I have used Rain-X beading treatment on my windscreen for years. I saw that there is a screenwash available from the company that is supposed to maintain the hydrophobic properties of the windscreen, and it gets great reviews. However, one Amazon review makes reference to this causing a washer fluid sensor to fail in "German cars". The review references that there was a class action law suit from owners of VW, BMW, Mercedes, Mini and Chrysler cars to have Rain-X change their label so that it doesn't claim it is suitable for all vehicles (but I found via internet search that the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning that there was no merit to the claim). There are some mentions on Reddit about the problem, but mostly with reference to the concentrated additive from Rain-X, as opposed to the ready-to-use mix that I link to above.

 

Has anyone used this screenwash in their Skoda?

Edited 18 January18 Jan by beneix
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Got any links to said cases please?

1 hour ago, ColinD said:

Got any links to said cases please?

Hi Colin. Not to any "cases", but these are links to what made me ask the question:

 

Negative Amazon review claiming "German cars" are negatively affected: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R350KKLZ990O8Y/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0D1R5SR4V

 

Law suit having been closed with prejudice: https://www.classlawgroup.com/rain-x-sensor-lights-investigation

 

Various forum posts about the issue:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Golf_R/comments/zeax0p/how_many_here_have_fouled_their_windshield_washer/

 

https://www.passatworld.com/threads/rainx-windshield-wash-fluid-and-fluid-level-sensor.449938/

https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.php?threads/bad-washer-fluid-sensor-new-rain-x-formula-not-compatible-with-vw-level-sensor.407661/

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/washer-fluid-level-sensor-malfunction-from-rain-x-and-other-washer-fluids.1472974/

My summary is this:

You read it damaged cars.

You read the lawsuit was dismissed.

You’re still not sure.

Tbh - this is a classic first-impression syndrome where it’s hard to get rid of that niggling “what-if”. Perfectly understandable but tbh there’s too many other products on the market to force your hand. If there’s enough of an effect risk to make you hesitate, then just buy normal screen wash and use the rain-x products you’re happy with.

I had a look through the Safety Data Sheet and didn’t see anything contentious. Has an alcohol which will be the solvent to clear contaminants and an organic hydrocarbon which will either be the hydrophobic coating or the solvent-carrier for the hydrophobic coating.