Screenwash?

[jamei303]

In the severe 2010 winter I remember a comical morning going down the A1(M) from Durham when it was -15. I have never seen the hard shoulder so busy - everyone's screen getting coated in gunk but so many people found their washer jets frozen so they had to get out and wipe so they could see where they were going

I always use neat concentrate from November to February.

[E-bmw]

It appears I stand corrected.

They do certainly seem to freeze more when driving than stationary though, hence my assumption.

Several time before using what I now use I have had them work at the start of the journey & freeze whilst moving.

[bozonoz]

E-bmw said:

Unfortunately -5C is no use to you with 70 mph worth of wind-chill across the nozzles lowering the temperature.

I find the heat from the engine and HVAC directed towards the windscreen is enough to keep things flowing. As long as it doesn't freeze solid in the tank that is.

Mine tend to not work at the start of the journey, where the night time frost has blocked the nozzles, a spray of deicer whilst doing the windscreen tends to help thaw it out. Never experienced it freeze whilst driving, only once when I stupidly sprayed it as soon as I'd started driving and the glass was still cold - in that case it did start to freeze up on my windscreen, but soon cleared with the blower on full blast.

Edited by bozonoz on Monday 20th January 14:48

[jjones]

chan61922 said:

Silly question time!

So my ‘16’ golf R flagged up as low screen wash today, just wondering if it okay to top up with Castro’s edge? Lol just messing!!!!

Is it okay to top up with screenwash which may be a year or 2 old? Got quite a few bottles sat i. The garage, pristine and Halfords special brew, would it make a blind bit of difference? My only concern is it loses its cleaning abilities?

Cheers

Wife took her polo for service Friday, the service video accused her of "contaminating the washer fluid with washing up liquid", was actually the -20 citrus halfords pre mix. Service manager claimed the highly trained technician would know his washing up liquid from washer fluid. Seems they need more training....

[paultownsend]

Just looked at the MSDS for the VW stuff. Flashpoint of 13’c. Pretty potent stuff!

[cptsideways]

The Holt's/Carplan/General blue stuff ready mixed if it's only good for -5 it's junk, if it's not even rated it's just blue water. I've a tub of it outside it'll be frozen solid in the morning guaranteed it's only -3 here tonight.

[CL4SSiCS]

For a decent enough cheap screenwash get some from B&M, £1.50 for 5L and its better than the halfords stuff or Cartland screenwash. RainX has the best screenwash

[E-bmw]

CL4SSiCS said:

For a decent enough cheap screenwash get some from B&M, £1.50 for 5L and its better than the halfords stuff or Cartland screenwash. RainX has the best screenwash

No thanks, that stuff basically barely works in negative temperatures unless undiluted.

[gt40steve]

The genuine Ford stuff from your local dealer is good.
Blue & smells of alcohol or meths. Use a little in summer & add more for winter.

Worst one I've ever seen was an ammonia based Halfords own brand one. Smelt like an old pub toilet & turned to jelly in time. Hopefully they don't still sell it!