I buy and use this stuff and had no problems with blocking jets etc. However I kept the bottles as I thought they may be useful for things. I have just noticed a change in concentration levels and freezing points through the years.

Original Double Concentrated (Dark Blue container)

Summer - 1 part Screen Wash : 40 parts Water

Winter - 1: 20

Abnormal Winter 1:1

Mentions on the bottle Undiluted will freeze at -40°C (it's the same in °F)

Original Screenwash

As you would expect you should use double the screenwash compared to double concentrated. I bought it because it was cheaper per litre when mixed.

Summer :1:20

Winter 1:4

Abnormal winter 100%

Undiluted will freeze at -15 °C

Double Concentrated - bought last year I think (Grey Bottle)

No mention on what to use during the year, only temperatures given.

50%:50% (1:1) -17°C

100% (Undiluted) -23°C

New Double Concentrated - Bought a few months ago (Grey bottle)

50:50 (1:1) -7°C

60:40 = -8

Undiluted -15°C

I didn't buy any, but their normal screenwash, I noticed 1:1 would freeze only at -2 and undiluted only at -7.

I can't comment on price as I've bought different sized bottles, (2.5l, 5l and 1l) and have lost the receipts, but as you can see Halfords double concentrated now freezes when the old normal Concentrated stuff did. You can now see the Fraud in Halfrauds!

I am now tempted to buy something else as it will get too expensive this winter as last winter the temps got down to -7 and buying 1 litre just to fill up my screen wash is just silly, even if it's supposedly 'Double Concentrated'.

What do Screenwash do you use?

Any old stuff.

You have to watch that screenwash isn't too strong as it can damage your seals (windscreen) and also your paintwork. Sometimes, less is more

I know you want the most effective screenwash, including it not freezing, but there has to be a compromise.

Genuine Vw one, is about £3 per l at dealers and is undiluted to -70 deg, 2:1 -40deg, 1:1 -35 deg, 1:2 -16 deg,1:4 summer

Genuine VW one, is about £3 per l at dealers and is undiluted to -70 deg, 2:1 -40deg, 1:1 -35 deg, 1:2 -16 deg,1:4 summer

That's not bad, however If you are filling up a 2l bottle you at 1:2, you therefore need 666ml (3/4 litre). l litre of screen wash would only last 1 and a half fills. I'd probably use 500 ml (1:3 ratio) to get 2 fills, if it's very cold outside top it up with industrial IPA, to make 1:2 or stronger.

That is the information on the bottle, you can mix it in any way, but I would not make it 1:3 because is not quite linear and at this concentration it will not be good probably for under zero situations(my graph is showing that at this concentration it will be 2 deg). Mixing it with anything industrial or not (except water) seems to complicate things just to fill up exactly, second it might attack the paint or react with the screenwash, who knows what it is in it...Why not just use 500ml with 1 l of water twice??...

Two bottles to a 5L screenwash, it would be nice if they did a 5L or 20L bottle of the VW stuff.

Can I revive this old thread as last time (a few weeks ago) I was in Halfords, I got very confused.

 

Their, ready mixed screenwash freezes at -20°C  http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_999366_langId_-1_categoryId_255225#tab1

 

Their Concentrated (dilutable) screenwash when used neat freezes at -20°C http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_999326_langId_-1_categoryId_255225

 

Their Double Concentrated (dilutable) freezes when used neat at -20°C http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_220805_langId_-1_categoryId_255225

 

I only noticed as they had no Apple flavoured double concentrate which is what I normally buy as I love the smell of it. I bought the normal concentrated stuff instead.

I've hunted high and low on t'interweb and still can't find a shop called Halfrauds

I'm disappointed in you, Jim :(

It's a well know nickname given by people to Halfords as they can rip you off. It's the same reason why Car dealers can be known as Stealers.

It's a well know nickname given by people to Halfords as they can rip you off. It's the same reason why Car dealers can be known as Stealers.

I'm so glad you explained that.........I really had no idea

Lidls. I mixed a litre of 50% screenwash, 50% water, and stuck it in the freezer over night. It didn't freeze

Why do people persist on calling them 'Halfrauds'.......???

Ive never been knowingly ripped off by Halfords

right enough about halfords now, back on topic... screenwash... i buy the quantum stuff from tps, it's dirt cheap

I've got some Halfords screenwash, it's a fetching shade of green and it seems to do the job without removing the paint. It's quite cheap with a trade card as well.

Lidl; £5,99 for 5l undiluted does to minus 60c. States ok for fan jets and TUV approved in Germany. I have used it for a number of years, buy 2 or 3 when available. Did well 3? winters ago when it was down to -22 and continually -15 for a couple of weeks.

The word "concentrated" is often misleading and misused. Tescos concentrated iirc only did to minus 4 or something.

Yep, I use the Lidl stuff in our other cars. It's just I like the smell of Halfords apple. I'm not sure if I like the lemon smell of this new stuff, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

 

Over the road from Halfords I saw this in B&Q, and wonder if it might be OK for winter? http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/car-maintenance-car-accessories/screenwash-antifreeze-de-icer/screen_wash/Diall-Screenwash-5L-12498580?skuId=13019286

 

Their 'Concentrated' stuff isn't much better. http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/car-maintenance-car-accessories/screenwash-antifreeze-de-icer/screen_wash/Diall-Screenwash-2-5L-12498579?skuId=13019285

 

 

...... now what does water freeze at?

 

...... now what does water freeze at?

depends, what's the air pressure? At sea level 273.15 Kelvin

right enough about halfords now, back on topic... screenwash... i buy the quantum stuff from tps, it's dirt cheap

+1, 5litres for £2.86, 1 part screenwash to 5 parts water good for -10^oC. Suitable for fan jets aswel

+1, 5litres for £2.86, 1 part screenwash to 5 parts water good for -10^oC. Suitable for fan jets aswel

Is it suitable for fan jets as TPS have told me no.

I noticed Halfords have just released a new range of screenwashes, this particular one has a -30^oC freezing temp and I think will be pretty popular, especially those partial to California Scents tinned smellies.

 

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_999346_langId_-1_categoryId_255225

Edited 15 December, 201312 yr by Ben90

Lidl; £5,99 for 5l undiluted does to minus 60c. States ok for fan jets and TUV approved in Germany. I have used it for a number of years, buy 2 or 3 when available. Did well 3? winters ago when it was down to -22 and continually -15 for a couple of weeks.

The word "concentrated" is often misleading and misused. Tescos concentrated iirc only did to minus 4 or something.

+1 for the Ultimate speed

Is it suitable for fan jets as TPS have told me no.

Given that TPS are genuine VAG group parts dealers, and given that most VAG group cars have fan jets, I'd say the bloke who said no doesn't know what he's talking about

There's plenty online that says the Quantum stuff isn't right for fan jets. I've already replaced one set of blocked jets, I'd rather not have to do a set of headlamp washers.

Ive never used VAG Screenwash and my fan jets have never blocked in nearly 4 years

I currently use Comma Screenwash, prior to that , Halfords

Are you sure its not a bit of Dealership marketing that has made your mind up for you?

depends, what's the air pressure? At sea level 273.15 Kelvin

 

There was a thread about putting cheap air into tyres , " Does this also apply to screen wash when mixing for freezing conditions "