Screenwash

[Jobbo]

For 6 years I've been buying the VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat OEM screenwash which doesn't freeze down to -70C when used neat. Had a look back at my eBay orders and in 2016 I paid £34 for 10x1l bottles, delivered. Last purchase of 10x1l bottles was in December last year, through eBay again from a VW main dealer and that was £54 delivered. Just ordered the same thing again today because we're running low and it was the last one on eBay at £75 delivered; every other seller was £79.95 or more.

I use this stuff not because it's OEM but because it has such a low freezing point. Even diluted 10:1 it gives better protection from freezing than pretty much anything else you can buy that I've found.

Because the price has gone up so much I've been looking at alternatives. Anyone got any suggestions?

[dinny_g]

Yup... Buy whatever is stacked up in front of the shop next time you buy fuel.

[Sundayjumper]

Whatever they sell at ECP or wherever and in my entire life I’ve never had screen wash freeze on me. Where do you live, Antarctica ??

[Rich B]

BMW screen washer nozzles get gunned up and blocked when you use the cheap stuff - no idea if this is the same on other cars or just a crap design in the BMWs!

[Jobbo]

I've had screenwash come out of the nozzles in liquid form and freeze when it hit the windscreen before. Yes it was cold, but it's no more expensive to buy the proper stuff than just picking up a bottle in the petrol station which freezes at -5C.

Plus, what Rich said. If you swap brands then that can cause gummy lumps to form and block the jets.

[Simon]

Yeah, I don't think the issue with nozzles getting blocked is about any one brand, it's about swapping between the two different 'types' of screenwash, and when they mix they turn to a bit of jelly, so block pipes. Wash through the bottle and pumps with tap water first and you should be fine.

[dinny_g]

Car Issues I didn't know exist - Blocked screen was nozzles and screen wash freezing to the window...

[mik]

I've had frozen washers in the distant past - often when up in the Highlands. And in a car that had heated nozzles, I've also suffered the "freeze on contact with the screen" problem. Neither are much fun.

-70 DegC seems a pretty extreme solution though (no pun intended).

For a few years now I have been using Triple QX stuff which is rated at -15 DegC. About £8 for 5litres. Have not had any problems when used undiluted.

Other sellers are available - first one that popped up when I googled: https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/p/tripl ... PxEALw_wcB

[Jobbo]

Plenty of BMWs out there with missing caps on the headlight washers because the pump is powerful enough to push them off when they get blocked. Very common BMW forum question; surprised SJ was so dismissive

I suspect there's going to be very little useful feedback so just in case anyone is now wondering what else is so good about the VW stuff, it comes in nice 1l bottles so you don't need a funnel to pour it into the screenwash hole. And it doesn't just make the water smell nicer, it actually works. Recommended, though I'd like to find a cheaper source.

Mik, -70 is a bit unnecessary but it means you can dilute it a lot and still have better freezing resistance than other brands.

[Sundayjumper]

...it's no more expensive to buy the proper stuff than just picking up a bottle in the petrol station which freezes at -5C.

Have you just answered your own question ?

[Brannen]

I've normally just bought the Halfords ready mix screenwash. Not really ever considered the impact of trying something "better" quality.

I've got a BMW and not had any issues with the nozzles blocking (guessing that's because I pretty much always get the same one). I don't do a lot of miles anymore, so don't tend to get through the screenwash that much. I'll have to check back to see the recommendations when I need to get some more. Changing will now probably cause me issues

[mik]

Mik, -70 is a bit unnecessary but it means you can dilute it a lot and still have better freezing resistance than other brands.

Yes if you are happy to dilute it then the costs become rather more comparable.

Your stuff mixed 1:4 with water should provide -14 DegC freezing point so works out about £1.50 per litre at that ratio.
Triple QX stuff neat is -15 DegC and works out around £1.60 per litre

[Mito Man]

Perhaps it’s just this stuff slapped with a VW sticker?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20387865603 ... R9SczP6YYQ

[Sundayjumper]

Oh, good spot. I've been using Mannol oil the last couple of years because it's great value in the big 20l tubs. I'll try some of the screenwash next time I order.

[Jobbo]

Brilliant, it may well be. Different shaped bottle and the VW bottle isn't exactly retail packaging, so may not be the same stuff but I will definitely try the Mannol anyway.

Steve, my question was if anyone knew how to get better/cheaper screenwash so I didn't answer it myself

[V8Granite]

Be used Halfords cherry screenwash ever since I learnt to drive. My logic being that mixing screenwash seems to create the issues.

In neat form it works down to -36 when left in the bottle, I just remove my 1 way valve on the washers but in the U.K. I’ve never had to on any car.

Dave!

[MikeHunt]

I use the autoglym stuff, just checked the bottle and it's only minus 45c.

[DaveE]

I was halfway through this thread when I thought "What the fuck am I doing with my life?!"

[Jobbo]

I was halfway through this thread when I thought "What the fuck am I doing with my life?!"

Dry your eyes mate.

Probably better to rinse that out with clean water first.

[Swervin_Mervin]

Yeah, I don't think the issue with nozzles getting blocked is about any one brand, it's about swapping between the two different 'types' of screenwash, and when they mix they turn to a bit of jelly, so block pipes. Wash through the bottle and pumps with tap water first and you should be fine.

As it's never happened to us in around 16 years' worth of BMW ownership over 3 cars, I'm calling bobbins on it. I jsut get whatever is around wherever I am when I know I need some more and never had any problems. In fact I've never had this problem in any of the cars I've ever owned and I've never known anyone to have the issue.

I always assumed it was just one of those rumours that circulates for ever more.