Do you purchase or make washer fluid?

[ARCOgraphite]

I just bought SPLASH -50 RV antifreeze instead. Used in potable water plumbing: Propylene glycol and Ethanol
it seems to lube the wiper rubber better than blue wwf. Just dont buy the Walmart Brand.

The toxic methanol based WWF ws almost 4 bucks at WM past weekend, and this stuff was on clearance for $2.50.
Still pricy.

But its water with a touch of dish soap or shampoo in Spring through Fall. Works better, cost essentially nothing. Non toxic

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Are we to the point where $2-$3 for washer fluid is an expense that we'd rather skrimp on?

 

[atikovi]

No, it doesent get very cold where I live. Its 60 today so I have the heat on and wearing my thick winter socks, a bit too brisk for me actually.

So your location is not THE White House?

 

[1978elcamino]

Are we to the point where $2-$3 for washer fluid is an expense that we'd rather skrimp on?

I dont know about "we" but for "me" I would gladly take three minutes filling water and a few soap drops to think I got an addition 3 dollars to spend elsewhere. Thats just me.

 

[1978elcamino]

So your location is not THE White House?

Not today, Im on vacation.

 

[Rand]

They have tablets you can throw in water. it was -4f last night so cant do that right now.
the -20f washer fluid freezes instantly on the window if you are moving. I pay the 3-4-5$ to get the best you can find which is usually -35f here.. although sometimes only -30f or -27f depending on supplies.

If its Late spring I might top up with some RO water and instant washer tablet. (you dissolve the tablet in the water before putting it in car)
I've seen snow in mid may here before you really dont want your washer system freezing to save 2-3$ By september I'm back to washer fluid as you dont want to get caught with your pants down on an early freeze event either.

Now in parts of texas or CA its much more viable option to not use alcohol in the system most of the year.

Got some of these on clearance for 3$ lasts a long time.. no dish soap on car.
https://www.amazon.com/303-230371-Instant-Windshield-Washer/dp/B000FF76KM

 

[Dyusik]

Have about 25 gallons of rainX de icer fluid from a clearance for 92 cents a gallon. The looks I got coming out of wallyworld
I usually will use a couple fills worth of plain RO water during the summer to keep the costs down.

 

[jhs914]

A splash of ammonia, a touch of vinegar or isopropyl alcohol and maybe a drop or two of Dawn dishwashing soap to a gallon of water and I'm good for a lot less than $2.00. When lovebug season approaches I will have to double the dose. And yes, I live in Florida.

 

[Kjmack]

Not today, Im on vacation.

You seem to do that a lot , what's up are you feeling ok ?

 

[1978elcamino]

You seem to do that a lot , what's up are you feeling ok ?

Yes, Im feeling great actually! I just saved three dollars by filling my washer fluid with water and some soap yesterday.

 

[atikovi]

I just saved three dollars by filling my washer fluid with water and some soap yesterday.

It's the little things in life that make living worthwhile.

 

[FZ1]

Rainx works ok. Walmart.

 

[supton]

I buy. A gallon would usually last me a year. I don’t use it in winter, it’s really only needed in spring it seems, rest of the year its not so bad.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

They have tablets you can throw in water. it was -4f last night so cant do that right now.
the -20f washer fluid freezes instantly on the window if you are moving. I pay the 3-4-5$ to get the best you can find which is usually -35f here.. although sometimes only -30f or -27f depending on supplies.

If its Late spring I might top up with some RO water and instant washer tablet. (you dissolve the tablet in the water before putting it in car)
I've seen snow in mid may here before you really dont want your washer system freezing to save 2-3$ By september I'm back to washer fluid as you dont want to get caught with your pants down on an early freeze event either.

Now in parts of texas or CA its much more viable option to not use alcohol in the system most of the year.

Got some of these on clearance for 3$ lasts a long time.. no dish soap on car.
https://www.amazon.com/303-230371-Instant-Windshield-Washer/dp/B000FF76KM

I never knew there was such as thing as tablets. So I can buy 303 Protectant and 303 tablets.

I remember years ago I tried a cold weather concentrate down to somewhere well below zero and there was so much alcohol in the mix that it would flash freeze on the windshield. Fixed it but I was cussing as I went digging for my old college ice scrapper.

Edit: Wurth selling the same tablet for 2x the cost. ROFL.

 

[atikovi]

I never knew there was such as thing as tablets. So I can buy 303 Protectant and 303 tablets.

They just help with cleaning. No tablets can lower the freezing point.

 

[Passport1]

If you buy your own it's just another heavy bottle of something you have to schlep back from the store. I make my own at home from common items I already have. Almost free except for a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. Doesn't get cold here often but the ice storm last week made me nervous about my palm trees.

 

[Kestas]

I remember years ago I tried a cold weather concentrate down to somewhere well below zero and there was so much alcohol in the mix that it would flash freeze on the windshield.

If you read your owners manual, it says to use washer fluid only on a heated windshield.

Any washer fluid will freeze on a cold windshield. The alcohol evaporates quickly.

 

[Kestas]

I've made my own washer fluid. Barring esoteric discussion, it can only be done with a good amount of alcohol.

If you want to save money, swap out the fluid seasonally. In the summer I'll use regular water with a spritz of dishwashing liquid. Just don't use blue soap... come fall you'll forget and have the washer fluid freeze on you.

It helps to stock up during sales.

 

[Owen Lucas]

Costco sells the orange RainX bug and frost -25 during the summer, 2 per box. I don't remember the price though. Oddly it's not available during the winter. I buy like 5 boxes and it lasts me all year.

 

[kschachn]

They just help with cleaning. No tablets can lower the freezing point.

Well yes it can. Any solute in water will depress the freezing point the same regardless of what it is, on a molal basis.