For the last two days, after having my oil changed for the first time on my new Honda Civic hybrid, I was unable to get the windshield washer solvent to spray onto my windshield. (January 27/28, 2004) this presented a serious hazard since the inclement weather made it necessary for road crews to lay a geat deal of salt and sand on the highways to combat the freezing rain. I took the car to the dealer on the morning of the 28th to complain about the problem. The service rep said I should go across the the street to cherrydale auto parts and purchase the yellow solution that was good to sub freezing temperatures which I did. After putting the new solvent in the reservoir the problem was solved. I would like to know, however, why it is that dealerships are allowed to use substandard products in their service which may potentially harm their customers and their customer's families. Is it a policy of Honda U.S. to produce excellent cars and then have the occupants killed so their dealerships can save pennies on the windshiiel washer solvent they use in their scheduled service maintenance. There is a good reason that the wipers and the delivery of solvent to the windshield is part of a vehicles safety inspection. Brown's arlington Honda used substandard solvent that could have resulted in my death. I was told that many had complained of the same problem. They then sent me across the street to solve the problem myself. Truly this is pennywise and pounds foolish.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA