Volvo screenwash - who makes it?

[Tony427]

If you have access to the chemicals you could make your own.

You will need methanol at a concentration suitable to prevent freezing, 10% good down to -7 degrees centigrade , 20% good to -25 c, a small amount of detergent, a food dye for the colour, a small amount say 3% of Propylene Glycol ( antifreeze) and water.

You can use Isopropyl alcohol instead of the the methanol if required but you may require slightly more to get the anti freeze effect.

Cheers,
Tony

[Lou Ferrigno]

Clan says in an earlier post "It is spirit based , it burns with an almost invisible blue flame just like Methylated spirit".

Well years ago, Methylated Spirit is just what we used to put into the windscreen washer fluid. I still have glass "Boots", bottle in which it was kept.

My first car didn't have washers but I fitted them as an accessory, the water container was a polythene bag and the whole kit was manufactured by Trico.

Our V40 has washer fluid from the supermarket and never had a problem.
Our Corsa however, using the same stuff has on occasion blocked the washer bottle filter with a congealed mess.

[Munro83]

I use Halfords screen wash depending on the temp it’s the berry scented or citrus scent. What’s your thought on them? I have used them for a couple years with no issue

[green van man]

Originally Posted by abby606

Thanks all.

Just bought more, really wish they made it in bigger containers. I also, measured the contents, 880ml :S

I might look into the Volvo Trucks/Construction Equipment options as I'm sure they sell 5L containers, if not larger.

My dealer can get 5litre jacks if I order it with him. Not a stock item for him as so few ask for them, sure a lot of cars locally only have their washers topped up when they go in for a service.

Paul.

[Ryan69]

I use Prestone used to use Holt's same mob never had it freeze yet and has an additive to make the water fling off like a scene from star wars.

[DeeJay]

Originally Posted by Munro83

I use Halfords screen wash depending on the temp it’s the berry scented or citrus scent. What’s your thought on them? I have used them for a couple years with no issue

I too use Halfrauds, the purpley coloured "berry" type, diluted 50/50 for normal conditions and neat when the temp is forecast to dip below about -5. It's o.k generally although I find it doesn't really clean the screen as there is still a slight film of something on the screen. I'm not saying it is unsafe to drive by any means but it doesn't give a really clean screen as older types used to some years ago. Would a quick squirt of wash-up liquid do harm to the glass?

[Tony427]

Originally Posted by DeeJay

I too use Halfrauds, the purpley coloured "berry" type, diluted 50/50 for normal conditions and neat when the temp is forecast to dip below about -5. It's o.k generally although I find it doesn't really clean the screen as there is still a slight film of something on the screen. I'm not saying it is unsafe to drive by any means but it doesn't give a really clean screen as older types used to some years ago. Would a quick squirt of wash-up liquid do harm to the glass?

That "film" is probably the Ethelyne, or hopefully more likely, Propolyne Glycol thats sometimes added to antifreeze to stop slush forming in the lines and jets.

A quick squirt of washing up liquid or any detergent will not harm the glass and will aid in cleaning the screen. Screenwash should have a detergent in it in any event.

Cheers,

Tony

[daiphil]

Free one litre bottle of screenwash if front wiper blades bought before 31 January, in "my Volvo offers."
And free fitting.

[Dancake]

Genuine ready mixed Volvo screenwash can be purchased from most truck/heavy transport factors. The part number is 85129549 for the 5 litre bottle, and it does down to -20°C.

[green van man]

The retail price is £4 a litre but talk to your dealer as many sell it for less and some will do a bulk discount if you buy 5 litres.

The concentrate only comes in small sachetts or litres the pre mix comes in 4 litre jacks.

It's good stuff and both my cars run on it, need to negotiate a price with the dealer. The empty bottles also have use, the tops are well sealed and I have used them for chemical storage in the darkroom with no evaporation. I would not hesitate to use them for top up fluids such as coolant or oil after washing and drying and carry them in the car.

Paul.