Windshield Washer Fluid Brand
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 162
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From: Tequesta, FL
Windshield Washer Fluid Brand
I got into a bunch of problems on my BMW using off brand washer fluid, at least that is what the BMW tech reported. It was under warranty and they cleaned it out and replaced a filter. I am curious what brand of windshield washer fluid Corvette owners use. I did learn to never use a summer blend as it grows stuff in the tank. I guess the chemicals that prevent freezing also inhibit organic growth.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 77
From: Tequesta, FL
I think I found a solution. ACDelco has a similar product to BMW. It is sold as a concentrate and is mixed with water depending on what temperature you want to protect to. Since my BMW drama, I have used the BMW fluid. No clogs so far. Seems like a good solution for me. Freezing temperature is not an issue for my case.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Never had any issues with generic brand fluid purchased at a big box store. Living in the north, most people here simply use the winter mix that's good to minus 40C all year round.
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From: Hartford WI
I got into a bunch of problems on my BMW using off brand washer fluid, at least that is what the BMW tech reported. It was under warranty and they cleaned it out and replaced a filter. I am curious what brand of windshield washer fluid Corvette owners use. I did learn to never use a summer blend as it grows stuff in the tank. I guess the chemicals that prevent freezing also inhibit organic growth.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I use whatever I find when I need washer fluid. During the summer I tend toward fluids that have bug remover mixed in and in the winter I tend toward fluids that won't freeze. Been purchasing the cheapest no-name stuff since I had cars with windshield washers starting 60 years ago. Our 65 Olds 442 came with a three-sided glass bottle that clipped into a bracket under the hood and held a concentrate that was mixed with water. Shortly after that, the gallon jugs started being sold in supermarkets and drug stores and I have been using whatever since then. The only problems I have ever had with a GM windshield washer system are a couple of failed pumps and a leaky reservoir.
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Bill
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I really never gave it much thought as to what brand I use
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
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From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I got into a bunch of problems on my BMW using off brand washer fluid, at least that is what the BMW tech reported. It was under warranty and they cleaned it out and replaced a filter. I am curious what brand of windshield washer fluid Corvette owners use. I did learn to never use a summer blend as it grows stuff in the tank. I guess the chemicals that prevent freezing also inhibit organic growth.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 77
From: Tequesta, FL
My BMW story, started out by me, foolishly, deciding to use Summer Mix blue stuff here in south Florida. Also, as I have learned, the BMW washer system is sensitive to almost anything that is not branded BMW. After all the BMW stuff got solved, I got sensitive to being sure the Corvette did not have the same sensitivities. My guess is that if I had never used the Summer mix none of this would have been a concern. I think the chemicals that give it the anti-freeze characteristics also inhibit the growth of the nasty stuff.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,381
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From: Central Fl. Leesburg
Why not just use what GM sells, it's not like it's a big expense and it's not used that much. I've used RainX but it left a film on the sides of the glass. Since it was ceramic coated it hardly shows dirt and it's a DD.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
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From: Hartford WI
My BMW story, started out by me, foolishly, deciding to use Summer Mix blue stuff here in south Florida. Also, as I have learned, the BMW washer system is sensitive to almost anything that is not branded BMW. After all the BMW stuff got solved, I got sensitive to being sure the Corvette did not have the same sensitivities. My guess is that if I had never used the Summer mix none of this would have been a concern. I think the chemicals that give it the anti-freeze characteristics also inhibit the growth of the nasty stuff.
Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 575
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From: Peoria, Arizona
Never used anything other than water. I have never had a clog or growth. I've removed the tank on another car and it was perfectly clean. I live in Phoenix so I don't worry about freezing. AND I hardly use my wipers, so there's that.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 162
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From: Tequesta, FL
The BMW tech told me the white slime in my washer system was algae. The reason he gave me was I must have used the Summer mix windshield mix that does not have the anti freeze chemicals. He said it was a common problem in our warm climate. My garage temp can be 92 degrees during the day, day after day during the months of May to October. 88 to 90 is the norm.
Last edited by radar314; Aug 16, 2024 at 03:37 PM.
