yes, you can. at least that isn't some special fluid...

 

i'd be careful if i were you. if you mix these multiple kinds of liquids, it could cause sever sludging in the system thus blocking the wiper nozzles, and toasting the pump.

oh, don't forget to keep an eye on your brake fluid after you install the slotted and cross drilled break lines (common mod) and keep your blinker fluid topped off :thumbup:

 

No no no no no! You must buy VW part number ZVW-177-903, or else you... uh... will blow up your, uh, wipers.

Just kidding (though that is the real VW part number for the half-gallon jug).

You can use any old thing, so long as it does not freeze, if you live someplace that gets below freezing temperatures (even one day a year.) Make sure you use something that says "good for minus-whatever degrees" if this is the case.

I really like the Prestone washer fluids- the green stuff from May 1 to Oct 1, and the yellow stuff from Oct 1-May 1. But I'm funny that way.

 

I really like the Prestone washer fluids- the green stuff from May 1 to Oct 1, and the yellow stuff from Oct 1-May 1. But I'm funny that way.

That's my exact regimen. I tried the Rain-X (I like their products, generally) and it left orange crusties; the OEM VW stuff's prime advantage is that it smells the best of the bunch (Like a new VW!)

 

rain-x brand fluids. cleans your windshield and applies rain-x water beading(sp?) stuff.

 

I bought some orange Rain-x fluid that left stains on the hood of one of my cars.

 

Stay away from JL, even if the washer fluid is free.

 

RTFM! It says to use approved VW screenwash if you have fan jet nozzles or you may have an accident resulting in serious injury. Yes it really does say that! :crazy:

 

the orange shit will plug up the system and stick to the contacts of the level sender thus making it think it is empty FYI

 

I just use the blue stuff and was thinking of the green Mr. Clean one. But, we'll leave that for the truck. I'm off to check my blinker fluid now. Wouldn't want to run low on that. Especially since no one uses blinkers in California.
Maybe the truck would benefit from slotted, ventilated rotors...

But seriously folks... Do people really believe that stuff in the manual or are you all just sending a noob on a snipe hunt?

 

If it says "Windshield Washer Fluid," or something to that effect, use it. If it's cold, use the cold stuff. Simple.

 

Ok, so I'm incredibly cheap. I fill the tank up with the hose and add a bit of windex to the mix. But it works great if it's above freezing!

 

Wow we need to open a trust fund for you...just so you can buy fluid.

 

> Ok, so I'm incredibly cheap. I fill the tank up with the hose and add a bit of windex to the mix. But it works great if it's above freezing!

OK, so years ago I took out the entire washer system on a Volvo by using a concentrate and regular tap water. It wasn't a mineral thing, it was a living organism thing... Mold and god knows what else started growing in the resevior after doing this for years, then it all clogged up and it was over.

So, I'm sure we have a wide range of cleaner chemicals that are OK. But, after that, I'm going with something that's got distilled water in it.

P.S. If you're incredibly cheap, why a Passat?
Just kiddin. I'm in the same quandry....

 

Yeah, I did just spend about $1400 on the thing from December to February... I only cut the corners where it doesn't really matter.

 

washer fluid = $1 jeez, c'mon

 

I am in college and I don't have a steady job. I can barely afford my rent and the windex works really well since it rarely goes below freezing here. So I can save my $1 for something else if I want to.

 

Just be careful of the blue stuff. I have heard that smurf urine will soften VW paint.

 

that's actually the gas pump windshield wash fluid, the stuff with the scraper.
it's more aggressive to get the crap off.

 

but you can buy a gallon bottle of windshield washer fluid for around 2 dollars. penny wise and pound foolish.

 

Well, I decided to do some research about what is in the windex versus the washer fluid to find out if I really should "splurge" for the washer fluid instead.

The stuff that's marketed as windshield washer fluid is generally formulated with methanol, propylene glycol and water. The windex is made of isopropanol, ethylene glycol monohexylether and water. I think the kind I used also has ammonia in it.

Essentially, the chemicals in both products do the same thing (because they are designed for similar applications) and none of them are in any way harmful to the car. So, since I have windex under the kitchen sink anyway, I feel as if I am saving a few bucks, and not being pound foolish , by using it instead of buying a bottle of washer fluid.

 

The stuff that's marketed as windshield washer fluid is generally formulated with methanol, propylene glycol and water. The windex is made of isopropanol, ethylene glycol monohexylether and water. I think the kind I used also has ammonia in it.

Hmm. From experience washing large storefront windows, regular windex deteriorated the rubber squeegee I was using, so I switched to a commercial cleaner intended for the use. I think it was the ammonia; and I think it may have the same effect on your wiper blades.

 

i use rainex. it "waxes" my windsheild

 

the blue stuff rated -20 is all you should have in there. and you should hoook a water/methanol injection system up to it.

 

same thing happened to me. sort of. my pygmy monkey got fried when the cleaner button shorted out and ZAPPED the little guy. He jumped up, hit his head and overfilled the blinker fluid and then the muffler bearings went out.

 

haha buy the concentrate. It's made by "gunk" and its only a few bucks, makes a few gallons. I bought the last of the GM Optikleen before GM and Delco/Rochester split.

 

^^LOL I just got bent over by the dealer for my muffler bearings. 2nd time this year.

Seriously though does the orange Rain-x (2 in 1 bug and -25F formula) really stain your car/ leave orange crud? I just bought a bottle but haven't used it yet.

Maybe all of them leave this residue and only the rain-x is visible?

 

I just got back from the dealer and I picked an 8oz concentrate bottle for $10. It'll be good for 8 refills. They also had a 1/2 gallon for $5. Doing the math I bought the concentrate, we'll see how good/bad it works.

 

dealer ?

 

I pretty much play it safe and don't use any chemicals. Instead I have a team of pygmy window washers that coinhabit my luggage compartment with my trunk monkey that hold climb out and remove any disagreeable deposits from my windscreen when I push the rewired OnStar button, which now sends a high current shot to their buttcheeks instead of calling in for directions.

now thats a sweet set up

 

has anyone just modded larger subs into the OE housing below the rear seats?

Then you could have a dummy sub box with an exploding charge when removed from the car, just for fun.

 

Holy random post, Batman.

 

Urine works well. And it's sterile.

 

Do you fill the reservoir directly or put it in a bottle first?