Screenwash additive

[DaveHerns]

What do you boys up North where it's properly cold use to stop your screenwash freezing? Ready to use additive seems to be OK down to -4C and the concentrate says to use neat in winter.
I recall only needing a 25% mixture for protection to brass monkey levels. Have they had to use some less effective chemical for environmental reasons?

 

[Burnerman]

I use nearer a 50% or more mixture of concentrate / water.....as far as I know these solutions are just methanol based with a colouring agent.
The greater problem is freezing of the tubes and nozzles plus the chill factor when driving... Many times I use an aerosol de-icer held out of the window.
John

 

[Keithmac]

I mix 50/50 concentrate in winter, quite a few/ most new-ish cars have heated washer jets.

 

[DaveHerns]

Is it because methanol is no longer used? Wasn't that used in cheap antifreeze which only lasted a year because the methanol boiled off?
I have heated jets but I don't want the tank to freeze and split. However in urban Surrey it rarely gets that cold.

 

[Belle427]

Halfords do a minus 30 but ive not tried it, i stick with their minus 10 as its cheap enough.

 

[DaveHerns]

I wouldn't want to use it undiluted as some recommend, it can't do the paintwork any good. From a bit of research it seems the more you pay , the lower the freezing point ( as you'd expect) Still, we're not expecting snow or severe temperatures in urban Surrey!