Washer fluid questions

[ElDavo82]

Hey guys, have a few questions about washer fluid. Tried a search but ended up with more questions than answers, also please excuse any stupid questions. Firstly what is the best stuff to use, have read people use generic brands, plain water, and dealer provided stuff, which one provides the best results. Also where do you fill the water reservoir for the headlights? Do you need special fluid for that too? Last question as i have a wagon what about the rear window? Does that come from the normal front windscreen reservoir?
Cheers for any replies.

[ope126]

Quick search; http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...w+washer+fluid

All fluid (headlights / windscreen / rear screen) comes from the one reservoir in the engine bay.

[afterdarker]

Use either of these in a 1:30 ratio with water - Bars Bugs, used it for 40 years and is proven; or pay more and use the VW-Seat-Audi-Skoda stuff which is very good but relatively expensive, third Sunlight dishwashing liquid, one cap, "yes Marge you're soaking in it", your kids will enjoy the bubbles with this one.

[Martin]

The reservoir in the engine bay with a light blue cap provides water for both the front and rear windscreens

Dunno about the Xeon headlights

Most additives work fine (bars bugs is very good) but don't put too much additive, foams up really bad

[JustCruisn]

The reservoir in the engine bay with a light blue cap provides water for both the front and rear windscreens

Dunno about the Xeon headlights

Most additives work fine (bars bugs is very good) but don't put too much additive, foams up really bad

Headlights use the same bottle.
You may want to keep things fairly dilute, as the headlights spray is just silly, most of it ends up on the bonnet.

Personally I use the SuperCheap brand, I used bars bugs for a few years but I found the SCA stuff is a lot cheaper and pretty much just as good, but I only get light grime and tend use the spray every drive, which means I have to fill it up every 2 weeks.
Maybe bars bugs is better for country driving with lots of critters to remove.

[Antiplastix]

Be careful with dishwashing liquids, some have a lot of salt in them. I wouldn't want that going through the washer system or sprayed on my car.

[jettaboy]

Best stuff hands down IMO is the Genuine VW/Skoda fluid from the dealership..about $12 a litre bottle.
Heavily alcohol based so evaporates quickly off the screen.. NO soapy residue!!... smells lemony fresh too

[bisy]

I use rainx on all my windows & they hava a product to put in washer bottle I find it works well


Bob

[The_Hawk]

Best stuff hands down IMO is the Genuine VW/Skoda fluid from the dealership..about $12 a litre bottle.
Heavily alcohol based so evaporates quickly off the screen.. NO soapy residue!!... smells lemony fresh too

I've been using the genuine stuff for years. I have a 5L jerry can I mix it up in and just pour it into both cars when needed. I don't fill it up all that often so haven't found it too expensive. Most of the reason I was using it was for the warranty on the Multivan since they claim if you use the genuine stuff and the lines clog up they will repair it (and they say it wont).

If it was just for the Golf I probably wouldn't be too fussed using something else since the who system is easy enough to get at if it ever clogs up, if you've got lines to the rear maybe it's worth the few extra $$.

[ElDavo82]

I used to use rain-x on my previous car but I have heard of stories of non-genuine products being clogged within the system. I never had any issues with rain-x and would be happy to use it again, but as my car is from 2010 and has no warranty I think I'll stick with the genuine product. Thanks to all who answered very much appreciated.

[Umai Naa!!]

+1 on the SCA stuff.

I just pour maybe 20-30mL in once I've filled the washer bottle. Best value-for-money one I've found, particularly when it's in such a large container.

Probably better stuff out there, but you'd be paying accordingly.

[nickd]

I went through the same thing recently.. Didn't think I'd used the washers that much but the reservoir took nearly 4L when I refilled it.
I decided to stick with the genuine stuff for the first time around and was pleasantly surprised when the guy at the Solitaire service desk gave it to me for no charge (was expecting to pay for it).

[drjekl]

I use this:



I buy it on special at SCA every 12 months for about $8 and it works great.

I know on the bmw's the windscreen washer pump can clog up with algae and stop working and it's a PITA to replace them, so an additive helps stop the formation of algae building up plus it helps keep your screen clean and bead water.

[woofy]

I've never had to refill it between yearly services. But suspecting with the Xenons that the washer will use it up on me. I'd just get it from VW or SKoda. Its not that expensive really.

[VW Convert]

I used to always buy the genuine stuff until one day, I arrived to pick up my car at the dealer fairly late. I had intended to buy a bottle from the spares department but they were closed so the service advisor then gave me a sachet of the stuff they were using in the service department.......................you guessed it........non genuine!



Cheers

George