Winter Screen wash

[Moose Test]

I didn't used to give choice of screen wash a second thought. For many years I stuck with Comma's Xstream, which was advertised as good down to -65c when used neat (which I don't doubt, based on the fumes coming off it when opened).

It wasn't cheap but it certainly was concentrated. At around £30 for 5lt. I could make one-and-a-bit bottles of it last the whole winter season in the south-east of England,without any fear of the jets, pump or tank icing up.

Sadly, it hasn't been available for the past couple of seasons. And those which I can find online being described as 'concentrated' are a poor joke by comparison; Prestone and Holts are retailing for around ten pounds for 5lt but with the instruction "winter - use neat". Anyone owning an XC90 knows that a full screen wash tank (~4 - 4.5Lt) will last about a week on muddy, salty roads.

Does anyone know of any comparable products to Xstream which are still available?

[ITSv40]

I've used Prestone for several years now - cannot be bettered. Winter I dilute 50/50 and never had any issues with freezing. Summer 9 water 1 screen wash and again it does the job without fuss. In fact I find it so good I now dilute it 9:1 in a spray bottle and use to clean all the house windows - much better than proprietary glass cleaner.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Moose Test

I didn't used to give choice of screen wash a second thought. For many years I stuck with Comma's Xstream, which was advertised as good down to -65c when used neat (which I don't doubt, based on the fumes coming off it when opened).

It wasn't cheap but it certainly was concentrated. At around £30 for 5lt. I could make one-and-a-bit bottles of it last the whole winter season in the south-east of England,without any fear of the jets, pump or tank icing up.

Sadly, it hasn't been available for the past couple of seasons. And those which I can find online being described as 'concentrated' are a poor joke by comparison; Prestone and Holts are retailing for around ten pounds for 5lt but with the instruction "winter - use neat". Anyone owning an XC90 knows that a full screen wash tank (~4 - 4.5Lt) will last about a week on muddy, salty roads.

Does anyone know of any comparable products to Xstream which are still available?

volvo concentrated screen wash, local main dealer/fleaby
havent had it freeze up, a bottle of concentrate lasts nearly 3 years between 2 V50's .6l + washer res as both have headlight washers.
Doesnt muck up the clear coat like "aldi" stuff can, does have that "yes thats strong" smell,
dilution ratio's Are on the bottle, i usually go with "a small glug then the rest water" winter or summer. so you could get longer per bottle if you measured it out

[JJD1]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

I've used Prestone for several years now - cannot be bettered. Winter I dilute 50/50 and never had any issues with freezing. Summer 9 water 1 screen wash and again it does the job without fuss. In fact I find it so good I now dilute it 9:1 in a spray bottle and use to clean all the house windows - much better than proprietary glass cleaner.

I love the stuff .You can get great deals on it at car boot sales etc :-) !!!!!

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by JJD1

I love the stuff .You can get great deals on it at car boot sales etc :-) !!!!!

Agreed. I usually buy it at Costco.

[JJD1]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

Agreed. I usually buy it at Costco.

I use to use Costco a bit .. but you have to really check prices online when you are shopping there .Not everything is cheaper !!

[RollingThunder]

Prestone here too, topped up the reservoir with the winter mix a week or so ago.

[Moose Test]

Thanks for the recommendations.

I'll be passing a local Volvo dealer tomorrow so I'll grab some branded concentrate, and I'll probably also order some Prestone too so I can perform a comparison of my own over the course of this season.

[Tannaton]

Do not use supermarket own brand - have seen that solidfy and leave slimly film on the reservoir which loosens and blocks the filters and jets.

I'll be giving Prestone a spin.... or this ? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323775363...gAAOSwAA9hg5yI

[ITSv40]

I used Holts screenwash for many years back in the day and was always suffering with blocked jets and sludgy reservoirs. Since changing to Prestone no issues at all as Prestone is spirit based similar to the Volvo branded stuff and does not form sludge.