noka

I've been using the Rain-X (orange) windshield washer fluid for a while, in several cars also.

Two days ago my wife complained that her '13 Golf (she loves VW's, what can I say) turned on the dash light for low washer fluid. When I checked, it was about a cup low (i.e. not low enough that the sensor should trip on). The light is on steady. After Googling I found a number of VW owners with the same problem. The dealer asked if we were using the orange stuff and mentioned Rain-X, before I did. He said that 'silicone-based' fluid ruins the sensor. He wasn't sure if it affected other cars but definitely VW. They can try to flush it out or worst case, would need to replace the sensor. At least for her car, I'm switching back to the blue stuff after we get it fixed.

Does anybody use the Rain-Ex in their E-class and have there been any reported problems to your knowledge?

rediesel

I've had problems with the orange rain-x too.

It started in my 2012 Ram 1500. Got low fluid warning even when filled. I called the dealer and asked if they could take a look at this minor problem - he immediately asked if I used that wiper fluid and then told me it doesn't work with the sensors and that I needed to switch. I looked at the Ram forums and there were 100s of posts, subaru and BMW as well.

Sounds like Rain-x re-forumulated the fluid and perhaps it coats the sensors (I'm guessing conductivity sensors).

I didn't have any issues with the rain-x in my W211, but my W212 I put it in for the first time (after emptiying the blue-junk), and it took a while for the warning to go off, and comes and goes now.

I have another gallon of rain-x, and have gone out of my way to buy it since it worked so well. However, now that I'm having these issues I'm also wondering if it doesn't work as well as it used to do the re-forumulation.

noka

I returned the two unopened jugs I had for a refund. Anyone know the reservoir capacity? Manual only says that low fluid will trigger light at approximately 1 liter remaining. I'm trying to empty it... and currently have a really clean windshield .

Russ103

Little bits of info like this makes me appreciate car forums.

Another thing about the orange Rain-X is the streaks are far worse then with cheap blue fluid.

Bad thing about the blue stuff is I've had it freeze at the nozzles before, Rain-X not the case.

noka

The blue stuff I found today was good to -20F and Rain-X was -25F.
I also found some reference to other car makes/models having problems with the Rain-X.

instantfob

I like using these concentrate ones

Alex.currie44

I treat the windshield with Rainex and use regular fluid. I need to renew it but it's a compromise. With the rain sensors I get by ok.

Airmousam

For what's it worth my SA told me to never use Rain-X in my MB, something about messing with the sensors. My Indy said the same thing. They said the blue stuff is fine. Heading to the boatshow in Boston later, expect to use plenty when the next storm rolls in this evening. Can hardly wait :-(

More info here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...d-warning.html

steinjr

I just bought the orange stuff a few days ago. Is one round going to cause issues?

Mud

I do something similar except not rain-x, when I wax or use the spray detailer after washing I do all the exterior glass and lights as well. Done this for years and it seems to help, water beads and rolls off the glass. Regular washer fluid and decent wipers is all I need to keep glass clean.
Interesting to find out about the orange vs blue fluid though, I never would have expected that. Mine has the blue so I'll just continue with that.

dbldpr

I use the prestone windshield solvent. It is a yellow green color. Never have had a problem with it. I drain the winter stuff out before I put the summer stuff in. It takes 2 full gallons of solvent when it is completely empty. It is hard to find but autozone carries it.

Russ103

I doubt it would be a problem, but at the mere expense of $3 I'd toss the Rain-X and get the blue stuff.

markgm

I too had an issue with the orange Rain-X when it's in the single digits or colder, car says I'm out of fluid.

MBSebas87

+1 seriously!!

So what's the best brand to use? Thought Rain-X was the real stuff

Russ103

Well, after reading through this thread I'd say to just stick with the cheap blue stuff. Or maybe getting the green Prestone fluid assuming it's not silicone based


We're at the end of February so it won't be long until spring, and with it, thinking about washer fluid will be at the bottom of the list

YYZ-E55

Rain-X messed up with the sensor in a C350 I had a few years back. They drained the tank and added "normal" washer fluid and it was good again.

noka

Unfortunately, draining and refilling did not fix my wife's Golf. Unfortunately, the model redesigns now place the reservoir down low and difficult to access. It will probably need a sensor cleaning and possible replacement.
My E350 appears to also be difficult to access but so far no problem. I'm going to try to use it up quickly. Luckily, I did not add a full reservoir amount but only topped off a few times and I'm hoping that will help prevent problems with the E.

rediesel

Couldn't figure out why my headlamp washers weren't working so I read the manual. To engage - the headlights must be on and then it operates every 10th time you wash the windows. No wonder I've never seen them work. Also washer fluid: anyone use Benz fluid? Per manual...

Use MB SummerFit windshield washerconcentrate at temperatures above freezing:
Mix 1 part MB SummerFit with 100 partswater.

Use MB WinterFit windshield washerconcentrate at temperatures below freezing:
At temperatures down to 14F -10C: mix1 part MB WinterFit with 2 parts water.
At temperatures down to 4F -20C :mix1 part MB WinterFit with 1 part water.
At temperatures down to -20.2F -29C: mix 2 parts MB WinterFitwith 1 part water.
! Only SummerFit and WinterFit can bemixed. Otherwise, the jets could becomeblocked.Vehicle data

mikemargolis

Over the weekend I siphoned the orange Rain-X out of my tank and filled it with the blue stuff from Autozone.

This immediately stopped the "Low Washer Fluid" warning that kept coming up even when the tank was full with the orange stuff.

A pity, because I liked the orange stuff a lot.

BTW, the empty tank (well, I think it was empty because the siphon stopped) took one gallon to be full. I am guessing it's a 4L tank.

Airmousam

Glad that worked out ok for you

noka

I believe problems started when Rain-X changed to a new (improved?) formula.

lionell247

If you use the green rain-x it goes away.

blackbullit

I have used only rain-x since I bought my E550 in 2009. No washer issues in 82k miles. Use orange in winter and green in summer.

noka

I'd consider you lucky given all the problem posts I have seen and my wife's problem. I'll never use it again unless the formula is changed and proven to be safe for windshield washer systems.

rediesel

Seems this topic is of discussion again.