GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Steve78 on 07 April 2008, 14:18
-
I don't need to top it up yet, but the rate I'm going through it, it's not going to be long! Can I use any stuff or is the recommended VW/Audi stuff really worth it?
I'm a bit cynical, so I don't believe in paying a lot more for essentially the same stuff I can get elsewhere unless it's absolutely necessary.
-
Fill mine up with the local garage screenwash, stick 20p in the machine thing, works just as good
-
Well, the VAG approved stuff apparently doesnt clog the fan jets up - if they get blocked up you can either take it in for warranty repair (which will be refused as you have used non-approved screenwash) or take the washers off yourself and give em a bit of a soak in very warm/hotish water :cool:
-
I always use the OEM stuff, smells nice, works well and isn't that expensive.
-
I always use the OEM stuff, smells nice, works well and isn't that expensive.
Is there really a danger of clogging? And how much does the OEM stuff cost? I presume you can only buy it from Audi/VW direct?
-
Steve,
I bought some recently from the stealers and was amazed at the price :laugh:
From memory is was about £1.75. I don't think that's too bad and as someone else has already pointed out, it smells good, and should the fans ever get blocked its the stealers problem and not mine! :smiley:
-
£1.75 is ok, I thought someone said a few weeks ago that it was £14! I wasn't going to pay that for screen wash :grin:
Is there anywhere I can order it online? There's not an Audi/VW place around where I work...
-
£1.75 is ok, I thought someone said a few weeks ago that it was £14! I wasn't going to pay that for screen wash :grin:
Is there anywhere I can order it online? There's not an Audi/VW place around where I work...
£14 :shocked: The oil is around that much for a litre, not screenwash. No it looks as though its only available from the stealers :cry: sounds like a good excuse to go out for a blast!! :grin:
-
It would be expensive to order online as the weight would make it costly to ship.
Any VAG dealer will stock it.
It comes in a 1 litre bottle which I dilute by making 250ml up to one litre with water.
-
Found out there was a Audi dealer 1 mile from where I work, so I stocked up on screen wash, coolant etc :smiley:
-
would it really void your warranty if you use non VW screenwash ? :huh:
-
No Chance!
-
No Chance!
i would hope not
-
It will not void your warranty in it's entirety however they may refuse to carry out repairs on the system should there be a problem.
This TSB is issued by Skoda following a common problem with pipes blowing off, it clearly states that use of non VAG additive will mean it becomes a chargable job -
http://www.fabia-vrs.com/technical/washer_pipe.htm
-
Genuine VAG screenwash is also available from GSF, should anybody find them closer than a stealer.
BTW, the screenwash concentrate from Lidl is also OK, as it contains water softeners, which prevent the limescale forming on the jets. It's made by a German company, VCP, I think, and has the identical temperature rating as the VAG stuff - down to minus 70C when used neat (what you chaps with open fog grilles will need to use in the winter! :tongue:) :laugh:
-
I have used bought Halfords, VAG plus other screen wash additives. Have found, mixing different makes of screen wash leads to a smeared windscreen.
My advice is, wash out the old water from the bottle before using a different brand of screen wash. :smiley:
-
How do you wash out the bottle? Is it removable?
-
Just put clean water in and hold the p!ssers down until empty. Rinse and repeat.
-
Does the warning light for the washer fluid come on pretty early? Mine started telling me it needed refilling about 2 weeks ago now and its still going.
I'm wanting to wait till its pretty much bone dry to then wash it out as above.
-
Does the warning light for the washer fluid come on pretty early? Mine started telling me it needed refilling about 2 weeks ago now and its still going.
It depends on weather you have headlamp washers. The warning (if fitted, because it is only fitted with the optional 'Winter Pack' :wink:) usually comes on when the bottle is about three quarters empty. What then happens - it sort of goes into a 'washer fluid preservation mode'. The headlamp washers will first stop working, then the rear screen p!sser, and the front screen washers will only stop when the bottle is completely empty.
I'm wanting to wait till its pretty much bone dry to then wash it out as above.
It all depends on what washer fluid you have used - because as Mr Lapou correctly pointed out, mixing certain different kinds of washer fluid can actually cause it to form 'jelly' like substances in the bottle, and will seriously clog fan jets, especially if they are heated. The cheaper, poor quality washer fluids tend to be made of methanol - which is just the proper name for the primary agent in methylated spirits (meths). Whereas the better quality fluids (including the genuine VAG, and the VCP stuff from Lidl) use the higher quality ethanol, which is pure alcohol <hic, hic, hic :evil: >. And just like engine oils, washer fluids also have 'additives' in them too.
So, if you are damned not to use the genuine VW stuff all the time, try at least to use one which is ethanol based, rather than methanol. Good luck in finding some though, because the vast majority of screen wash fluids are still based on methanol. A good tip is to check the frost protection - the genuine VAG and Lidl fluids go down to minus 70degC - whereas the methanol ones only go down to minus 20, minus 30 if you are lucky.
HTH
-
I've been getting the VAG stuff, £3.40 from my local stealers. Or free if you happen to know a VW mechanic :smug: :grin: (but cant rely on this always, would be taking the p*ss a little)
It depends on weather you have headlamp washers.
I do. They pop out of the front bumper on the first spray of fluid. The manual says you get a bigger washer fluid tank if you have these fitted. To the tune of 5 Litres if my memory serves me correct! :laugh: :shocked:
The warning (if fitted, because it is only fitted with the optional 'Winter Pack' :wink:)
Really? I'm pretty sure I dont have the "winter" pack? But I do have the highline comp - could that be it maybe?
On a more comical note, I must of jinxed myself with the post - it ran out the day after on the way to work. Serves me right I suppose for moaning!