@#%&* windshield fluid! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #1 02-06-2007, 05:56 AM

the last two jugs of this crap i have paid good money for is supposed to be good for 20 below F but is freezing at 15 degrees F.

so is there a brand name that is absoulutely dependable?

driving around with the smearing windshield is a drag!

tom w

Ferdman · #2 02-06-2007, 06:23 AM

Tom, MB dealers sell a concentrate windshield washer fluid that you mix with water. I suspect that will not freeze, but will likely be significantly more expensive than a generic washer fluid. Of course, MB autos have a heating coil in the washer fluid tank so even the generic fluid should thaw out fairly quickly after starting the engine ... even at 15 degrees F.

t walgamuth · #3 02-06-2007, 07:11 AM

thanks ferd.

this is in my magnum so i don't know about the heater thing. do the lines drain back to the tank when you aren't using them?

tom w

nhdoc · #4 02-06-2007, 07:31 AM

I don't know if others have noticed this or not but the MB washer fluid does have a distinctive smell; sweet, sweet alcohol, very strong, that no other brand even comes close to. You can almost catch a buzz when you spray your windshield

This tells me that the MB fluid has a much higher concentration of alcohol (used to prevent freezing) than others do. I'd say if the stuff you bought froze at 15F then it was not mixed correctly at the factory, they probably forgot to add the alcohol or just didn't add enough...I've never had any problems with any brands I've ever used but it is possible they can make a batch wrong. I once went to a plant that was making the stuff...it is a VERY low-tech process and could easily be done wrong. They basically blend concentrated generic window cleaner that comes in 55 gallon drums with alcohol and bottle it.

Anyway, the advice to use MB brand is a good one, or just try some other brand as I am sure you won't have lightning strike twice.

wbrian63 · #5 02-06-2007, 08:18 AM

On my 92' 300SE, there's a coil in the tank that has a thermostatic valve in it - I think it only opens when the temp of the washer fluid is below a certain level. The lines from the tank to the nozzles have a heater wire inside. This is also thermostatically controlled. The nozzles themselves are also heated, as is the base of the windshield (to prevent the wipers from sticking).

I don't know if this is an S-Class only thing. Knowing MB and the belief that the build cars to work anywhere in the world - possibly most all models have one or more of these features.

TX76513 · #6 02-06-2007, 08:20 AM

Buy a liter of cheap Vodka and either add to reservoir or drink it.

t walgamuth · #7 02-06-2007, 08:39 AM

that would be for the car only.

vodka......ugghhhh!

st pauli girl....yeah!

tom w

Kestas · #8 02-06-2007, 09:13 AM

Tom, did you perhaps pour the fluid at the beginning of the season when there was water left in the reservoir?

Another thought is that no winter washer fluid will work properly on a cold windshield that is not yet defrosted in this weather.

Tomguy · #9 02-06-2007, 09:27 AM

I use the Rain-X De-Icer. I can spray it on my windshield while moving on the highway in 10°F weather with no freezing up (haven't tried colder since I haven't driven in colder!) I highly suggest it.

t walgamuth · #10 02-06-2007, 09:43 AM

thanks tomguy.

can i get it at autozone?

tom w

yal · #11 02-06-2007, 12:08 PM

Get the Prestone De Icer (-34) stuff from Autozone. Prestone even makes an additive version you can add to the current stuff you have in there.

http://www.prestone.com/products/windshieldWasherFluids.php

Yeah I've had the -20 stuff refreeze on me.

Tomguy · #12 02-06-2007, 05:30 PM

The Prestone De-Icer doesn't de-ice as well as the rain-x branded stuff - plus the rain-x stuff has rain-x and I think it works great.

Tom, I know Wal*Mart has it, I would assume AZ as well.

BENZ-LGB · #13 02-06-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

Buy a liter of cheap Vodka and either add to reservoir or drink it.

t walgamuth · #14 02-06-2007, 06:57 PM

thanks guys. i will prob snag some rain-x.

tom w