GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: nigeldodd on 19 March 2018, 17:50

Title: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: nigeldodd on 19 March 2018, 17:50
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)?

Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: itavaltalainen on 19 March 2018, 18:18
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.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: mcmaddy on 19 March 2018, 18:56
I always mix mine with water and never had any issues.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: Talk-torque on 19 March 2018, 19:11
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.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: nigeldodd on 19 March 2018, 19:58
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.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: Watts on 19 March 2018, 20:05
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.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: Finglonga on 19 March 2018, 20:30
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.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: Booth11 on 19 March 2018, 21:00
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.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: itavaltalainen on 20 March 2018, 13:12
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.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: Mark V GTD on 23 March 2018, 20:06
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 :-)
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: nigeldodd on 24 March 2018, 09:05
Thanks. I am now puzzled, having resorted to the manual, that it distinctly says do not use distilled water but use tap water instead to dilute the concentrated screen wash.

I can't understand this.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: Watts on 24 March 2018, 14:13
Just dilute with tap water, as I've said before, it's not caused any bother with any car of mine ever nor even the fan jets over the last 15 years.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: SRGTD on 24 March 2018, 14:36
Just dilute with tap water, as I've said before, it's not caused any bother with any car of mine ever nor even the fan jets over the last 15 years.

Screen wash concentrate diluted with the very hard water in Norfolk has never caused any issues with my washers either in over 40 years of car ownership.
Title: Re: atomising washer jets and washer fluid
Post by: itavaltalainen on 24 March 2018, 15:14
I can't understand this.

Most likely to do with salt content - majority of detergents required some in the water to work best.

Dishwashers use it to aid rinsing (and to soften water).