Forum Discussion

Blanco1's avatar
Blanco1
Explorer
Oct 30, 2014

Windshield washer fluid in low temps?

If your camping in low temps in the teens or lower.
What would you suggest for windshield washer fluid?

I know windex will freeze.

I was thinking to help keep the windshield free of Ice/frost & driving through snow.
Besides letting the engine heat up long enough to defrost the windshield is there any sort of liquids you suggest for this?

My rig is a 12 Valve Cummins hot rod & has a 4" turbo back exhaust straight pipe.
So in other words it's loud & out of courtesy I try not to let it idle too long in campgrounds or where ever I may be before leaving.
Especially if we're leaving at sun up.

So...... That brings me to my question.


Thanks.
Seeking Advice
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    As a second home owner at Mammoth Lakes where sub zero temps are the norm in the winter I too was looking for WW fluid with the lowest freeze point I could get. For some strange reason, isn't it always in Calif. you cannot buy WW fluid with a sub zero freeze point in Los Angeles. I wanted to change before I left to go up and found out you just can't buy it here. Some auto parts stores will special order it but you have to buy a lot and they charge the devil for it.

    I have half a gallon if you really need some low freeze point fluid. If you can wait until you get to cold country and then buy some.
  • Yak's avatar
    Yak
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    After being a mechanic in PA for forty years I never knew that there was something else to put in the washer bottle besides the blue antifreeze/fluid. Never gave a thought about the warm states. I know about the deicer or Rain X but around here it's sill antifreeze
  • RAS43's avatar
    RAS43
    Explorer III
    Oct 30, 2014
    Temperatures around here can get down well below zero and all I use is the blue stuff all year around. I have never had issues with plugging up the nozzles or freezing. Have tried the deicer kind and never saw much difference.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    So does the prestone work better than the rubbing alcohol.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    nevadanick wrote:
    The best i have found is Prestone deicer. I use it in winter and Prestone bug formula in the summer. The other benefit is it doesnt dry up and plug the spray nozzles like the blue stuff does.

    +1. I already drained the bug stuff and refilled the washer reservoirs with Prestone deicer. It'll even remove minor windshield ice on a frosty morning.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    I doubt I could find de-icer in Los Angeles?

    Maybe I can order it on line?
    Yet seems alcohol would be easier?
    Considering I could buy it anywhere.
  • nevadanick's avatar
    nevadanick
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    The best i have found is Prestone deicer. I use it in winter and Prestone bug formula in the summer. The other benefit is it doesnt dry up and plug the spray nozzles like the blue stuff does.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    Bull Rider wrote:
    I either buy the windshield fluid that premixed for cold weather, or I add isopropyl alcohol form the drug store.



    So Rubbing alcohol works?

    Do you run it straight or mix it into windex?

    If I wait till I get to a cold weather area, I won't remember till I need it.
    & being I live in Los Angeles I doubt I could find any of this cold weather formula blends.

    So I was thinking of doing it at home before we head out.

    How much alcohol to what ever I'm mixing it with percentage wise?
    If I'm not running it straight?
  • Bull_Rider's avatar
    Bull_Rider
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2014
    I either buy the windshield fluid that premixed for cold weather, or I add isopropyl alcohol form the drug store.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 30, 2014
    Auto parts stores have washer solution with low freeze point, or winter blend.

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