Nuclear Nick wrote: ↑Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:40 am
It's quite simple. If the fluid is the correct strength it will not freeze. It's a bit like our national transport systems coming to a grinding halt when we have a little bit of slightly cold weather, cold by our definition. You don't hear of drivers in countries where it's properly cold complaining about their washers not working, regardless of the price of their cars.
I suspect that a lot of UK drivers top up their washer systems with plain water when they run out, because they are unprepared and can't be bothered to get the correct mix. Or worse still, add some washing up liquid then wonder why the system gets clogged with slimy bacterial growth a few weeks later. Small wonder then that the washers don't work when the temperature drops a fraction below zero. But highly amusing for our friends in Scandinavia and most of Europe.
I don't know what the issue was, well, clearly there was a blockage somewhere that didn't affect the rear jets.
As I was going to a funeral I was conscious to ensure everything was filled as best I could to avoid freezing. I had poured hot water into the front jets before the journey to try and clear any ice that may have formed that I couldn't see but that had no effect.
I agree that it must be amusing to those in other countries that regularly suffer cold climates. I used to travel to Sweden for work and was never delayed by temps much lower than what we are experiencing.
Previously owned:
2022 Macan GTS Gentian Blue
Macan SD - Volcano Grey
Boxster S - Polar Silver
Nuclear Nick wrote: ↑Fri Mar 02, 2018 9:17 am
I tend to use a year-round mix that is suitable down to -20C.
This sounds like the ideal solution (no pun intended!) and I think Paul does similar. So no mucking around with having to alter the mixture during the year?
What fluid do you use, Nick?
Any concentrate that can be diluted according to time of year. Have recently been using Shell 5l. It should be phosphate free and suitable for plastic headlights, according to the manual.
Has anybody worked out an easy way of filling up the washer fluid bottle yet? The angle of the bonnet makes getting a 5litre bottle in there impossible!
PS - the off-road button works brilliantly on the snow. Moves more traction to the front wheels and keeps the revs higher to maintain momentum. I cruised past a couple of ‘proper’ 4x4s up my nearest hill yesterday which they were stuck on - and I’m still on summer tyres (I know - I was being tight!)
JonNic wrote: ↑Sat Mar 03, 2018 6:34 pm
Has anybody worked out an easy way of filling up the washer fluid bottle yet? The angle of the bonnet makes getting a 5litre bottle in there impossible!
PS - the off-road button works brilliantly on the snow. Moves more traction to the front wheels and keeps the revs higher to maintain momentum. I cruised past a couple of ‘proper’ 4x4s up my nearest hill yesterday which they were stuck on - and I’m still on summer tyres (I know - I was being tight!)
Water would certainly be at body temperature but I don't know any female well enough to ask if A) they can pass 7.5 litres and B) would they mind squatting over my washer bottle
Previously owned:
2022 Macan GTS Gentian Blue
Macan SD - Volcano Grey
Boxster S - Polar Silver
I use SONAX Anti-Freeze Concentrate screenwash 1 litre bottle - recommended by Porsche, purchased from eBay, have had no problems during this cold spell
Sales quote below
SONAX Anti-Freeze Concentrate screenwash - The reliable cleaning and freeze protection additive for the windscreen washer unit. Removes oil, soot, road salt and other typical winter dirt. With outstanding cleaning power for rapidly removing smears. Prevents nozzles from icing up, and the wiper water from freezing on the windscreen. Suitable for fan spray nozzles. Does not affect paintwork, chrome, rubber or plastics. Ideal for high quality XENON headlamps and light diffusing plastic headlamps in clear-glass optic. Bitter tasting additive makes it child safe. With lemon fragrance.
Yields up to 3 litres of windscreen washer antifreeze
SONAX is used by Porsche and Audi in their vehicles