• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


What kind of washer fluid are you using

arg4me

New Member
Messages
4
Reactions
0
Points
1
Location
Medina, OH, USA
#1
I've been using RainX washer fluid but have noticed the wiper blades leave a good size streak right in the middle on the return stroke. Of course the driver side is the biggest issue. I assumed the wipers were the problem but now am wondering if the issue is common to the washer fluid itself. I have seen a few post here and elsewhere that the RainX fluid is not good for rain sensing wipers. It leaves a hydrophobic film on the windshield to help repel water. Does this interfere with the rain sensing ability? I see Prestone is a popular choice but it also leaves a film. I'm typically not a fan of the OEM blades that the manufacturers install on their vehicles. I've never had much luck with any of them. I lean toward Bosch for my replacement blades. Not sure about the fluid though. Any thoughts?
 

Autoworker

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,093
Reactions
1,257
Points
262
Location
Ohio
#2
I usually buy my washer fluid at Menards, just watching to stay in the right temperature range.
 

Messages
359
Reactions
194
Points
37
Location
Ashburn, VA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#3
I've used the RainX washer fluid for years and no issues. I almost immediately replaced the OEM blades b/c they were skipping and noisy PoS.. Unbroken suggested the Bosch and they work very well for me.
 

Messages
252
Reactions
114
Points
37
Location
New Orleans
#4
I've used the RainX washer fluid for years and no issues. I almost immediately replaced the OEM blades b/c they were skipping and noisy PoS.. Unbroken suggested the Bosch and they work very well for me.
I replaced my wiper blades the first week of ownership for the same reasons!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

Messages
208
Reactions
92
Points
27
Location
Arden Hills, MN, USA
#5
I use Splash -35 with ice melt fluid during the winter and use their washer fluid with bug remover for spring and summer
 

Attachments

DaveG ST

Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
390
Reactions
169
Points
37
Location
Hurlock, MD, USA
#6
I just get the Walmart fluid and usually have no issues. I put new Michelin blades on, but OEM were actually better. I was a diehard Trico fan, being a parts pro at PepBoys in my former life, but feel that Bosch and some others have caught up in quality. Also, try cleaning your blades with rubbing alcohol before replacing and see if that helps.
 

Messages
79
Reactions
28
Points
17
Location
Philadelphia
Vehicle
2021 Explorer ST
#7
Bosch blades plus… call me crazy but I have a bunch of BMW concentrated fluid left over. I usually mix half a bottle of concentrate with generic blue (-25°F) fluid. It scrapes off bugs and cuts through ice better than anything I’ve ever used. RainX is a shit hydrophobic repellant and you should stop using it. Instead clean your windshield with rubbing alcohol, scrape off any gunk, and ceramic coat it instead if you want beading.
 

My ST is Better!

Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
102
Reactions
61
Points
27
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
#8
I use whatever washer fluid my employer provides, free 99!!!
 

Messages
89
Reactions
44
Points
17
Location
Detroit, MI, USA
#9
Yea my wipers sucked day one. I've done plenty of modifications on my car but have been to lazy to replace those garbage ass wipers.
 

Jeppo

Active Member
Messages
506
Reactions
287
Points
82
Location
Davidson County, NC
Vehicle
2021 ST
#10
Anybody know the capacity of the reservoir?
 

Messages
359
Reactions
194
Points
37
Location
Ashburn, VA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#11
for whatever reason, the capacity is unspecified. I put in a gallon of fluid last week and it wasn't full.

1641818699615.png
 

Last edited:

Jeppo

Active Member
Messages
506
Reactions
287
Points
82
Location
Davidson County, NC
Vehicle
2021 ST
#12
for whatever reason, the capacity is unspecified. I have put in a gallon of fluid last week and it wasn't full.

View attachment 9340
Yeah, I searched and couldn’t find any specific capacity. I put in nearly a gallon yesterday and it made me wonder how much the thing could hold.
 

hbalek

Active Member
Messages
978
Reactions
548
Points
232
Location
Kensington, MD, USA
#13
When my low fluid level warning comes on, I can usually pour an entire gallon of washer fluid to fill it up all the way.
 

Jeppo

Active Member
Messages
506
Reactions
287
Points
82
Location
Davidson County, NC
Vehicle
2021 ST
#14
Anybody figured out the true capacity?
 

hbalek

Active Member
Messages
978
Reactions
548
Points
232
Location
Kensington, MD, USA
#15
Anybody figured out the true capacity?
When I have the low fluid message I can usually fill with an entire gallon of washer fluid to the top of the nozzle.
 

Messages
331
Reactions
184
Points
37
Location
Burlington, ON, Canada
#17
Whatever the first one I see on the shelf is. Preferably blue.
 

GearHead_1

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,576
Reactions
1,316
Points
262
Location
Utah
Vehicle
Exploder
#18
I use the blue kind.
 

I Bleed Ford Blue

Active Member
U.S. Navy Veteran
Messages
771
Reactions
532
Points
232
Location
Ohio
Vehicle
23 Rapid Red Explorer ST
#19
I also just use the cheap blue stuff, and whatever wiper blades that come on the vehicle. I used to use the bosch icons until I discovered that if you scrub off the road grime residue off the windshield and wiper blades you can run any cheap blade you want
 

RandomPilot

Member
U.S. Navy Veteran
Messages
42
Reactions
35
Points
12
Location
Lexington, Ky
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer ST
#20
McKees rineless wash diluted 1:128 with distilled water just because my windshield is ceramic coated, prolongs the coating and mitigates water spots using the distilled water
 



Top