Washer fluid and headlight washers

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08 MX5

New member
My car has headlight washers and I was wondering if I should stick with the oem washer fluids or any washer fluid should be safe for the headlights.
 
BMW doesn't recommend anything special. The manual just states that the washer fluid can be bought at the local BMW dealer.



The washer fluid that came with the car from the factory is clear and has this unique smell.
 
I don't see why the fluid would need to be any different than normal windshield washer fluid. Any dirt/bugs that hits the headlights is going to be the same as what hits the windshield.

If you're in a warmer climate area, I'd recommend using 303 Washer Tablets and distilled water. That way you have a wax-safe fluid that won't leave hard water spots.
 
I have found some of the very cheap stuff is not that effective but once you get above that level they do seem to be similar. I also add some Wack drops into the mixture which does seem to boost the cleaning ability.
 
So the question is really "are some OTC washer fluids potentially damaging to [plastic] headlights?" I don't know the answer to that for sure, but I have to assume not since the majority of headlights these days are plastic...although not so many cars have headlight washers.



I personally, years ago, had a washer pump fail in a GM car shortly after putting some cheapo washer fluid in (can't say whether this was really the cause), so I used to go to the GM dealer and get Optikleen (the GM brand). I don't recall it being very expensive, really, but none of the dealers seem to have it anymore. Perhaps the BMW fluid is reasonably priced, and you can stock up next time you are there.
 
I would not use the wipers AT ALL.



It will no doubt scratch the lense of the HL.



I try not to even use my windshield wipers, Z8 a couple times a months keeps rain from sticking pretty well.
 
Over on the Audi Forums some of us like that smell from the factory/dealership wiper fluid and while you can get it topped off at the dealer I found out it's Wurth Wiindshield Washer Additive and I get it for less than 2 bucks a bottle.



It's all season (you mix it with water depending on the freezing protection you want) or in my case I use 303's tablets w/water as the base.



I've noticed that with using the cheap stuff in my beater, the lines tend to freeze and the fluid itself re-freezes on the windshield, well until the car temps inside warm up.



I like the idea of mixing my own fluid so I can control the water that's used. I mix mine up with filter tap water.



To answer the question though, some people say wiper fluid is wiper fluid and the cheap stuff at the corner store/gas station or Auto Parts store is just as good as anything the dealer sells you.



Well last winter I tired both of those options and was dissapointed in both their performance and the spots on the car.



I do recall reading somewhere though that the cheap stuff over time will foul the lines.
 
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