Windshield wiper fluid smell with windows closed

[Michigan Man]

Hi folks- Can anyone else smell the windshield wiper fluid inside the cabin when it is utilized, with the windows closed? I'm unsure whether I have some kind of seal issue, or whether there is an air intake somewhere around there that I shouldn't be concerned about. -Thanks

 

[carlos31820]

Air intake is near the base of the windshield.

 

[jcanoe]

Does the washer fluid appears to be spraying normally? If so then the washer fluid hose is probably not disconnected. If you apply washer fluid while parked the fluid will drain beneath the Tesla vehicle. You might be able to detect the smell of the methanol in the washer fluid from inside the cabin.

 

[andaconda]

smells so good

 

[avs007]

I've only noticed this with some brands of fluid, as I think some are more aromatic that others. I've used a generic one that smelled similar to mint. I noticed the smell inside my car even in my non-teslas. I switched to rainx fluid, and never smelled anything again.

 

[Pianewman]

Hmm. Every car I've owned smells of washer fluid after use.

 

[avs007]

Hmm. Every car I've owned smells of washer fluid after use.

Yeah, if you use a fluid that has an odor, I don't think there's any way to avoid the smell getting in the car unless you put the air on recirculate, because the fresh air inlet is in the cowl near the wipers.

 

[Corndart]

I've only noticed this with some brands of fluid, as I think some are more aromatic that others. I've used a generic one that smelled similar to mint. I noticed the smell inside my car even in my non-teslas. I switched to rainx fluid, and never smelled anything again.

I originally read this as "...even in my non-testes" and just about spit my bourbon and coke all over the keyboard.

Agree with other posters, have yet to own a vehicle where fragrant wiper fluid (even the rain-x orange stuff) doesn't waft into the vehicle occasionally.

 

[nate704]

press the recirculation button!

 

[jpfive]

I originally read this as "...even in my non-testes" and just about spit my bourbon and coke all over the keyboard.

Agree with other posters, have yet to own a vehicle where fragrant wiper fluid (even the rain-x orange stuff) doesn't waft into the vehicle occasionally.

Hmmm... I've also found that bourbon affects cognition. Even with coke.

 

[RyMY]

Used to love that new BMW windshield washer fluid smell the first time you spray it after taking delivery. Especially the models built in Germany. The free refills at the dealer was just never the same. The refills you buy from the parts department was also never the same.

I noticed the windshield washer fluid that came with my MY from the factory is very blue.

 

[nate704]

Windshield washer fluid: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Windshield washer fluid is a brightly-colored liquid made of methanol, a poisonous alcohol. Sometimes, small amounts of other toxic alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, are added to the mixture.

medlineplus.gov