torquewrench

Hello all,

Tried searching the threads but couldn't find any previous posts, so here goes.

Is there a quick way of draining the windshield washer fluid reservoir? I tried sticking a small piece of flexible rubber hose down there, but it kinks right then left again and it just won't get to the bottom to allow me to suck all the summer fluid out.

I would like to fill it up with the appropriate winter mix, as it gets well below freezing over here in Germany.

Not really keen on removing the front driver's side wheel arch and getting access that way. The only other way I can think of doing it is to depress the headlight/windshield wash button on the dash until the reservoir runs dry. Though I run the risk of burning the pump out as the tank is pretty large (6 litres)??

Ideas anyone?

Thanks in advance.

- torquewrench

tommy

If you don't have a topsider with a more rigid hose, what I would do is just hold down the button until the fluid comes out in spurts. Then top off with the mix, you can even slant the mix a little more to the MB stuff to compensate for the additional summer mix still in there.

But I don't think you'd burn out the pump if you left it running until it the reservoir was empty. It would probably take a bit of time for that to happen.

Lgraz5

Fill with winter fluid. Use it a lot. Refill. Works every time.

torquewrench

Thanks for your suggestions tommy and Lgraz5.

Just seems a little weird that MB hasn't designed a proper drain plug for the reservoir. The windshield fluid gets changed more often than the radiator coolant, which has its own drain plug.... And why even bother to print the mix ratios at the back of the bottle if they know it's going to be out anyway on account of the reservoir not being properly drained...

Benzomatic76

I did it the other day to all our cars. Stuck a 1/2" flexible hose and sucked a little and it started to flow. Takes some time to drain but it works.

tommy

Hey, what happens between you and your car stays between you and your car. :-)

I really don't see a huge deal with mixing the winter and summer mixes a bit, honestly. It won't spark Armageddon or anything.

Benzomatic76

LOL!