Archives

I have read several posts lately that refer to frost in the morning. Some say it's such a problem that they have to warm up the engine before driving off, wasting loads of fuel in the process. (Not to mention that it's not so good for the engine to warm up that way!) There is one solution that has worked quite well for me and I hope it can solve the problem for others: de-icing washer fluid. I've been using it for about a year and love it. The brand name stuff is a little expensive but works the best. (Rain-X brand works best for me, available all over the place.) It's basically standard washer fluid plus glycol, which is the same stuff used to de-ice aircraft. Melting power is much better than the regular blue fluid, and re-freeze resistance is also really good.

For a light coat of frost I start by scraping the rear windscreen and side windows, at least partially. Then I hop in the car, hit the washers with the de-icer, give it a few swipes to clear, then start the engine and drive off. The rear defroster takes care of whatever is left out back once I'm underway. The procedure for very heavy frost or very cold weather is about the same, except that I scrape the windshield first and then use the de-icer to clear the rest and prevent new frost from forming over the first few miles of driving.

I used to warm up every morning and it destroyed my gas mileage. Think mid 20s. Never again! I hope this advice is helpful to some of you.

Hi Tim:

___Believe it or not, I am still on the factory fill in the Accord but am getting close to a refill. Thank you for the tip as it sounds like a great one! I will head out and purchase some tomorrow in fact.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I forgot to add one word of caution to my original post:

I noticed that if some of this stuff pools on the paint and is allowed to bake in the sun (not a problem now but maybe in the spring) it leaves a water mark that can be a serious PITA to remove. Nothing a little cleaner wax can't handle but it's worth knowing about first.

It's a worthwhile tool for people like me, who don't have a garage or access to exterior power for a block heater.

I have used the de-icing type fluid for years. They all seem to work about the same for me. All of them also seem to stain the tank, and are hard on the windshield wipers. Also if you dont have any wax or sealent they can stain the paint. Not so much a issue now days. But the stuff use to be hard on windshield seals.

I will keep using it.

Wayne!!! still on the factory fill!!! Hondas stuff is good but not that good... :)

He probably doesn't use his wipers because of the milliamps of current draw. It all adds up over time, and you have to pay it back sometime you know ;)

Hi Tom:

:D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

He probably doesn't use his wipers because of the milliamps of current draw. It all adds up over time, and you have to pay it back sometime you know ;)

Smacks head against desk... I should have known. :rolleyes:

He probably doesn't use his wipers because of the milliamps of current draw. It all adds up over time, and you have to pay it back sometime you know ;)

ROFL!:D

I have also seen the cans of spray de-icer that have a scraper built in. Wouldn't have to use those power sucking wipers.:p

Rain-X will help! Try it and see! :D