atomising washer jets and washer fluid

[nigeldodd]

The windscreen washers (7.5ppGtiWinterPack) produce a fine mist rather than a single jet of water which my previous cars have done.

First of all, is this normal? Or are they partially blocked?

If normal, would it be a good idea to fill with demineralised water to avoid depositing solid material on the fine holes (as happens in my shower)?

[itavaltalainen]

The mk7 has fan type washer jets that produces a finer spray that old style jets, so all normal.

I'd fill it with washer fluid, not water. You'll get all sorts of muck growing in water, less in DI but still some.

[mcmaddy]

I always mix mine with water and never had any issues.

[Talk-torque]

As above, no precautions necessary. VW try to sell their own washer fluid, on the understanding that it is required to stop the fan jets blocking. I've used Halfords concentrated washer fluid, diluted with tap water, 50% in the winter, 25% in the summer, and never had a problem.

[nigeldodd]

If the bathroom shower head gets crusty, I can't see why the VW fan jets shouldn't if you use tap water.

Looking at the responses and trying to assign water authorities, the Kielder reservoir will have soft water, Oxford (Thames Water) will be hard, Scarborough - I don't know.

[Watts]

I use the VW screenwash and dilute with tap water, did the same with my previous Audi (which also had fan jets) owned for 12 years with no problems at all. And that's with London hard water.

[Finglonga]

The mk7 has fan type washer jets that produces a finer spray that old style jets, so all normal.

I'd fill it with washer fluid, not water. You'll get all sorts of muck growing in water, less in DI but still some.

"Washer Fluid" is just Washer concentrate mixed with water, if you don't mind paying for water then use that. I use Halfrauds Berry concentrate screen wash and water out of the house dehumidifier to dilute it as our tap water is hard as hell.

As for the jets, the fan is supposed to use much less water than the jet pattern. Pity if you have Xenon's they set them to was so regular to empty the tank.

[Booth11]

I mix concentrated washer fluid with DI (deionised) water from my Raceglaze water filter, but before that I’d mix it with water from the reservoir of a condenser tumble dryer as that’s essentially distilled.

[itavaltalainen]

When I said washer fluid I meant not only just tap water without any detergents/preservatives and anti freeze in... I’d call them t washer fluid whether bought ready mixed or made up from concentrate and diluted with water.

[Mark V GTD]

Alternative to demineralised is Tesco 'Ashbeck' bottled water - a quid for five litres - it has a very low calcium level and wont fur up your kettle or your washer jets :-)