washer wiper solutions- are they safe?

**darkfriend** · 20-06-2010, 06:49 PM

Hi all,

Just wondering if over the counter solutions that you use in the washer-wiper reservoir are safe for the paintwork? Are some better than others... or should they not be used at all in a new car?

**barrenjoey owl** · 20-06-2010, 07:43 PM

have a look at the lable on the bottle!

**jj77** · 20-06-2010, 11:45 PM

I've always used VW windscreen washer/liquid which isn't expensive at all (i think it was $15 or something) - the bottle doesn't say it's paint safe. Though, I assume it would be as it is made for VW cars (and other european cars such as Audi). The current bottle I am using was bought when my previous Polo was serviced early last year and I still have 2/3 left. And it does a great job leaving the windscreen very clean.

J

**Mrk_Mickey** · 21-06-2010, 12:36 AM

Sorry to have to ask, but why are you worried about the paint from a washer jet that's pointed at a windscreen?

They will all be fine for paint, unless it's something like dishwashing soap (which is not pH neutral) that **may** spit onto the pillars if the jets aren't aligned right.

**gavs** · 21-06-2010, 12:35 PM

Interesting question, I only use water in mine because I'm concerned of the run-off from the windscreen eating away at the layers of wax and protectant etc. I actually found that the areas around the the winscreen on the roof and A pillars lost wax quicker that elsewhere, which I put down to using those washer solutions....

**Mrk_Mickey** · 21-06-2010, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by gavs

Interesting question, I only use water in mine because I'm concerned of the run-off from the windscreen eating away at the layers of wax and protectant etc. I actually found that the areas around the the winscreen on the roof and A pillars lost wax quicker that elsewhere, which I put down to using those washer solutions....

Yep, this is the only thing bad washer stuff will do - strip wax. It shouldn't be strong enough to screw up your paintwork, I'd imagine it would be very hard to sell if so!

**DMS_Dan** · 21-06-2010, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mrk_Mickey

Yep, this is the only thing bad washer stuff will do - strip wax. It shouldn't be strong enough to screw up your paintwork, I'd imagine it would be very hard to sell if so!

Sorry Mickey but they are bad for paint. I have tried many of them and all of them ate through the sealant and into the paint. I have two nice long etch lines down my bonnet from one of them.

All you really need is water and if your concerned about alge growth (which wont happen if you use tap water) add a small amount of IPA.

**MattyT** · 21-06-2010, 10:47 PM

I've used RainX for many years. Havent noticed anything myself.

**Mrk_Mickey** · 22-06-2010, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by DMS_Dan

Sorry Mickey but they are bad for paint. I have tried many of them and all of them ate through the sealant and into the paint. I have two nice long etch lines down my bonnet from one of them.

All you really need is water and if your concerned about alge growth (which wont happen if you use tap water) add a small amount of IPA.

That's scary.

I use fluid additive, dunno which one, but i've used it the whole time i've had the car and didn't notice a thing. I also had the jets properly aligned...