Wiper Fluid?

courtdale

courtdale

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Did a search and didn't turn up much on windshield fluid choices. Are they all basically created equal? Saw a few blurbs about the Rain-X brand and some posts about people that concoct their own.

Also saw the "booster" products offered. I plan on grabbing one of those in my next order, but for now, my resevoir is empty and I need to grab something OTC.
 
Try this...
1Z Einszett Kristall Klar Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate 250 ml
Nice smell, cleans very well. Squeeze the bottle to fill up the dispenser, add it to a gallon of water and you're ready to go. You should be able to get 7-8 gallons of washer fluid out of the one bottle of concentrate. Makes it very economical and I think it works much better than the blue stuff. FYI, can't use it in climates with freezing temps but that shouldn't be a problem since you're in FL.
 
I use Rain X Wiper fluid concentrate Mix in 2 of my cars, but on the BMW I have it sprays the headlights and the Rain X isn't meant for plastic headlights.
I have seen a soy based product at PepBoys and believe this is probably safer for those with headlight washers.
 
gatoman39 said:
I use Rain X Wiper fluid concentrate Mix in 2 of my cars, but on the BMW I have it sprays the headlights and the Rain X isn't meant for plastic headlights.
I have seen a soy based product at PepBoys and believe this is probably safer for those with headlight washers.
Click to expand...

My BMW doesn't have the headlight sprayers, so I can use this. Will probably use the Rain-X unless it causes the streaking that their spray does. If not, I'll grab it and look to add the Car Pro Booster down the road.
 
courtdale said:
Are they all basically created equal?
Click to expand...

Several "types" of windshield washer reservoir fluids that contain either:

-Methyl alcohol: very low freeze-point (winter-mix down to -45 F)
-Ethyl alcohol: not as low freeze-point (all-season/summer-mix down to 0>5 F)

Then there are the above mentioned types that may even contain de-icer/ bug remover/detergentant/anti: mold, fungus, bacteria additives/IPA, among other ingredients.

I suggest going to any local auto supply house, or gas station, and pick-up a jug of their house-brand all-season washer fluid for your immediate use. (PEP BOYS usually carries 20/10 products...good stuff)

I prefer Optikleen Concentrate (available over-the-counter from most GM dealerships) as it's effective, per diluted recommendations, for all the temperature ranges for Ohio and other northern climes.

:)

Bob
 
My Mom bought the 1Z stuff... still hasnt used it! And my old BMW has a broken washer fluid pump... so yeah.
 
5Toes said:
My Mom bought the 1Z stuff... still hasnt used it! And my old BMW has a broken washer fluid pump... so yeah.
Click to expand...

What year/model of "old BMW" do you own?

Autozone sells washer fluid pumps (TAAP Corp. brand) for most BMW's starting around $15. Or, Bavarian Autosports have them (Siemans brand) around $40. Ebay is loaded with BMW pumps. And of course BMW dealerships (much more expensive)

Replacing the washer pump on most vehicles is relatively easy...it's probably a friction fit (pull-out old one/push-in new one) or a "twist to remove" fitting, often 'hidden' on the back side of the reservoir tank.

Here's a basic procedure...Your BMW model may vary a little.

Disconnect battery ground. Then it's just a matter of removing (siphon-off) the old tank fluid; removing the tank hold-down bolt to loosen it from the body panel; removing (or lifting-up) the heat shield to expose the pump; remove the fluid level sensor; remove the pump sensor and hose; pull out the old pump; inspect/clean the tank filter. Reverse for new pump install.

Reconnect battery ground. Partially fill reservoir with distilled water to test before securing tank. Completely refill reservoir tank with your choice of washer fluid, appropriately diluted with distilled/deionized water, for your particular climate.

Just an idea....One way to have an operational windshield washer fluid system, if you should so desire. It's a safety feature that is needed on occasion, I'd venture to say.

:)

Bob
 
The 2015 BMW X3 manual says not to use non-BMW windshield washer products. I don't want to drive to the dealer just for a top off esp. if it's not convenient or getting ready for road trip. The 1Z Einszett Kristall Klar says it good for German cars. Is this ok for the new X3?
 
mtndriver said:
The 2015 BMW X3 manual says not to use non-BMW windshield washer products. I don't want to drive to the dealer just for a top off esp. if it's not convenient or getting ready for road trip. The 1Z Einszett Kristall Klar says it good for German cars. Is this ok for the new X3?
Click to expand...

yes it's fine. BMW is the most provincial company when it comes to fluids. They have some other company make their fluids then put them in BMW branded bottles and sell it for 4 times the cost. It's windsheild washer fluid, buy whatever is reasonable. I use the Rain X stuff and my BMW's have never never had a problem (well, at least in that department)
 
I have a bottle of Sonax concentrate. It's a German product. lol Seriously if anyone wants it just pay shipping.
 
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