Clear Vision: Your Guide to Screen Wash and De-icer
Whether it’s a normal day, the middle of a blazing summer, or the midst of a bone-chilling winter, the screen of your vehicle must always be clear for you to drive safely. There are simple steps you can take with the products we supply, to avoid any mishaps on the road.
In this blog, we’re going to be helping you find a clear vision: Your guide to screen wash and de-icer.
Whether you are an established tradesman, or a homeowner attempting some simple DIY, and everything in-between and beyond, Sealants and Tools Direct are here to provide you with the quality products you require, at the best prices.
Our range is extensive, we aim to provide you with almost anything you need to make your house, or someone else’s, the best possible home. Our range of products include, but are not limited to, Abrasives & Glass Paper, building products, carpet, and surface protection, plumbing, roofing & guttering products, tools, and equipment, and so much more.
Click here to access our full range of products, and see how we can help you today!
What is screenwash, and how does it help?
Screenwash is a liquid that you pour into your vehicle that helps to clean the front and rear windscreen of your vehicle. Ingredients of a screenwash will vary depending on the product you opt for.
However, all screenwash formulas include various compounds including alcohol which work to break down grease, dust, and other mess from your screen.
What happens if I don’t use screen wash?
If you don’t use screenwash, you will not be able to clean your windscreen. This means having to wipe it manually with products to get it clean, or waiting for the rain to clear some mess away, which will rarely work.
Either way, not using screenwash will result in stains on your windscreen being increasingly harder to remove once they have set.
Can I use water in my windscreen wipers?
Filling your screenwash tank with just water is not advisable. Although it will work to remove superficial light dust or stains from your windscreen in warmer months, in winter, it will likely freeze, meaning you won’t be able to use the water in the screenwash tank.
Screenwash contains chemicals that prevent the solution from freezing at the expected temperature, hence why it should always be mixed with water, rather than just using water.
What is De-icer?
De-icer is a solution that can be applied directly onto ice, which causes it to seemingly melt quickly. This makes it ideal for frosty weather, saving you from waiting for a long time.
De-icer works by applying the spray directly onto the ice, the compounds within the solution actually lower the melting point of the ice, rather than heating it up. That being said, there are different kinds of de-icer that can be applied in various manners.
Failing to use de-icer, and choosing to drive with ice on your windscreen, puts yourself, pedestrians and other road users at risk. Remove any obstructions from your field of view before driving.
Can I use boiling water instead of de-icer?
Never use boiling water on a car covered with ice. This is because the sudden fluctuation in temperature can cause the glass of your windscreen to break. De-icer is your best option. Alternatively, using warm water can help too. But without de-icer, you will be waiting whilst the ice melts.
Are there tools to help me remove ice from my windscreen?
Yes. You can get ice scrapers for your vehicle, which simply remove the larger layers of snow and ice on your vehicle, making the melting process a lot quicker. There are also windscreen covers you can buy, placing them on your windscreen before any frost has arrived can prevent it from forming altogether.
Clear vision: your guide to screen wash and de-icer
Now that we have an understanding of how to use both screen wash and de-icer, we can now show you how to use them. Thankfully, both are extremely simple to use. Below is a simple step-by-step guide in how to use both of these useful tools.
How to use screen wash
- Screenwash should be diluted with water before use, though this depends on the product you buy. The ratios may vary from product to product, so be sure to check first.
- After diluting the screenwash (if necessary), open the hood of your vehicle and locate the tank for the screenwash. The area will differ from vehicle to vehicle, so check your user manual first.
- Pour the solution into the tank and securely close the lid on the tank.
- Give it a minute or two, then test the wipers in your vehicle.
How to use de-icer
Methods of application may vary, but we will cover the most common, which is the spray on method.
- Firstly, wipe off any excess snow or ice that is not stuck onto the vehicle’s windows.
- Try to use a scraper to remove any more excess bits of ice or snow.
- Apply the de-icer spray, and wait for it to melt the ice.
- Wipe off the resulting liquid with a cloth or your windscreen wipers.
Where to buy de-icer and screenwash
Sealants and Tools Direct provide a comprehensive amount of de-icer and screenwash. You can find our full range here.
Carplan DSW50 Demon Shot Screenwash De-icer Booster -65 Deg – £4.92 (not including VAT)
This unique accessory is designed to add enhance de-icing capabilities to your screenwash. Only requiring a small amount, 500 ml can be used for a total of 25 litres of screenwash. It is made to be mixed in with your screenwash, so although it won’t prevent ice from forming overnight, it will make the ice easy to remove once it is sprayed.
Click here for the full product details.
Decosol Ready Mixed Windscreen Screen Wash Non-Smear 5 litre – £4.67 (not including VAT)
The Decosol ready mixed windscreen screen wash is conveniently prepared for you. This means you do not have to mix it with water to use. It’s large 5litre capacity will be sure to keep your tank filled. An added benefit of this product is that it prevents smearing as it is being wiped.
For the full product details, click here.
Purchase screen wash and de-icer today
Sealants and Tools Direct is the one-stop shop for anyone within the trade, or for those looking to conduct their own DIY, and everyone in-between and beyond. We encourage anyone with any questions about products they are interested in, or already purchased from us, to get in contact if you have any questions.
We endeavour to not only provide the right products for you, but also provide the best guidance possible. Furthermore, we hope to provided everything you need in our mini guide: Clear Vision: Your guide to screen wash and de-icer.
With a host of special offers taking place over the year, be sure to stay updated with us. Our index of manufacturers whose products we sell are the seal of approval to assure you that we supply quality products, at fair prices. You can find us at…
Address:
Sealants and Tools Direct Ltd
The Old Cider Works
Abbotskerswell
Newton Abbot
Devon
TQ12 5NF
VAT No: 136 643 803
Telephone:
01626 333360
Store Email: