coke to clean the windshield, has a pH about 2.5 to 2.8 - that can also etch glass.

Rain-X is an excellent product.

It coats the windshield with a (secret) ratio of water and acetone.  It does bead water very well.  It also acts like a lubricant and helps the wiping action of wiper blades.

The coating has another benefit..... it helps to deflect little pieces of debris while driving.  This can greatly help to reduce small chips that will accumulate over time and cause that very distracting glare when driving in the sunlight.

Gnarls.

[Wainiha [OP]]

My dad used to use a few drops of soap or Rain X.  The reason I use distilled water is the water here is hard and causes spots.

Acetone in Rain X?  That seems a little scary...