Wiper fluid staining

Yesterday morning I had some ice on the windshield and through clenched teeth used the wiper fluid to expedite the defrost as I didn’t have ten minutes to let it heat up.

When I got to work 30 mins later I noticed a decorative blue leopard print primarily on my a-pillar but also a bit on the hood, door, fender and even roof. My paint is white.

Took a microfiber cloth I keep on hand, got it damp, and wiped it off. Lots of staining left behind, primarily on the a-pillar.

In the end had to use Scratch X to get it off. Soap did no good. No idea what’s in the reservoir because it’s whatever the previous owner or dealership put in.

Anyone else have this problem? Seems rather absurd.

 

Wow that's rather scary wonder if the wiper fluid Manufacture put too much dye or something else in it that made the blue stain stay on the painted surface? if that happened to me I would drain the tank and purchase a different brand.

 

That’s exactly my thought. Assuming there’s a drain plug on the bottom of the reservoir? I wonder if the parts store that takes my oil will take the used fluid.

 

I don't recall seeing a drain plug in these tanks, but you can use a fluid transfer pump from walmart or harbor freight ($7) to drain as much fluid as you can. Then dilute what's in the tanks and lines with distilled water, run the windshield washer fluid (maybe have the water hose gun ready to rinse off paint to prevent further staining). Then fill back up with another brand or type.

Just did this with my tank since I had summer formula (32° F plus) and needed winter formula (-20° F) to prevent freezing.

 

You wont have to take that fluid in and no there is not a drain plug carefully unbolt the washer fluid container and lift it up just pay attention to the pump wires so you do not damage them get it up high noth tilt it back so the pump faces up and gently pull the pump out then just dump it into a container and put everything back together or you can siphon it out just don't drink the shit.....

 

Would a pump like this serve equally well to remove the oil from my boat engine? You can’t use the drain plus or it will go everywhere.

Thanks for the advice!

 

No problem and yes it should. I use it for my mower oil changes as well so I don't have to tilt it to drain the oil and get it everywhere.

 

The pumps for transferring kerosene out of 3.5gal jugs into portable heaters-- they work well for emptying the washer fluid reservoir.

You can usually find them at Lowe's, Home Depot, maybe ace hardware... the pumps are cheap. Like $3.



You insert the straight tube into the reservoir, squeeze the bulb, and the fluid comes out the hose. Easier than removing the reservoir.

Then run some water through the windshield washer lines. Doesn't need to be distilled.

I find myself using this for all kinds of random stuff.

 

Nice, thanks!

 

Two 10mm bolts and your reservoir is loose. Carefully lay it over and drain what you can out the fill on top. Tilt it back up, fill it with water and repeat. Make sure to run the washers for a bit with the water in there to flush out the lines. Then put the two 10mm bolts back in and fill it with proper washer fluid. Make sure to run the washers again to flush the water out so it doesn't freeze. job done.

 

Hmm. I tried that and couldn't tip it over enough to empty it. Due to the hose on the bottom. It wouldn't allow me to lift the reservoir out enough to tip it sideways.

 

have never heard of wiper fluid staining, but I certainly guess it's possible.