Best (Zaino Compatible) Windshield Wiper Fluid/Cleaner??

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by bighouse, Dec 16, 2009.

  1. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    I am very aware that some deteregents and cleaners will quickly remove any Zaino products I've put on my car (like Dawn dishwashing liquid!). I think that likely extends into the spray products we use on our exterior glass- seems like you don't want overspray getting on your painted surfaces if you want to protect your polishes/waxes.

    At 3,500 miles on my Barcellona Red IV my wiper squirter's bottle is finally empty and I need to refill it. I used to buy just the standard "bugwash" available at my local autoparts store, but am reluctant to do so now with my IV- guess I care for it more.

    I'm thinking of just putting in distilled water- unless someone knows for sure of a good fluid that's not going to strip my Zaino off should the overspray or run-off move onto the paint.

    Comments anyone???
     
    #1 bighouse, Dec 16, 2009
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Good question. I know some of the cheaper brands actually discolored my paint on a previous vehicle. Some blue stuff at Wallyworld.
    I will be good to get a recommendation.
     
    #2 spiderman, Dec 16, 2009
  3. Econ

    Econ Member

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    I don't think that dawn will remove your Zaino. The Dawn washing is to remove any wax, oils and the like.
    Write Sal at Zaino.com and he will give you the correct answers. I understand the Clay Bar ing will not remove the Zaino products.
     
    #3 Econ, Dec 16, 2009
  4. chrisj428

    chrisj428 Active Member

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    To date, I haven't had any issues with the plain blue from the dealer and my Zaino. And, believe me, in the last few weeks, I've used enough of it. :p
     
    #4 chrisj428, Dec 17, 2009
  5. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Pretty much any washer fluid is fine...

    You don't want to use just water if you car is ever anywhere that gets below freezing.
     
    #5 SW03ES, Dec 17, 2009
  6. risingsun

    risingsun seeker of the way

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    I use the washer fluid tablets made by the guys that make Aerospace 303, one of my favorite products. They claim it's pretty green, non-toxic and biodegradable, in addition to creating less plastic waste from the gallon bottles. Haven't had any discoloration problems with it either.

    303 Products, Inc.: Instant Windshield Washer Tablets
     
    #6 risingsun, Dec 17, 2009
    2 people like this.
  7. rstark18

    rstark18 Member

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    I was actually thinking of using Optimum No Rinse when the time comes. I posted this over on their board and the replies I got back all said I should add a little alcohol to help with evaporation.

    "You can add some alcohol so it doesn't freeze and will help in evaporation. Mix it with distilled water also."

    "Methanol is fine to add, but it will strip LSP on the roof so add some OCW after using it at the next wash"

    Also, I really do think Dawn will strip Zaino. In an email from Sal he mentioned starting over from scratch in the Zaino process and his first step was Dawn to strip everything off.
     
    #7 rstark18, Dec 18, 2009
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