windscreen washer

[paulhouse]

Advice needed from existing owners - picked up my almost-new Scirocco yesterday (fantastic car, so far) and was warned by the saleman to use only VW windscreen washer fluid, because others may clog up the 'fan' type jets.
I'd have dismissed that as nonesense, but the windscreen washer bottle/pipes of my last car became gunged up for no apparent reason, after I'd used only tap water and washer fluid in there.
Any observations would be appreciated!

Thanks.

[RW1]

Hi Paul,

I use water from the de-humidifier I run in winter. The water is stored and used for the screen wash. (And coolant changes on my other cars.) Use to use non-VW additive (Bosch) but found it caused problems in the past. At the time it affected a warrenty claim on the replacement of the jet spray units (heater elements got damaged and failed).

I also used to get blockages when using tap water even though they were the old nozzle type that sat on the top of the bonnet.

Had no problems since sticking to VW's screen wash concentrate/de-humidifier water mix for the last 12 years.
The current VW screen wash concentrate is alcohol based. So there are no chemical deposits involved which could lead to blockages.

Chris.

[paulhouse]

Thank for that; looks like the salesman's advice was correct. I'm assuming the VW fluid will be very expensive....

[wigit]

not used vw stuff for 35k (except for services) no blockages

[RW1]

Can't comment on "expensive" as I get the windscreen wash fluid concentrate free. Part No. G 052 164 M2 - 1 litre. I think its about £3.50? (It used to be G 052 164 A2 - 1 litre with a nice lemon smell)

C.

[scimitar]

Have not heard that one, many years ago got a problem where washer bottle contents turned to jelly- can see that would be a problem with fine jets. Initially used Auto glym product I was given as part of free lifeshine application- smelt nice, then started using a car plan product- no problem so far but might switch back. Think it is important to use some additive to stop bacterial growth- forms a "bio film" that can detatch in clumps and block things up

[paulhouse]

The Halfords addititve I've been using lists 'salts' among the ingredients, I was a little alarmed to read on the container.
Its not difficult to imagine that over time, a residue may build up, so it makes sense to me that I should follow the VW advice.
Thanks for everyone's input, though; most helpful.

[skyblues11]

I got a bottle of these VAG official washer but have not used it yet. What would be the ideal mixing ratio? Being concentrated, does the same usual rule apply i.e. 60 % water 40% washer?

[RW1]

Which one did you get? The G 052 164 M2 shows you little diagrams according to temperaure protection. Peel the front label away and another label explains. Obviously in summer the concentrate/water can be mixed more diluted - down to 0'C is 20% / 80%. For winter to -16'C in UK 33% / 67%.

C.

[skyblues11]

ah! me being blind again! yeah just saw the bit behind the label.

i used to pre-mix them in a 5ltr mineral water bottle, so i have it ready , rather than pour them directly into the washer bottle.

speaking of which, what is the capacity of the car washer bottle?

[RW1]

In the back of the Booklet 3.3 - Technical Data........

3.0 litres without headlight washing system.
5.5 litres if headlight washing system fitted.

C.