Screenwash -- which is best value

[rlx]

I've tried a few screenwash fluids and most seem to leave smears. Without going overboard cost-wise, which ones give the best results (i.e. not leaving a smear)? Don't need any in-depth analysis, just the names of a couple of brands you are happy with. It'll save an extended test of various brands since a bottle lasts about a year.

R.

 

[whitenemesis]

I've always used MB own screen wash. Good value, excellent cleaning with no smears. Guaranteed compatibility with nozzles etc..

 

[teabag]

I've always used MB own screen wash. Good value, excellent cleaning with no smears. Guaranteed compatibility with nozzles etc..

I'll second that, it's the best I have used in all my years of motoring

 

[rlx]

Ahhh! Nozzles!

Mine keep getting blocked. I assumed it was lime-scale. Maybe I should switch to MB?

Serves me right for using Asda's I suppose...

 

[chubbs111]

ref

ive been using the vw stuff goes down to -70 neat smells nice and no smears

 

[television]

Yes the MB stuff is very good, but cleaning the screen now and then with T cut can work wonders to remove traffic grease

 

[Triv]

I agree with the above; MB screenwash works fine for me.
I use toothpaste to clean my screen periodically. It works wonders and removes all diesel film.

 

[Still Learning]

A clay bar works for me

 

[huey]

I always put a tiny drop of fairy liquid in the washer bottle works a treat.

 

[Xtractorfan]

Fairy liquid tends to harden up and block the jets..possibly due to its high salt content...

 

[Silver_Star]

I am currently working my way through a 25 litre drum of Unipart screen-wash. It was under £15 and does the job fine.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Fairy liquid tends to harden up and block the jets..possibly due to its high salt content...

I have used a more generous amount that huey and for years now. I have yet to encounter a problem with blocked jets.

The only time I ever experienced blocked washer jets was by overdoing the paste polish that I used in the 1980s. Easily tweaked out with a pin though.

I keep some Mr Muscle in the garage and in bad weather will often wash the windscreen and wipers, the rear screen, mirrors and lights - rather than wash the whole car.

Mr Muscle contains vinegar and that certainly makes for clean glasswork, and prolonged wiper blade life.

 

[Mercedes-2010]

Dump some metalayted spirits in the bottle along with the screen wash and water, cuts the grease magnifico

And tooth paste is good for cleaning the screen, and minty fresh too... :lol:

DC x

 

[huey]

Fairy liquid tends to harden up and block the jets..possibly due to its high salt content...

Well i've been using it for years without any problems, same as Alex tho had blocked jets due to over zealous waxing i just use a bristle from a wire brush to clean/unblock them.

 

[rlx]

I like the toothpaste idea. And the meths, both worth a try by the sound of things!

 

[syncropaddy]

I use the Screen wash that JCB sells and I find it great and if you mix it right it wont freeze. It can also be used as a de icer ......

 

[wireman]

I use just plain water and find it as good as with additive. Jet blockages are often the result of using a non too clean water bucket to fill the washer bottle.

As some others do I use a decent cleaner when the screen gets the inevitable grease film, Autoglym glass polish seems best to me. Regular cleaning helps keep the grease film down.
Adding 10-20% meths will provide anti freeze properties and little if any grease dispersal, in fact the purple dye in meths will leave a film of oil behind.
Washing up detergent should be avoided like a plague, the very high salt content (used to thicken it) will cause rusting in any gaps it gets into and corrodes the bores of the washer nozzles.
I carry a can of Sif bathroom foam to dispel any greasy film which may build up during a journey (especially winter), it is very effective indeed, supermarket own brands are not as good. I don't know about these detergents rusting abilities, but overzealous use will take the polish (Autoglym super resin) off the paintwork.

An annual new wiper blade is essential in having a streak free windscreen, save the money you'd waste on washer fluid and buy it one for its birthday.

 

[Dosco]

I like the toothpaste idea. And the meths, both worth a try by the sound of things!

Powder variety (Euthymol IIRC) of toothpaste is best - old chauffeurs trick that my dad told me about. He also used a dose of pure paraffin in the water (used after washing off the dirt and grime) to finish off the paintwork then a good leather down - mind you that was on 1930's RR when 'proper' paint was in use

If you have a real coating of road film on your screen try 'Bar Keepers Friend' mix to a paste and go over the screen a bit of best quality elbow grease helps do this after washing the car and then rinse off with clean water, finish by polishing the glass with a micro fibre cloth.

 

[mercmeck]

good old merc screenwash works for me ,clean screen with rain x before washing then add sw for great results . you need good quality wiper blades also
this is my first post .helooooo to all you merc owners
geo p

 

[Alex M Grieve]

good old merc screenwash works for me ,clean screen with rain x before washing then add sw for great results . you need good quality wiper blades also
this is my first post .helooooo to all you merc owners
geo p

welcome to the Forum - and full marks for patriotism!