Washer fluid questions

[Umai Naa!!]

+1 on the SCA stuff.

I just pour maybe 20-30mL in once I've filled the washer bottle. Best value-for-money one I've found, particularly when it's in such a large container.

Probably better stuff out there, but you'd be paying accordingly.

[nickd]

I went through the same thing recently.. Didn't think I'd used the washers that much but the reservoir took nearly 4L when I refilled it.
I decided to stick with the genuine stuff for the first time around and was pleasantly surprised when the guy at the Solitaire service desk gave it to me for no charge (was expecting to pay for it).

[drjekl]

I use this:



I buy it on special at SCA every 12 months for about $8 and it works great.

I know on the bmw's the windscreen washer pump can clog up with algae and stop working and it's a PITA to replace them, so an additive helps stop the formation of algae building up plus it helps keep your screen clean and bead water.

[woofy]

I've never had to refill it between yearly services. But suspecting with the Xenons that the washer will use it up on me. I'd just get it from VW or SKoda. Its not that expensive really.

[VW Convert]

I used to always buy the genuine stuff until one day, I arrived to pick up my car at the dealer fairly late. I had intended to buy a bottle from the spares department but they were closed so the service advisor then gave me a sachet of the stuff they were using in the service department.......................you guessed it........non genuine!



Cheers

George

[notaGolfR]

Why would the 2018 Owner manual SPECIFICALLY say not to use distilled water with the washer fluid? It says use clean clear water. Well you can't get any clearer or cleaner water than distilled, and as a chemist this beats me. Is a certain level of electrolytes required?

When using the windscreen washer system (pulling the lever), do your wiper blades grind across the dry screen once before the fluid gets to the glass?

[Spinifex]

Why would the 2018 Owner manual SPECIFICALLY say not to use distilled water with the washer fluid? It says use clean clear water.

When using the windscreen washer system (pulling the lever), do your wiper blades grind across the dry screen once before the fluid gets to the glass?

Not sure about the distilled question, but there's usually about a second delay, so the sprays get to wet the screen before the blades wipe across.

Depends if your washer sprays are directed correctly at the screen though... and a mate of mine told me once that he turns off his auto-wipers, as they usually operate on a barely-wet screen, the first instance a single rain-drop hits it !!! So he waits until the screen is properly wet, before operating the wipers manually.
Sounds good in theory..... and with wiper blades being pretty expensive, I can understand his reasoning.

[woofy]

I used to always buy the genuine stuff until one day, I arrived to pick up my car at the dealer fairly late. I had intended to buy a bottle from the spares department but they were closed so the service advisor then gave me a sachet of the stuff they were using in the service department.......................you guessed it........non genuine!



Cheers

George

I think I missed all this, but from memory there is an issue with using non genuine stuff so if the dealers are doing it then they may be in trouble.

[HPRS230]

Emailed my local Skoda dealer with VW part numbers, came back with

"We stock the Skoda washer fluid bottles that come in 250ml.

It also has a inbuilt dosage cap inbuilt as well.

They are $5.16 each"

Skoda RS230

[notaGolfR]

Not sure about the distilled question, but there's usually about a second delay, so the sprays get to wet the screen before the blades wipe across.

Depends if your washer sprays are directed correctly at the screen though... and a mate of mine told me once that he turns off his auto-wipers, as they usually operate on a barely-wet screen, the first instance a single rain-drop hits it !!! So he waits until the screen is properly wet, before operating the wipers manually.
Sounds good in theory..... and with wiper blades being pretty expensive, I can understand his reasoning.

Useful reply thanks Spinifex. Happy New Year.