Windscreen Washer Fluid

[SHELLDRAKE]

I saw a thread on here about windscreen washer fluid which helps stop the blades from squeaking but now I can't find it ,has anyone got any info of where it is or better still the name of the product?

Shelldrake

[MUDGUTS]

It could be either of the products I have named below on a post I made on PistonHeads a while ago:

This subject comes up every year. Every motoring website has a similar thread. I have seen lots of overpriced screen wash for sale everywhere from Halfords to Tesco & various filling stations.

The only ready-mixed screen wash that seems to be good value is the stuff from Lidl: If you can get it. Alternatively you can mix your own.

The information below will hopefully help those who are prepared to help themselves.

I have read over & over again that German screen wash products are very good, so that’s either the ready-mixed type in small bottles from Porsche or VAG or the concentrated type that has a vessel at the top to measure the required quantity. Two appear to be very good value:

Sonax Clear View

Einszett Kristallklar

BTW they both come in 250ml bottles; there is an error in the Einszett webpage.

Either product works out about 30 pence per litre when mixed with water which is fine for summer use.

When it comes to winter, all you have to do, when you mix up a load in your 5 litre container, is add some Ethanol / IPA / Isopropyl Alcohol / Isopropanol (Chemists will explain the difference, I’m pretty sure for the purpose of screen wash they are all fine). See below for suitable concentrations.

I got mine from eBay & it worked out about £2.50 per litre, so even at 40% concentration, when combined with Sonax Clear View or Einszett Kristall Klar it’s around £1.30 per Litre. That would be good down to -23 oC

10% Ethanol = Freezing point of -4 oC

20% Ethanol = Freezing point of -9 oC

30% Ethanol = Freezing point of -15 oC

40% Ethanol = Freezing point of -23 oC

50% Ethanol = Freezing point of -32 oC

60% Ethanol = Freezing point of -37 oC

I hope this info helps folk avoid paying excessive amounts for that blue water.

[SHELLDRAKE]

Hello Phil: thank you for the info I am going to try one of the products and hope it works out OK.

Norman

[thatfatbloke]

I've always used Fairy Liquid. Never been a problem in forty years of motoring!.

[steve2006]

I've always used Fairy Liquid. Never been a problem in forty years of motoring!.

Always thought Fairy Liquid was kind to your hands not wiper blades! :P

[Tyrosman]

I was informed, many years ago, that dishwashing detergents such as Fairy Liquid were thickened using salt, thereby prone to cause metal components rusting.

[abs66]

I was also told never to use washing up liquid for the same reason.

I use the concentrated stuff from lidls, no freeze ups and no squeeks. I can recommend it.

[bookend]

I was informed, many years ago, that dishwashing detergents such as Fairy Liquid were thickened using salt, thereby prone to cause metal components rusting.

It not good for the pump and internals of the washer jets if used long term.

ASDA's own washer fluid is cheap enough