What type of wiper fluid?
 

I've always used plain-old gas station blue wiper fluid in my cars (Hondas, BMWs, Saabs), and wonder if that's OK to do in my 2018 Q5. I ask because my low-fluid alert just appeared, and I've seen some conflicting info online.

Is there anything special (and better) about the fluid sold by Audi parts? Anything harmful to paint or otherwise bad about basic fluid?

What do you folks use?

Just don't use the orange RainX fluid. In Gen 1 Q5's that would play havoc with the pump.

Good point: I've read that elsewhere. When I once used it in my '93 Saab 900, the wiper system went haywire ;)

^ I bought my last 2 containers of windshield washer fluid at the Audi dealer. It was priced better than most other places I checked for washer fluid, and it's Audi branded. I think that's the best way to go to feel safe about about doing any harm to paint, trim, etc. on a new Audi.

Remember that you can also get a jug of Windshield Washer fluid from any VW dealer. They're the same ones sold by Audi.

^ Very good tip - thanks!

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Einszett 1Z (or could be called Nexzett) Kristal Klar Windshield Washer Concentrate.
Concentrated so it makes 3.4 fl oz into 7 gallons.I use it in a spray bottle to keep my glass clean in between washes. Heaps better than the VW/Audi branded stuff.

I'll stick to the Audi/VW brand. Here in NE US, I need anti-freeze, and I trust the brand's anti-freeze ingredient to do no harm.

Great input: it has reinforced my inclination to stick with Audi/VW brand...

Most washer fluid are just a combination of water and methanol (anti-freeze portion). Avoid any with additives like rain-x since those will ruin the fluid level sensor and pump.