Mercedes-Benz Washer Fluid

[mdsalemi]

Here is an interesting question to which I do not know the answer to...

Recently, I was test-driving the new 2013 MB GLK 350.  Nice car.  These were MB press cars, not privately owned, and new.

When I used the windscreen washer, the fluid actually cleaned the windscreen!  Different than any I've ever seen.

Anyone know what this might be?

[Garry]

Here in Oz when i take my modern MB into the MB dealer for a service they replace the washer fluid and also leave me a small bottle of MB branded fluid that is an additive for the water.  It costs about $7 and I also noticed how well it worked for removal of bugs.

[69280sl]

When I used the windscreen washer, the fluid actually cleaned the windscreen!  Different than any I've ever seen.

Anyone know what this might be?

Michael: I'm just guessing but maybe the clean windshield is due in part to new wiper blades.

Gus

[mdsalemi]

Garry--

Apparently the same stuff is sold here.  It is indeed some magic-fluid additive.  One bottle per tank.

After I got your note I called the local MB dealer, and he set aside 10 bottles for me, "gratis".  (something about owing me, since I sent a neighbor there who bought a new C350 and the salesman wanted to thank me!)
So, I will go pick up my swag and booty today, and dump a bottle in my daily driver.  It is a Ford, but I'm sure it all works.

Gus, it wasn't the windshield, it was the fluid.  All I drive is newer cars with newer windscreens and new wipers.  The additive is foamy and you can see the results immediately; very different than the simple blue methanol fluid I usually use.  As Garry notes, it does a remarkable job on bugs--something we all have a lot of here in the summer when driving at night...

[Richard Madison]

The new Star Magazine has an article about innovative washer blades that have channels in the blades...the fluid comes out of the washer blades in a controlled flow...less fluid where the blade passes through a smaller windshield area...and an automatic fluid reduction when the controller senses that the top is down and the passengers might get splashed.

A long way from the old spritz-from-a-hole-on-the-hood days.

Richard M, NYC

[Ulf]

My fathers Peugeot 405 had multiple nozzles for windscreen fluid on the viper blades back in the late 80's, so I don't think that's a new invention - although it sure is clever... :-)

[Benz Dr.]

We used to get some surgical hose and poke a bunch of holes in one side. After attaching it to the wiper blade arms, it would give just the right amount during ralley racing.

[Jack Jones]

My 78 Toyota Celica had washer nozzles on the blades