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      12-05-2012, 07:35 PM   #1
sochermit
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Washer Fluid

Can I use 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water for the window washing fluid?
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      12-05-2012, 10:18 PM   #2
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I'd be a little bit leery about having an acid (albeit a weak one) sitting in my washer reservoir: Any metal plumbing in that washer fluid path could get corroded.
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      12-06-2012, 05:35 AM   #3
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good point

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Originally Posted by bmw1racer View Post
I'd be a little bit leery about having an acid (albeit a weak one) sitting in my washer reservoir: Any metal plumbing in that washer fluid path could get corroded.
Thank you, that is a good point. I guess than any auto window washer fluid would be alright? I think the BMW fluid is rather expensive. Does it have anything special in it, that you may know of?
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      12-06-2012, 08:51 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sochermit View Post
Thank you, that is a good point. I guess than any auto window washer fluid would be alright? I think the BMW fluid is rather expensive. Does it have anything special in it, that you may know of?
Not sure about the BMW fluid, but I think all washer fluids have some kind of alcohol/antifreeze component in it so that it doesn't freeze in the winter months.

Being in SoCal, I don't really worry about freezing, so I just use distilled water and a couple of drops of car wash soap (for better cleaning action)... And it won't damage the paint like an alcohol-based fluid possibly could.
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      12-06-2012, 12:47 PM   #5
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The one thing the Performance Center missed in my delivery is filling the washer fluid resovor. I didn't notice it until I got home. I had a gallon of generic washer fluid from Walmart on hand so I just filled it up. I didn't know at the time BMW has their own kind. It works fine for me. That was over 3 years ago and I don't think it has ever had BMW fluid.

I wouldn't use vinegar either. It is not real agressive but it also might support growth of something - it is organic.

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      12-08-2012, 05:12 AM   #6
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Thanks for the responses.
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      12-10-2012, 03:34 PM   #7
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Have used generic washer fluid in all my cars for the past 40+ years in Chicago winters. Never a problem. I also would not mix vinegar into the equation.
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      12-23-2012, 05:34 PM   #8
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There is no metal lines in washer system, still don't use vinegar. You can even just mix in some house hold window cleaner. You dont actually need to add much cleaner, the BMW bottle would ony be about 150-200ml or so.
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      12-23-2012, 09:03 PM   #9
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What's the point of you going through the hassle of mixing water with vinegar when you can get a gallon of good washer fluid for less than 5 bucks?? Just go to your local auto parts store and you'll be all set.
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      12-24-2012, 01:49 AM   #10
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Vinegar... Imagine the smell...
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      12-24-2012, 05:10 AM   #11
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Thank you for all your helpful comments. I think I have the idea and will only use normal store bought window washing fluid.
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