Stupid Wiper Fluid Question (Be gentle, Cuz I just don't know)

OK ... Why is it ... When I top-off the wiper fluid ..
I can fill it up to the neck of the container ... But when I look at the side of the bottle, it only looks like it's 1/2 full? Am I having a 'Senior Moment' or am I just too stupid to figure out how to add wiper fluid?

 

Yes.

 

I noticed that when I filled mine, that it’s below the neck.

It’s definitely more than half but seems like a stupid design.

 

I’m sure you’re alright. I’m guessing when you look down the pour spout you see a solid tube go down to about half the bottle, yes? If you were somehow able to cut that tube out, your filling experience would be normal. If you fill up the bottle, it will be full. Toyota designed the bottle that way in case the tech forgot to close the lid which would result in fluid splashing out everywhere.

 

I've never seen any official documentation from Toyota that would support such a claim.

I "think" that it's made that way to provide expansion area for freezing. If you really want to fill it to the top, a pinhole at the top of the tube (but inside) would let you do it.

 

Squeeze the washer reservoir bottle and it will burp air allowing more to be added.

 

My smart ass comment. They make me say things like this

 

I filled mine all of the up and marked the side of the reservoir with a sharpie so that I know when to stop without fluid coming up the neck quickly. It does seem like a lot of wasted space in the tank.

 

WoW!! The Sunday BEFORE Friday!!

G.

 

These are just practice questions

 

Does adding wiper fluid make my blades grow?


Geez.

 

Yup there ya go.... Thanks... Tried that and worked very well. I got it till the whole bottle looks like it's 3/4+ full. I guess I understand that if Toyota designed it to leave room for if the generic blue stuff freezes and expands so as not to split the bottle open. Gotta cover all the bases. I always, because it gets 0 to minus 20* for 2-3 months straight here, I always spend the extra couple bucks for the -32* with the added 'bug-be-gone' stuff in it, so that wasn't a big concern for me.

 

I haven't topped off my own wiper fluid in nearly 5 years.

 

I use the orange RainX 2 in 1 which is bug cutter and winter formula, and at 7000' in Colorado, never had it freeze.

 

Only if it's room temperature or above.

If you add cold washer fluid your blades shrink, just a word of caution.

 

Cold washer fluid makes a lot more than blades shrink!

 

Yeah, I've been through that before. (I'm 40 miles south of the Canadian border with one foot in WA. and the other foot in ID. ..)
I bit the bullet last year and just bought brand new ... Needed or not .. Beam blades for all the rigs I own.
Greatest thing since sliced bread and velcro.

 

Yeah, I keep getting told that that stuff is Jeezuz-With-a-Hellcat-Engine but for some reason, I can't bring myself to spend $6.00 a gallon on wiper fluid.. LOL! Good thing is, my stuff is garage kept, so ...

 

I was not a Rain-X fan because the stuff that you directly apply to the windshield never lasted long and seemed to add glare, but that is 100% correct that having it in the washer fluid is absolutely killer. Not so much about being garage kept, but that it greatly assists your wiper blades. I can't abide the cost of the gallon jugs, so their additive is a great alternative:

$6 Rain-X RX11806D Washer Fluid Additive-16.9 fl. oz, 500. ml

https://www.amazon.com/Rain-X-White-RX11806D-Washer-Additive-16-9/dp/B000BPTVTK

It can usually be found at Fred Meyer and WallyWorld for less.


Also, I didn't like the sweep of the stock 22in and 20in wiper blades. With the slightest bit of rubber trimming on the far right side, I am using 24in and 22in wiper blades. For the left one, you need the type with extra curvature. It is a big improvement in visibility.