windshield washer fluid

[bxd20]

Didn't know where to post this. It isn't really antifreeze, but it isn't really about detailing nor is it a wax.

My question is for those who live in the northern States or Canada. Has anyone compared Rain-X DeIcer formula (clear bottle, round shape, pinky orange in color) against Prestone DeIcer (clear bottle, shaped like a Prestone antifreeze bottle, yellow in color) ?

I have either used the generic blue stuff or the Prestone DeIcer.... I see a little difference between the two. The Prestone is supposed to go down to -34 I believe. Doesn't re-freeze as easily as the blue stuff.

RainX I haven't tried yet... there's "only" goes down to -25 but perhaps the anti-sticking additive is more important and helpful at keeping the windshield clean than the extra few degrees of re-freeze protection.

Looking for any thoughts on premium washer fluids I guess.

Thanks.
Brian

 

[Colt]

I always used the generic blue stuff without any problems.
Although it never gets to -25 in Jersey.
We rarely if ever see -1.

 

[IndyFan]

I avoid the Rain-X because it might have Rain-X in it. For the coldest weather, I use Prestone de-icer. It is expensive, but it really does the trick. I've had the blue stuff freeze up in my Tahoe right at zero degrees. The Prestone doesn't do that.

 

[bxd20]

The Rain-X washer fluid does have Rain-X in it... in fact that is the only possible reason it might have an advantage over the Prestone. See my point above about the Prestone having a lower freezing point.

Why don't you like the idea of Rain-X within the formula? Know of any negatives? I have used Rain X (the original wax on buff off kind) and thought it was a good product.

 

[IndyFan]

I like Rain-X on every window except the windshield. It builds up on wipers and causes a temporary haze on each wipe. I don't like that unless there is a torrential downpoor. Then, the stuff is truly amazing.

 

[Papa Bear]

We have -45 & -50 washer fluid here in .ca
I like the more powerful stuff as it clears ice and frost off quicker than -35 juice.

 

[PW01]

I use the blue stuff, the Rain-X brand left stains on my paint that I had to polish out.

 

[Jim 5]

GM Optikleen from a GM dealer is excellent stuff. Nothing else comes close.

The purple stuff from Canadian tire "with Teflon" (as if that would do anything) is pretty slick and it comes in the -45 variety IIRC.

 

[Brogy]

Rainx I dont think im gonna buy again, it does bead the water but it also leaves a haze whenever I use it.

 

[Black03L]

I have been using RainX deicer washer fluid for a month now and have been happy with it, I have yet to see any hazing but if it did I wouldn't be surprised. I does seem to leave a water repellent behind as of yet I have no complaints. I am also using RainX wiper blades.

 

[spring creek]

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GM Optikleen from a GM dealer is excellent stuff. Nothing else comes close.

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Ditto. I've had the "cheap" stuff damage paint and some of it smells horrible, even from inside the car!

 

[Crashbox]

Around here in the Pacific Northwest, it does not get too cold as a rule (rarely below 12 degrees Fahrenheit) so we don't require lots of alcohol in the washer fluid. Good ol' 20/10 RTU is usually just fine. Wish I did have a cheap source of methanol, though, since I've got a gallon of 20/10 Super Concentrate which can make up to 880 gallons of windshield washer fluid- should last almost as long as my '95 Civic.

 

[Greggy_D]

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the Rain-X brand left stains on my paint that I had to polish out.

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Ditto here. It's now been banished from the household.

 

[shinerburke]

I've been using this for a while now and have no coplaints.

 

[benjamming]

Has anyone used this & what are your thoughts?

P21S Windshield Wash Booster

 

[JustinH]

The supertech walmart brand came out with a yellow washer fluid very similar looking to the prestone stuff.

I bought a few bottles for well under 2 bucks a jug, its fine.

 

[FD777]

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Has anyone used this & what are your thoughts?

P21S Windshield Wash Booster

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They make a fine (but expensive) wax, but I'm not sure about this...
How much does this cost?

 

[benjamming]

I have seen it for $7.95 per 250 mL bottle.

 

[jennings]

303 makes a "fizzie" tablet to add to washer fluid. Seems to make the rain bead and slipstream similar to Rain X but without all the smearing that makes Rain X objectionable in street light at night.

 

[Brogy]

Actually I take back what I said about rainx. I've found after using it some more that it only hazes if you use a bottle a week. I was spraying my windshield every morning, during my commute several times, and just whenever I was in the car, in the hopes that the rainx would apply. But i've found if you spray your windshield no more than once or twice it works great. Was driving out in the rain today and the water beaded right off, no hazing.