Windscreen Wash (1 Viewer)

[bernardfeay]

I was in my car yesterday (but it would be the same story in my Motorhome). It was my own fault that the washers did not work because my wash water was only water. We were well below freezing and pushing the button had no effect. The bright sunlight on my dirty windscreen forced me to stop and clean it rather than risk an accident.

Not surprisingly I resolved to put proper washer fluid in but of course I had to wait until I could discharge the regular water. After 3 hours the day warmed and water was flowing. I emptied the entire contents of my washer fluid bottle and visited Halfords. I bought 5 litres of wash that was guaranteed to -10C.

So, this morning I was out and about again. Very cold again. No goop coming out of my washers again. I had to wait until the temperature was above zero before I got wash flowing.

There is the slight possibility that a bit of water had not been flushed out of my jets but I doubt it. Is it me, or have others found antifreeze washer fluid to be a rather pathetic product?

 

[gerry mcg]

You want proper BMW screenwash seriously! Buy in 5L from your local BMW parts dept or here from a BMW dealer trading on eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/BMW-Genuine-5ltr-Screen-Wash-Concentrate-83122409032/1447439505?thm=1000
Undiluted, good to -63c,
2 parts to 1part water is good to -36c
1:1 good to -23c
1part to 2 parts water good to -12c
Make sure you drain your washer reservoir before using and don't mix with other screenwash brands as it is known to gel and completely block the washer system if mixed... Again I'm being serious. Don't mix! I flushed out my washer system with water before filling with it

 

[DavidG58]

I would hope you didn't draw the new fluid as far as the nozzles after changing

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[PP Bear]

If you had ensured that you had pumped enough of the new screenwash through the system, then it should work, however to -10 (I presume that's already mixed) but it it drops to -12 then the nozzles could easily have blocked, same with the pipes feeding them.

One bit of advice is not to keep trying the washers if you know they're frozen, as it could well be the pump is frozen too and you could damage it. Some are expensive and a right pain to change.

 

[bigtree]

One bit of advice is not to keep trying the washers if you know they're frozen, as it could well be the pump is frozen too and you could damage it. Some are expensive and a right pain to change.

Looks like I have done for the pump on the missus Saab on Monday and there was plenty screen wash in the tank.

 

[PP Bear]

Looks like I have done for the pump on the missus Saab on Monday and there was plenty screen wash in the tank.

What a pain in the butt.

If it’s like my SAAB, then 3 twin nozzles on the bonnet, so it must be some pump. Hope it’s not too much hassle to sort out.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Pausim]

I bought some washer fluid from Sainsburys that described itself as concentrated. NOT. It was only good for a few degrees of frost if used neat. Again looked at a bottle of “concentrate” on a garage forecourt and found it was no better. Eventually tracked down some Bluecol concentrated washer fluid that would protect to -36 but I looked at many bottles claiming to be concentrated before finding one that actually was. I never buy pre mixed, just seems to be big bottle most of which is water and I can get that from a tap.

 

[bigtree]

What a pain in the butt.

If it’s like my SAAB, then 3 twin nozzles on the bonnet, so it must be some pump. Hope it’s not too much hassle to sort out.

I replaced it about a year ago,have to take off the front N/S wheel and open up the wheel arch trim to get to it.

 

[gerry mcg]

someone in the MX-5 forum linked to something like this if you wanted to retrofit a heated washer system

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[mike mcglynn]

I had a car many years ago that had a hot water wiper system I just cant remember which car but it was a very effective bit of kit .

 

[PP Bear]

I replaced it about a year ago,have to take off the front N/S wheel and open up the wheel arch trim to get to it.

 

[bigtree]

The pump is pumped,so I have ordered a new one and will fit it after this weekends Gatehouse birthday bash.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[davejen]

Will my car be faster with BMW fluid in?
Cheers, Dave

 

[mike mcglynn]

Will my car be faster with BMW fluid in?
Cheers, Dave

NO but it makes your indicators stop working

 

[davejen]

Shite, then....
Cheers, Dave

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}