OEM Audi windshield washer fluid
 

I was wondering if anyone has found a source for the OEM Audi windshield washer fluid/concentrate that is the factory fill for our Q5. I swear I'm not an alcoholic but I do miss that smell.

What does an Audi dealership use when they service your Q5's? If you are still under warranty and have Audi care can you drop by the dealership for a top up?

OK here's the scoop on how it's made.
Audi won't sell it over the counter. You can pull into your stealer and get it topped off for free, but they won't sell it to you. maybe it's liability due to the high alcohol content, maybe it's the state and federal laws that limit the VOC content. I don't know, I'm not a lawyer. But I haven't been able to find any really "good stuff" premixed. So if you want the best, mix it yourself.

My Audi parts guy asked my to test the stuff because he gets this question all the time and he knows that i own a couple of analytical chemistry testing laboratories.

If you want to mix your own, here's the analysis of the Audi solvent that was in my car's reservoir. There are 4 basic ingredients:

* 10% methanol

* 10% ethanol
Some internet advice is to use rubbing alcohol as the anti-freeze. It may be readily available, but it contains about 30% oil (so it won't dry the skin). Do you really want to apply oil to your windshield?

* A surfactant package, preferably non-ionic. There are many good ones, such as P21S washer booster. Dilute as directed on the label.

* Distilled or deionized water. Tap water can be used but you run the risk of eventually plugging your nozzles with hard water deposits.

Have fun. I am hooked on this stuff, and I have friends who depend on me for the stuff. It will clean practically anything off the window, is safe on paint, is low-sudsing, and smells great (it's the ethanol).

woahhh waittt they dont fill your washer fluid with that pink or blue stuff you buy from any old auto parts store?

You mean the stuff that costs a buck per gallon and freezes at 32F? It meets domestic automaker specifications, but not das Germans ;)

If you use over the counter fluids - by the expensive stuff that has a -25°F rating or better.

can i add a bit of water to mine? it seems to be a bit too strong.

If a top-up is inconvenient, I just use the stuff I get for my BMW. It's about $2.50 with BMWCCA discount. It's smells stronger than the Audi stuff...will remove all nose hairs in one sniff...

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Anyone experience having the front headlamp washers shoot fluid all over the top of the hood like I do? Imagine its a simple adjustment but when I use the washer my entire car gets a shower!

That's good sh!t bulldog. I used BMW solvent 10 years ago but now it's more fun to roll my own. Besides, BMW parts on an Audi? Sacrilege!

OK...I promise not to tell the BMW folks