Frozen Windshield Washer Fluid

[Sandman Ranger]

Still on my original Fluid tank and it sure smells good.
Does Ford have an OE fluid? Any feedback appreciated.
VW's also smells good and can get it OE from dealer and on line.

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[P. A. Schilke]

H Phil...in my case, Ford used vapor fluid..meaning my truck was delivered with an empty washer reservoir

Hi Sid,

Wow...that is a total mistake on Ford's part. I wonder of washer fluid is part of the Pre Delivery process that like Tire Pressure is likely not performed by the dealer. My truck was close to ¼ full. I just topped it off... Empty is certainly a misbuild...

best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[PNW_Ranger87]

Hi Sid,

Wow...that is a total mistake on Ford's part. I wonder of washer fluid is part of the Pre Delivery process that like Tire Pressure is likely not performed by the dealer. My truck was close to ¼ full. I just topped it off... Empty is certainly a misbuild...

best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

It's definitely part of the PDI process and I can also attest to the fact that the techs don't always use the correct concentration of washer fluid when it's topped off. Also, sometimes if the summer blend bulk fluid lasts into the colder months it's not changed out until it's empty.

 

[skibuff]

In California you can not buy the non freeze wiper fluid unless you are in the mountain areas that freeze. Stupid environmental law. So if it’s shipped to a dealership at sea level it is probably filled with crap that will freeze.

So every winter people come up to the mountains and have no clue why their wipers freeze up.

 

[THLONE]

In California you can not buy the non freeze wiper fluid unless you are in the mountain areas that freeze. Stupid environmental law. So if it’s shipped to a dealership at sea level it is probably filled with crap that will freeze.

So every winter people come up to the mountains and have no clue why their wipers freeze up.

You cant beat Kalifornia laws. How do the dumb politicians get elected? LOL I couldnt find cold weather washer fluid in AZ. Do we have that stupid law?

 

[Lone]

Below freezing when I left home this AM. Washers worked fine. I like it when a bigish problem can be solved with a simple fix.

 

[Radioman]

I don't know what is the fluid capacity of the reservoir but after reading the posts on this thread I thought I would check the level. (I have not tried to use the windshield washer yet.) I put in a little over 3/4 gallon! Had to use the California stuff, no antifreeze available here in the valley.
Interesting reading:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/consumer-products-program/faqs-windshield-washer-fluid

 

[Traneman]

No issues for me in Minnesota. We've had a couple below 0 days here, and I never looked to see if mine was full at the time I took delivery of my truck. I've used the wiper sprayer a few times, so I am guessing the dealer has topped it off, or Ford had it full from the factory,.

 

[Knothead]

Earlier this year, I started mixing my own windshield washer fluid. Like mentioned before, you put methanol in it to keep it from freezing.

I start with distilled water and order everything from Amazon...

The methanol,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KQ9S8LS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LWtKFbAS5QKPA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Windshield washer fluid concentrate, (the amount of methanol needed for freeze resistance is on the back this container)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QM2ZXRD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TYtKFbZ2E6D5H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Rain-X additive,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BPTVTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6ZtKFb2P0QJKE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


I haven't made a batch with the methanol yet. But will soon.

The results are amazing. The first time I used it, I noticed how much easier it was to clean the windshield. It worked better than any of the store bought washer fluid I have used.

 

[grizzly]

The Rainex stuff is really good. You can almost drive with the wipers off with this stuff once your windshield gets coated a couple of times.

 

[Swingpure]

Because of this thread, I checked mine and there was almost nothing in the reservoir. I think I may have used it once since purchasing it. I put an almost full container of Rain-x -40° windshield washer fluid in it.

 

[snorlax]

Because of this thread, I checked mine and there was almost nothing in the reservoir. I think I may have used it once since purchasing it. I put an almost full container of Rain-x -40° windshield washer fluid in it.

Yeah neither did mine but I work at a dealer and most people pay some porter to just do it on them so they can pocket more money lol. Techs only really get involved if its something tricky. Made filling up my winter washer fluid up easy ?‍

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