What brand windshield washer fluid to use?

I know this is a silly question but I am running out of washer fluid and was wondering whether to get some of the BMW fluid. It has such a pleasant aroma. But I suspect it costs some outlandish amount. What do others use in the bimmers?

Why not take to the dealers & have them top it off?

Rain-X

I siphoned all the BMW fluid out of the tank and replaced it with Rain-X fluid. I Rain-X all my windshields anyway.

Is Rain-X bad for rubber? I'd use normal fluid, and apply Rain-X twice a year.

I alternate a bottle of Rain-X with either a bottle of convenience store blue stuff (summer) or Prestone Anti-Ice (winter).

Summers I have been using

Winters regular blue stuff (with a dollop of the above) or Prestone, but I just was able to buy:



And will let people know.

Peak -22 degree

not streaking no freezing

Originally Posted by RBinDC

I know this is a silly question but I am running out of washer fluid and was wondering whether to get some of the BMW fluid. It has such a pleasant aroma. But I suspect it costs some outlandish amount. What do others use in the bimmers?

I like to use the Beemer fluid-- it smells nice.

George Allan

(flame suit on)

I use only the BMW fluid. It just might be that some after market fluids could, over time, dry out plastics, damage finishes, or hurt something in the fluid delivery system. Even though I think that's unlikely, it's easy enough to use the BMW juice and cheap insurance.

Sent from my DROIDX using Bimmer App

I use "Petro-Canada 4 Season Advanced Non-Smear". I like it because it does not smear, and does not have any Teflon or silicone or other junk that cause smearing like Rain-X, car washes, etc.

Furthermore, I wash my cars with dedicated car wash concentrate. I followup this up by washing the windshield and wiper blades with the soap that you use in clothes washing machine.

Oscar

Originally Posted by RBinDC

I know this is a silly question but I am running out of washer fluid and was wondering whether to get some of the BMW fluid. It has such a pleasant aroma. But I suspect it costs some outlandish amount. What do others use in the bimmers?

I also prefer the BMW fluid which Tischer lists at $6.55 for 8.45 oz. As this is a concentrate which makes about 5 1/2 gallons, that seems to me to be pretty cheap.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...22&startrow=26

Tom

Originally Posted by RBinDC

I know this is a silly question but I am running out of washer fluid and was wondering whether to get some of the BMW fluid. It has such a pleasant aroma. But I suspect it costs some outlandish amount. What do others use in the bimmers?

We've discussed this in a recent thread. My BMW owner's manual doesn't specify/require a BMW washer fluid. Remember that washer fluid is flammable and contains some pretty nasty chemicals (if you want to search a MSDS for it). Breathing it may not be a good idea. Storing it away from kids is definitely a good idea. The owner's manual recommends that we refill with a cold engine due to the flammability issue.

Originally Posted by RBinDC

I know this is a silly question but I am running out of washer fluid and was wondering whether to get some of the BMW fluid. It has such a pleasant aroma. But I suspect it costs some outlandish amount. What do others use in the bimmers?

You are still w/i the factory maint. plan. Take it to any dealer and they will top it up for you while you wait.

If you're going to empty the container then refill with Rain-X. Have used it in the same car for the past 11 years and there has been not a single negative side effect from it's use. Plus the auto slide off of rain etc. from the glass at speeds over 45mph beat the highest speed wiper system out there i.e. you only use your wipers at 45mph and less. Seems to work best in truck spray when passing. Otherwise stay with the warranty maintenance plan and let the dealer keep it topped up for you.

Originally Posted by Hound Passer

You are still w/i the factory maint. plan. Take it to any dealer and they will top it up for you while you wait.

Fantastic! I didn't realize that the washer fluid was covered under the maintenance plan.

I used the cheap blue stuff for a while but ended up with clogged sprayers on the windshield. I then had the dealer do it for a while and that cleared itself up. I've now used Rain-X for about 4 fills and have had no problems. I don't apply the Rain-X product as it does tend to streak but I've not noticed that with the windshield fluid.

Haven't used the cheap stuff for years so can't speak to that. RE: the application of Rain-X itself, if done properly it won't streak but what a labor intensive process get it done right. A lot easier and as the above response said; fill the reservoir and let it apply itself over time with the rain and snow(?) clearings.

I have never heard of that question being asked ever.

I have had numerous failed attempts over the years with windshield washer fluids containing silicone / Teflon. I always have smearing. I have tried everything I can think of. New blades, cleaning everything with alcohol, etc. Slippery additives always smear for me. I am stumped why nobody else has this problem.

I've been using P21S Windshield Washer Booster which is similar to the 1Z Einszett Kristallklar Premium Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate mentioned above. These are by far the two most popular products on the auto detailing forums when it comes to windshield juice. Rain-X is popular too but I cant stand the streaks.

You add a shot to distilled water during the summer. I premix in an empty 1 gallon "blue juice" jug. P21S cleans much better than blue juice and it's a lot easier on wiper blade rubber.

If you live in the north add P21S to blue juice during the winter.

Use Rain-X if you like a film on your windshield and roof. I've used it on two other vehicles and will never buy it again. The dealer will either top it off for you or give you a free bottle of concentrate since it's covered under the maintenance warranty. Even if you have to buy it, the stuff is cheap since its a concentrate.

Originally Posted by Eights-n-Aces

Use Rain-X if you like a film on your windshield and roof. I've used it on two other vehicles and will never buy it again. The dealer will either top it off for you or give you a free bottle of concentrate since it's covered under the maintenance warranty. Even if you have to buy it, the stuff is cheap since its a concentrate.

I used Rain-X and while it's great in rain, when the sun came out I had these bizarre streaks all over my windshield that I just couldn't see through.

I've never used anything but washer fluid from BMW and Rain-X. I've used Rain-X on my BMW and past vehicles and it has been a great product. Never really noticed but I guess it does leave a dirty film over the rest of your windshield that your wipers don't touch.

Originally Posted by pony_trekker

I used Rain-X and while it's great in rain, when the sun came out I had these bizarre streaks all over my windshield that I just couldn't see through.

I use rain x and have never had this problem. You need to be really sure that the surface is totally clean before applying rain x; washer fluid contains rain x to "maintain" the coating but if there's crud on the window (pollution, pollen, etc) it will make a mess. Nothing short of intensive cleaning will remove this. Windex won't get close.

..the blue one