GM's Optikleen with P/N 1051515.

[Ed N.]

Has anyone used GM Optikleen (blue) as their windshield washer fluid? Just want to make sure that it's safe on paint. Any information positive or negative is welcomed.

Thanks.

[Duke W.]

Re: GM's Optikleen with P/N 1051515.

Windshield washer fluid is a blend of denatured alcohol and water, usually, with a blue die although I've seen some with a pink dye, and it usually has some kind of "wetting agent" like a little bit of detergent. The alcohol functions as an "antifreeze" to keep the mixture from freezing in cold winter weather. It won't hurt paint unless your car is painted with latex house paint. Latex paint is soluble in alcohol.

You can buy the same generic stuff at any auto parts store for a lot less than what GM likely charges.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: GM's Optikleen with P/N 1051515.

Once-upon-a-time this stuff was supplied in a glass bottle. Many GM cars (but not Corvettes) used to come from the factory with one of these bottles in the engine compartment (often on a fender well) retained by a metal clip/bracket. Folks restoring those old cars pay BIG $$$ for these old SEALED bottles.

[Joe R.]

Re: GM's Optikleen with P/N 1051515.

Seems as if I can remember those glass bottles having a triangle shape. I attend the Old Time Car Club Petti Jean meet each year and those bottles are proudly displayed!

JR

[Michael H.]

Re: GM's Optikleen with P/N 1051515.

Seems as if I can remember those glass bottles having a triangle shape. I attend the Old Time Car Club Petti Jean meet each year and those bottles are proudly displayed!

JR

.....And the solvent was green, at least through 1964 or 65. Same color solvent that was added to the WSW jar at the Corvette plant.

[Keith B.]

Re: GM's Optikleen with P/N 1051515.

[Steven B.]

Re: GM's Optikleen with P/N 1051515.

Seems as if I can remember those glass bottles having a triangle shape. I attend the Old Time Car Club Petti Jean meet each year and those bottles are proudly displayed!

JR

Yep, triangular. I had them on my Impalas. Steve