Winter Washer Fluid

ChesterCRD · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 2:30 pm

So, not CRD specific, but I get quicker responses here in CRDland than I do in other sections so I'll start here.

I drive from FL to NY in the winter and one problem I have is washer fluid. In the south I can only find +32F fluid, which freezes. Thus I usually spray my washers all the way through GA on my way north and find some freeze resistant washer fluid in the Carolinas. It seems like there should be an additive I can put in my +32F fluid to help it resist freezing so I don't need to empty it. Does anyone know of anything?

bgcarl01 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:03 pm

I've read everything from just dumping in some Methyl Hydrate from good ole wally world, to people adding salt or rubbing alchohol...I guess those would technically work till you ran out of fluid and could get the good stuff. I don't believe I've ever seen anything below -25 degrees up here, and we consider that the cheap summer stuff.....But then again I couldn't take my motorcycle to work two days ago due to ice on the tires in the morning, so I guess it's a bit colder up here!

snowman_crd · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:09 pm

Five O'Clock Vodka....or rubbing alcohol....pretty much the same thing :5SHOTS:

papaindigo · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 4:56 pm

If you google the issue there are several recipies for make your own but I'd suggest you check around in your area a bit more at some of the "chain" auto parts stores (Autozone, Discount Auto, PepBoys, etc). Here in Tallahassee I have no problem getting -25F or so windshield washer fluid most anytime although I might have to ask for it in mid-Summer. Of course it does freeze up here during the winter.

Just because it may not be on the shelf doesn't mean they cannot get it.

Randy B · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 6:06 pm

I do not know what additive you could use. I use the Orange Rain X brand year round. Does not freeze, and by using it when it rains the water beads off the windshield, Walmart carries it year round here in MD. Hope this helps :2cents:

striperman36 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 6:53 pm

nobody has the mod that wraps the washer fluid hose around the radiator hose?

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:07 pm

Randy B wrote:

I do not know what additive you could use. I use the Orange Rain X brand year round. Does not freeze, and by using it when it rains the water beads off the windshield, Walmart carries it year round here in MD. Hope this helps :2cents:

I love that stuff. I use it also.

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warp2diesel · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 10:07 pm

I use the stuff that is basically Aircraft Deicing Fluid that is good to -30F.

Lambeau · **Joined:** Fri Jul 06, 2012 12:17 pm **Posts:** 23

ChooChooman74 wrote:

Randy B wrote:

I do not know what additive you could use. I use the Orange Rain X brand year round. Does not freeze, and by using it when it rains the water beads off the windshield, Walmart carries it year round here in MD. Hope this helps :2cents:

I love that stuff. I use it also.

^These 100%. I use it in 6 different vehicles year-round (-25F to +100F). There is nothing better for the cost, what 2.95/gallon? Once you start using it, you will never, ever, use anything else. Besides, it makes driving so much safer… your visibility is increased in rain/sleet/snow. You don't get the streaking…

kdlewis1975 · **Posted:** Sat Sep 22, 2012 12:15 am

The lower freezing ones usually have methanol in them. You could add that or isopropanol as already suggested.

The problem I have here in Michigan is that after I spray the the windshield, the nozzles are still wet. The methanol will evaporate first and then the residual water will freeze and plug them. I'm considering getting a gallon of propylene glycol and adding a bit after each fill-up with the hope of not freezing up the nozzles.

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ChesterCRD · **Posted:** Sat Sep 22, 2012 10:54 am

Thanks folks. I've seen the orange rain-X brand around, but I could swear I read it and it was +23F. I'll check again. If that's good for 0F or so, I should be be good with it.

Thanks!

Lambeau · **Joined:** Fri Jul 06, 2012 12:17 pm **Posts:** 23

ChesterCRD wrote:

Thanks folks. I've seen the orange rain-X brand around, but I could swear I read it and it was +23F. I'll check again. If that's good for 0F or so, I should be be good with it.

Thanks!

The De-Icer version will take you to -25F…
http://www.rainx.com/product/windshield ... F3x3o7nvIo

Winter Washer Fluid

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