Time for windshield washer fluid.

[The Critic]

Ok, idiot question from the guy who lives in an area that doesn’t get below freezing:

Do you Canadians drain/refill your washer fluid in the fall to install the -40 stuff?

 

[Snagglefoot]

Ok, idiot question from the guy who lives in an area that doesn’t get below freezing:

Do you Canadians drain/refill your washer fluid in the fall to install the -40 stuff?

They do sell the summer stuff, so I know someone is buying it, but I froze the jug just once and that was enough. I purchased the blue -35 C stuff today and it rarely gets cooler than -20 C in SE BC. People living in Edmonton buy the -40 stuff and forget about it. The Supertech -35 stuff does not smell.

 

[Hall]

Do you Canadians drain/refill your washer fluid in the fall to install the -40 stuff?

Not in Canada but we do get sub-zero temperatures. I've never drained washer fluid, I just add the winter blend to the tank, use it, add more, and so on until what's left in there is mostly the -20º F stuff. I've had washer fluid frozen a handful of times over the years. Sometimes the heat from the engine thaws it, other times I've had to add "pure" ethyl alcohol.

 

[RaymondP]

Any thoughts on a recipe for a home brew? Must be freeze resistant! - another Michigander.

 

[D60]

Ok, idiot question from the guy who lives in an area that doesn’t get below freezing:

Do you Canadians drain/refill your washer fluid in the fall to install the -40 stuff?

Doesn't have to be Canadians. Even in northern New Mexico I've seen rear washer lines destroyed from running +32

I encountered an '02 Trailblazer that had split the lines in the engine bay. Fixed that, then it was leaking at firewall. Fixed that then realized if we ran the pump long enough it was also dripping under front door, under rear door, somewhere around right rear wheel well and somewhere around the lift gate.

Truly a PITA, think frozen and burst pipes in the walls of your home in multiple locations.

I too refuse to buy the +32. As stated cold temps sneak up fast and random surprise freezes in June or September do happen in Colorado.

 

[repairman54]

I keep a stock of subzero winter fluid in the garage and use it all year. No need to flush and fill summer stuff. It's no better on bugs than winter fluid.
Usually, the hoses in the wiper arms freeze first so no amount of engine heats gets to them. Its garage defrost or blow dryer to get them thawed.

 

[Rand]

Right now the 6 packs of -20f crappy blue stuff is over 24$ usd at sams.
I paid less for the -45C Canadien tire washer fluid.

Prestone -27f when you can find it is $5.50

 

[UG_Passat]

Ok, idiot question from the guy who lives in an area that doesn’t get below freezing:

Do you Canadians drain/refill your washer fluid in the fall to install the -40 stuff?

As a CA person that goes to Mammoth for snowboarding....

I drain by using the washer fluid until empty, then refill with the -40 deicer stuff.

the 3-seasons... it's distilled water plus Vaico clean screen concentrate

 

[hardcore302]

I go with orange rain x in warmer months and purple in winter.

 

[Killer223]

Interesting, how do you know when it's on sale?

Any problems with evaporation while in the barrel for extended periods?

What sort of pump are you using to extract it?

At the moment it works out to ~2.54/gal if my math is right....not enough savings right now for me to consider it

when i just happen upon the sale. more luck than anything. i use a hand pump into gallon jugs.
no evaporation as it's sealed tight when not using the pump.

 

[chrlsful]

i'm da guy buys cheepest, genaric, etc but for a few things that seem to matter most 4 me: TP, mayo, WWfluid, bread...
I get the 'flesh toned' fluid as it has something to really roll the water and dirt off AND does not get froz in the equipment. It's that or yellow that as soon as it hits the WS (no wiper action needed) the frost dissapears. I can jump in'n go off the bat. Blue aint worth it, straight H2O would suffice.

 

[B1974]

Canadian Tire has the -50C jugs on sale right now. That's what I run from mid November to March as I don't like wiper fluid freezing on my windshield as I'm driving. I pretty much just use the -35C stuff the rest of the year, so I don't get surprised on the first cold day.

 

[javacontour]

I just add 91% or higher concentration rubbing alcohol to my summer mix once the first frost starts to hit.
I could probably get it cheaper, but a twin 32oz pack (64 total oz) is $7 at Wal*Mart.
Just add 8-16oz per car that has the summer fluid in it and be done with it all.
Then winter rated fluid for the next 6 months.

 

[Owen Lucas]

Costco used to carry a 2 pack of RainX All Weather for like $7.49, good to -20F IIRC. Haven't seen it in a while, but if I do, I'll buy multiple boxes.

 

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

I have to drive to a very rural area, outside the "13 county metro area" of Atlanta to buy washer fluid that doesn't freeze. Or just drop by the pharmacy and buy some 90% alcohol and add it....


I've been making my own for about 2 years - I've quit using distilled water now that all washer fluid parts are plastic or rubber. I use 1/2 gallon of water, 1/2 gallon of vinegar, squirt of Dawn and some 90% IPA

 

[Flatrate]

I've only ever bought the basic blue from auto stores. Just curious if any have ever tried the stuff from Windex? I ask because my local O'Reilly's has it for $1.50 more than the blue.

 

[zzyzzx]

The "expensive" orange stuff is like $4/ gallon at my local Walmart where as the regular blue stuff is almost as expensive. No reason to get the cheap generic blue when the good stuff is about as much.