Screenwash is not the most glamorous accessory to buy for a car, but drive your car without it, and you’ll soon notice its absence. As you travel, dirt and muck build up on your windscreen, and just using the wipers alone won’t be terribly effective – plus, you run the risk of scratching your windscreen glass.
This is why screenwash is so important, especially during the winter months when damp, salt-treated road surfaces throw up a lot of muck that can surprisingly quickly restrict your view. Equally importantly, a good screenwash-to-water ratio in the reservoir can help prevent your washer fluid from freezing.
And while it may be tempting to just pick up any old bottle of cheap screenwash from the supermarket petrol station, you can get a better product with far superior performance if you’re prepared to look around. We’ve researched the subject to help you choose.
The best screenwash at a glance
The best screenwash
Editor's choice
Pros
- Great value for money
- Great for the winter months
Cons
- That big bottle needs somewhere to live
The best concentrated screenwash
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Quality product
Cons
- Don't forget to dilute
The best value screenwash
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Solid performer
Cons
- Huge bottle will make storage annoying
The best eco-friendly screenwash
Pros
- Eco-choice
- Leave it in your glovebox
Cons
- Takes a while to dissolve
The best rain repellent screen wash
Pros
- Year-round use
- Leaves a water-repellent film on windscreen
Cons
- Must be used neat in winter for best results
FAQs
How to top up screenwash
Concentrated or ready-mixed?
The only difference between ready-mixed and concentrated is preference. Concentrated screenwash will take up less room in your car or garage, and result in less wasted plastic, but you’ll need a ready supply of clean water to top up your screenwash. Ready-mixed can be simply poured in but the bottles will be much bigger and harder to store in your car.
What should I look for in a good screenwash?
The first thing you need to consider when choosing screenwash is the temperature where you live. If you’re living in the Scottish Highlands and used to thick snow, you’ll want a screenwash that can work in lower temperatures.
If you have pets or small children, you should look for a screenwash containing Bitrex. Screenwash is potentially lethal if ingested and often comes in bright colours that attract youngsters. Bitrex is the most bitter-tasting thing in the world (it holds the world record) and will make anything unpalatable and almost impossible to swallow should a child or animal try to drink some.
How we choose
All of these screenwashes have been hand-selected by our team of experts, who have spent hours investigating and researching screenwash to make it easier for you to find the very best. We’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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