Windshield Washer Fluid

[jay]

We've managed to cuss and discuss just about every fluid in the Pilot, and I'm sure if the battery weren't maintenance free, we'd be discussing that. I did a search, and didn't see a thread devoted to washer fluid, so this is it.

I'm currently partial to Rain-X washer fluid, using the green bug cleaner version in the warmer months, and the orange/pink de-icer version in the colder months. It's a bit more expensive, but I think it's worth it.

What's everyone else doing?

[Birdman]

This time of year I use Turtle Wax Liquid Fire. The factory fluid left the windshield slightly "sticky" and it picked dirt that then streaked. I use the Rain-X coating for the windshield and I think it helps clear snow and ice more quickly. I know it helps keeps bugs from sticking in the summer.

[colorider]

Originally posted by jay
We've managed to cuss and discuss just about every fluid in the Pilot, and I'm sure if the battery weren't maintenance free, we'd be discussing that. I did a search, and didn't see a thread devoted to washer fluid, so this is it.

I'm currently partial to Rain-X washer fluid, using the green bug cleaner version in the warmer months, and the orange/pink de-icer version in the colder months. It's a bit more expensive, but I think it's worth it.

What's everyone else doing?

I'm basically CHEAP - so I buy whatever is on sale!!!

[RipRocK]

jay, yeah, I'm using the Rain-X fluid as well. Been doing that ever since this summer after having applied Rain-X on my Pilot's windows. It costs a bit more than the others, but one of the nice things I just recently discovered about it was this one morning after I had to pull an all-nighter at work with a co-worker.

We came out to our car at around 5:00AM our windows were frosted up, but I just had to use my brush to clear them up, whereas my co-worker actually had to scrape it off. So, it has benefits other than clear vision in the rain.

[jay]

Originally posted by RipRocK
jay, yeah, I'm using the Rain-X fluid as well. Been doing that ever since this summer after having applied Rain-X on my Pilot's windows. It costs a bit more than the others, but one of the nice things I just recently discovered about it was this one morning after I had to pull an all-nighter at work with a co-worker.

We came out to our car at around 5:00AM our windows were frosted up, but I just had to use my brush to clear them up, whereas my co-worker actually had to scrape it off. So, it has benefits other than clear vision in the rain.

That's my experience as well. Lucky for me though, my Pilot spends a lot of time "garaged," fully enclosed at home and in a weather protected multi-level garage at work.

[TheWorm]

I use some biodegradable organic stuff they sell @ Longs Drugs. 99 cents a gallon.

I hate all things RainX. Granted, it is effective, but it's a maintenance committment that I just hate making...Once you use it, you gotta keep using it sorta thing.

[RipRocK]

Originally posted by jay
That's my experience as well. Lucky for me though, my Pilot spends a lot of time "garaged," fully enclosed at home and in a weather protected multi-level garage at work.

Nice...I used to work for a company which was located in a building with underground parking. But that before we bought the Pilot. Why I left that job for this one, I have no idea.

[RipRocK]

Originally posted by TheWorm
I use some biodegradable organic stuff they sell @ Longs Drugs. 99 cents a gallon.

I hate all things RainX. Granted, it is effective, but it's a maintenance committment that I just hate making...Once you use it, you gotta keep using it sorta thing.

That's a very good point. It's certainly something I can do without, but use it anyway. What I've noticed though is that using Rain-X's washer fluid prolongs extends the period between applications.

[krygny]

Originally posted by TheWorm
...
I hate all things RainX. Granted, it is effective, but it's a maintenance committment that I just hate making...Once you use it, you gotta keep using it sorta thing.

Yeah, some people get turned off by the fact that the first application doesn't last very long so they give up on it. But if you keep using it, it lasts longer with each app. I do an app about once a month in the warmer months (every other washing) and even though I go through the car wash in the winter, the last Rain-X treatment still has some effect by spring.

[ramirami]

Originally posted by Birdman
This time of year I use Turtle Wax Liquid Fire. The factory fluid left the windshield slightly "sticky" and it picked dirt that then streaked. I use the Rain-X coating for the windshield and I think it helps clear snow and ice more quickly. I know it helps keeps bugs from sticking in the summer.

saw it at the turtle wax wash center the other day...so you think its worth buying??

I usually buy anything on sale

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by ramirami
saw it at the turtle wax wash center the other day...so you think its worth buying??

I usually buy anything on sale

I prefer Rain-X bug in the summer and oOrange in the winter, but will buy Turtle Wax Bug for summer and Fir and Ice (Orange) for the winter if on sale.

I avoid the no-name blue because I have had it freeze on the windshield too many times.

I try to fill it up before taking the car in for service so they won't be tempted to add cheap stuff!

[RipRocK]

Originally posted by N_Jay
I prefer Rain-X bug in the summer and oOrange in the winter, but will buy Turtle Wax Bug for summer and Fir and Ice (Orange) for the winter if on sale.

I avoid the no-name blue because I have had it freeze on the windshield too many times.

I try to fill it up before taking the car in for service so they won't be tempted to add cheap stuff!

Arrrgh, that reminds me of the last time I had my car in for a service. I explicitly told the service advisor to kindly instruct the technician not to fill my windshield washer at all. A couple of days later, I get sprayed with a nice brown mist by this freight truck from all the slush on the road and when I tried to clean my windshield, I got this weird colored fluid smearing my windshield.

Your method sounds like a good way to ensure that your windshield fluid won't be topped up by the cheap stuff used at the dealers. Just in case though, any idea as to how I can drain or empty the washer fluid reservoir, besides of course, driving around with the washer fluid going constantly until it runs out.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by RipRocK
Just in case though, any idea as to how I can drain or empty the washer fluid reservoir, besides of course, driving around with the washer fluid going constantly until it runs out.

They say not to do that because the pump is not designed to run that long at one time.

I have disconnected the hose to the sprayers and let it run on other cars. Without the restriction, I figure the pump is doing a lot less work, and empties the tank a lot faster.

I have not had to do this on my Honda's (and take no responsibility if it burns out your pump)