Screenwash is not the most glamorous of things to buy for a car but try to run a car without any and you’ll quickly notice its absence. As you drive around, dirt and muck build up on your windscreen and wiper blades alone won’t completely clear this debris away. This is why screenwash is so important, especially during the winter months. Not only does it stop your car windscreen from being filthy, but it’ll also help you stay safe on the road.
And while it may be tempting to pick up a bottle of cheap screenwash from the supermarket petrol station, you can get a far superior product if you’re prepared to look around. We’ve researched the subject to save you the tedium. But first, some questions.
The best screenwash at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Holts Concentrated Screenwash 5L – buy now from Amazon
Best concentrated screenwash: Autoglym Ultimate Screenwash 500ml – buy now from Amazon
Best eco-friendly screenwash: AA Car Essentials – 8 x All Seasons Screenwash Tablets – buy now from Amazon
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 think about with screenwash is the temperature where you live. If you’re living in the Scottish Highlands and used to thick snow then you’ll be wanting a screenwash that can work in lower temperatures.
If you have pets or small children, you should ideally look for a screenwash that contains Bitrex. Screenwash is potentially lethal if ingested and often comes in bright colours that seem to 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.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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