Windscreen washer antifreeze

Rob_J · 17 Dec 2010 at 09:40

Hi all,

what's the best windscreen washer antifreeze (not engine coolant antifreeze) that I can add to the washer bottle?

ganesh · 17 Dec 2010 at 09:46

The halfords advanced stuff is pretty good, buy the concentrate and not the ready mixed. It can resist temps down to -23 if you use it pure, should be fine unless you're planning a trip to Siberia.

Rob_J · 17 Dec 2010 at 09:53

Thanks ganesh, I'll check that out, and no, only Portsmouth

.

bledd · 17 Dec 2010 at 09:55

Tomato/tomato

Just use a strong mix for the winter

mufc802 · 17 Dec 2010 at 11:59

What if the pipe linking the water to the windscreen is frozen though? Does it still work?

Clarkey · 17 Dec 2010 at 12:12

Cheap asda screenwash with 80%+ mix is fine in this weather.

ganesh · 17 Dec 2010 at 12:56

Yateszy said:
What if the pipe linking the water to the windscreen is frozen though? Does it still work?

If you have a strong enough mix then the pipe won't freeze.

Abyss · 17 Dec 2010 at 13:40

I found Asda's screenwash appauling last winter, it was freezing up in temperatures of -5 even with a very high concentrate. I tend to use Halfords premium screenwash.

I do however have 2 bottles of Autoglymn screenwash that I will be trying shortly. Works down to -45 undiluted, however I will probably mix it 1:4. If it's any good I will be buying a 5L bottle of it (£18) which should be good for 3 to 4 fillups in the Volvo.

Shimmy · 17 Dec 2010 at 13:45

I use the Halfords Premium stuff as I have one of their trade cards.

Dangerous Dave · 17 Dec 2010 at 14:05

I use VW screen wash only £2.50 for a litre (Halfords Advanced is £6) and it is rated to -70c undiluted. I generally do a 50/50 mix and it was fine when it was -19c a couple of weeks ago.

Felix · 17 Dec 2010 at 14:55

I am currently using Holts High Performance Screenwash from Costco and seems to be ok at -10 the other day.

Saytan · 17 Dec 2010 at 15:28

dont forget to use the washers a couple of times after the top up to pull the new mix into the pipes, otherwise the pipes may still freeze

Rob_J · 17 Dec 2010 at 15:36

Thanks guys, I'm off to halfords in an hour and will pick some up from there, I appreciate your advice.

stulid · 17 Dec 2010 at 15:47

dash of vodka.

Jonnycoupe · 17 Dec 2010 at 16:00

Saytan said:
dont forget to use the washers a couple of times after the top up to pull the new mix into the pipes, otherwise the pipes may still freeze

+1

Remember everyone the jets are open and the anti-freeze agent will evaporate through the opening leaving a lower concentration and hence raises the freezing point.

Justintime · 17 Dec 2010 at 19:10

Cheers for the suggestions, my BP special antifreeze doesn't make it past -2 without freezing up the pipes :rolleyes:

Dandle · 17 Dec 2010 at 19:38

I use Autoglym Quick Clear Screenwash, its good down to -45 depending on concentration and more importantly I don't get smears like my wipers are knackered like lots of the other screen washes seem to. I buy it in 5l tubs for about £22 and that makes 50l at summer concentrations.

BigglesPiP · 18 Dec 2010 at 03:45

Halfords sell dome cheaper stuff that's almost neat alcohol with detergents, not their own brand, but used neat it can do -65C, I use that 4:1 if they have stock.