Heated Washer Fluid

[Patrolman]

I know this isn't specifically 4x4, and some people might scoff at it, but I sure can see a purpose for it!

https://www.amazon.com/AlphaTherm-AT-38OD-Windshield-Washer-Heater/dp/B0034GW1WW

[Tom]

Sounds nice, but I can see a bunch of thermo cracked windshields in the winter months.

[newracer]

It is claimed that not enough fluid is sprayed fast enough to cause thermal cracking.

[Spieg]

Nice idea, although it seems expensive for a stripped down Mr. Coffee. I've seen people accomplish something similar by routing the fluid through a silicon hose that was wrapped around the exhaust pipe.

[dieseldoc]

If you washer fluid is frozen it is to low on the alcohol mix.
Easy fix add some rubbing alcohol.

[Patrolman]

I think the intent is to try to clear ice and stuff off the windshield rather than keeping the fluid from freezing. I know there are times that my windshield freezes over and putting washer fluid on it just makes it streak and freeze badly. This might be a helpful feature. As others pointed out, no way I am paying the cost though.

[sdswingr]

or...just use the de-icing washer fluid...

[Patrolman]

Yeah, that is good stuff too. Looks like someone peed all over your window though. :)

[ExplorerTom]

I have one installed in my Expedition.

You use more fluid because you have to flush out the fluid in the hose that isn't heated. But it does work very well. If you've ever driven in weather where your defroster can't keep up, the washer fluid you spray doesn't do anything but add to the ice and the wiper blades can't remove the building ice, then you'll be happy you have this. For the remaining 364.5 days of the year here in CO, you probably don't need it.

[Tom]

Yeah, that is good stuff too. Looks like someone peed all over your window though. :)Depends on the brand. I get some cheap stuff from Target. Its red. Looks like blood on the windshield. JK pinkish.

[sdswingr]

I use the orange stuff...worked great on those -40 degree days in Vermont.

[Chris]

If it's iced up I use the edge of a credit card. :D

[Jim]

I think I'd buy another 5' feet of windshield washer fluid hose and re-route and wrap it around a heater hose to heat the fluid. And then maybe use some muffler wrap to wrap around the two to "seal in the freshness".

[Patrolman]

Bad part about the design is that it is "always on" - even in Summer. Seems silly. Some people have wired it up so they can turn it on/off when needed.

[ExplorerTom]

If it's iced up I use the edge of a credit card. :D
On I-70 in the middle of an ice storm, my arm got cold reaching out the window amd scraping the ice as it builds up.

[ExplorerTom]

Bad part about the design is that it is "always on" - even in Summer.

they claim even in the summer heated fluid works to cut bug grease better. I tend to always wash my dishes with hot water, regardless of the weather.

[Jim]

Hmmm - gets rid of bugs faster - now I have an interest in this...

[Patrolman]

yeah, but if I use the sprayer once a week in the Summer, having it heated all the time seems silly. Having a switch to turn it off sounds like a good idea. Then the warmer element hopefully will last longer.

[newracer]

I think it's like an instant hot, heats the water as it goes through the pump.

Nope I am wrong, it keep the water hot all the time.