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Windshield Washer Fluid

1990ss

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1990ss Enthusiast

1990ss

Posted
Posted

Before I had heated washer fluid, I used to use bug remover type fluid in the spring/summer and deicer type fluid in the winter months. I was wondering what I should use with the heated system. I don't think the owners manual really said anywhere, unless I missed it. I didn't know if it really made a difference if I heated deicer or bug washer fluid or if I'm supposed to use the regular blue stuff.

1990ss Enthusiast

1990ss

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  • Author
Posted

That's what I used to use in the winter. I just didn't know if it made any difference if I put that in the heated system?

Outbacker Enthusiast

Outbacker

Posted
Posted

I get the stuff from my GM dealer. I think it is made by AC Delco. Anyway, I was told that the stuff you get from gas stations or Wal Mart has additives in it that are detrimental to the rubber on the windshield wiper blades, and it does slowly harden the rubber. The stuff AC Delco does not have this stuff in it, and it will ensure that the rubber remains pliable for a long time. Someone may be yankin my pisser on this, but since I switched over to this stuff, the rubber on the wiper blades are still soft and flexible, and no evidence of cracking. And we get some cold winters here and so far so good.

VMax2007 Senior Enthusiast

VMax2007

Posted
Posted
I get the stuff from my GM dealer. I think it is made by AC Delco. Anyway, I was told that the stuff you get from gas stations or Wal Mart has additives in it that are detrimental to the rubber on the windshield wiper blades, and it does slowly harden the rubber. The stuff AC Delco does not have this stuff in it, and it will ensure that the rubber remains pliable for a long time. Someone may be yankin my pisser on this, but since I switched over to this stuff, the rubber on the wiper blades are still soft and flexible, and no evidence of cracking. And we get some cold winters here and so far so good.

 

Yep, they are.

 

I use the regular ole blue "Splash" from the gas station and my truck's original blades are still on there and working just fine. Mine's been on the road since Mar of 07 (18,500 miles), plenty of snow, ice and salt too.

geektoad Senior Enthusiast

geektoad

Posted
Posted

I've used the yellow Prestone De-Icer product since it was introduced. It's awesome even without a heated washer system. I just filled the truck with it as well, even though the truck has heated washer fluid.

 

Here's why: If you put regular washer fluid in in a cold region (i live in New England), it may well in the tank before you ever get it to the heater. Also, driving down the road, heating the non-freeze resistant stuff is fine to get it on the windshield, but once it's on the windshield when you're going 50+ on the road on a 10 degree day, it's going to go from 140 degrees to freezing it a big hurry and end up freezing along the bottom, sides, etc. wherever it collects. I'd rather it be resistant to freezing afterwards too.

c4cruiser Enthusiast

c4cruiser

Posted
Posted

But if you keep some heated air going into the windshield defroster vents, that will keep the windshield glass above freezing so the fluid should stay liquid long enough for the wipers to swipe a couple of times and clean the windshield.

 

I've always used the 20/10 stuff and they (and others) make a anti-freeze version suitable for cold temps. It may be designed more to keep the washer jug from freezing up in really cold temps, but once the engine gets to operating temps, the washer system being under the hood should stay well above the freezing mark. The real problem comes when you try to use the washers when everything is still very cold like at engine start-up in the morning.

 

Some of the cheap washer fluids may not be able to handle wide temp changes resulting in a separation of the fluid materials. If the detergent part of the fluid separates out, it will easily gum up the pickup tube or the pump motor itself.

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