Windshield Washer Fluid Without Alcohol

[cjkbme2w]

I have read that the alcohol in the common windshield washer fluids can damage the wax (or acrylic) protection.



Is this true?



If so, what am I supposed to use for my windshield wiper fluid?



Thanks

[VictoryRed]

Try some Aquapel.

[cjkbme2w]

Where can I get Aquapel, and do I add it directly to the Washer Reservoir?

[VictoryRed]

http://autopia.org/forums/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=656521&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

[Eliot Ness]

Originally posted by cjkbme2w

Where can I get Aquapel, and do I add it directly to the Washer Reservoir?

Aquapel is actually a window treatment similar to (but longer lasting) than Rain-X:



http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/main.htm



Youâ€â„¢ll have more stuff just glide off your windshield with it, and thus not have as much need for wiper fluid, but it isnâ€â„¢t a wiper fluid.



303 makes some tablets you put into your washer fluid (or water) that are paint and rubber safe, but I donâ€â„¢t know if it would have an affect on wax. Iâ€â„¢m also not sure that used in water alone it will prevent it from freezing. I have a sample but havenâ€â„¢t used it yet. Here is a link to the product, maybe you can contact them and get an answer. If you get an answer report back what you find out.



http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=washertablets#overview

[cjkbme2w]

I talked with 303 and they indicated that their windshield washer tablets (WWT) are safe to any part of the outside of the vehicle, including wax. It`s the alcohol that you have to worry about. Apparently, methanol is a lot worse than isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (IPA), so they recommend the following combinations for winter driving.



Of course, if your reservior has more or less volume, adjust accordingly.



Water IPA (any drug store) *303 WWT Protection to



1 Gal 16 oz 1.5 to 2 26F

1 Gal 32 oz 1.5 to 2 23F

1 Gal 48oz 1.5 to 2 7F



* Use 1 tablet per 1.5 to 3 quarts for optimum cleaning

Use 1 tablet per gallon (4 qt) for normal cleaning



I am going to give it a try, as it sounds less damaging than some of those antifreeze mixes out there.

[cjkbme2w]

The table in my previous message did not post correctly



Here is a different version.



1 Gal Water + 16 oz IPA + 1.5 to 2 tablets 303 = 26F protection

1 Gal Water + 32 oz IPA + 1.5 to 2 tablets 303 = 23F protection

1 Gal Water + 48 oz IPA + 1.5 to 2 tablets 303 = 7F protection