I wasn't sure if this product would work well, but I bought it because it was cheaper than others and on sale. I first used it on my car and liked it a lot. It cleaned the car's windscreen very well, removing bugs easily. So, I got another bottle for my wife's car too.
BOSCH BWA500 Windshield Washer Fluid 500ml $10.30 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $59 Spend) @ Amazon AU
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Last edited 08/01/2024 - 18:05 by 3 other users
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Bosch legacy
Do these leave alot of residue? i know others have alot of residue on the windscreen so it cleans but it leaves bubbles and etc.
Residue is always going to be left where the wipers don't touch, wipers just push the dirt/water to the side to allow for clear viewing of the road ahead, you'll never get a complete clean from a windscreen washer unless the car is already clean.
Bought Bosch replacement wipers for the car. They judder around like crazy until it's bucketing down.
Reduce the speed setting, if there is not enough water on the windscreen then it will produce drag across the glass which will cause that juddering.
@doobey1231: I have tried this (obviously). It judders on the lowest possible setting- single wipe. Even using the windscreen clean lever where it sprays a load of water then wipes ~3 times, it judders.
@rumblytangara: I beg you explain to me how it would be obvious what you have or haven't tried. Given we have conversed for literally two comments on an ozbargain thread, neither of which told me what you have already tried to rectify the issue. Use your brain mate comon.
Maybe go return them as faulty then, or is that also obvious?
@doobey1231: I'd posit that most people who can type a coherent sentence, using punctuation, grammar and capitalisation, would know how windscreen wipers work. They'd also be able to observe the difference in behaviour from an old pair versus the replacement pair.
Hell, even knowing that windscreen wipers need to be replaced, and then figuring out how to replacement, should function as a sensible screening mechanism.
Possibly not all, but well into the high 90s percent.
But hey, you can make all the assumptions you like and I won't stop you.
Edit: Apologies, I probably overacted there as a result of reading the argument between you and the other guy. You did make a good point, but testing speed was the first thing I did when I noticed the problem.
@rumblytangara: It may not be the rubber blades but the wiper blade holder itself. Some aftermarket units may not hold the same curvature to the windscreen as the factory ones or mightn't hold enough tension to the windscreen due to the blade holder losing its springiness, especially if it's quite a long wiperblade.
I've had this problem on a few cars now, hope this helps.@ConsumerAffairs: Good point, I could pull the cartridge off and compare to the old ones which are still sitting around.
I've seen some videos online about people using wd40 to wipe clean their wiper blades to stop it from making streaks and judders. Worth a try perhaps.
I'll just live with it, unless it becomes too annoying. WD40 solvents on rubber is something that I'll avoid for now.
Try using Invisible Glass Glass Stripper to give the glass a good scrub. I've found having my car parked out in the elements heaps of stuff get's baked on to the glass (even after a wash). Give it a good scrub with this stuff and then give it a crack. The Bosch blades (and most others) should run smoothly.
This. Often there is residue from the wax from automatic carwashes that makes windscreen blades judder. Strip it back and they work just fine.
I took your advice and my windscreen needs replacing after I gave it a crack.
I'm a big Wipertech fan.
Bars Bugs has a 600ml concentrate bottle for $5 at Repco. Works bloody good in my experience. You will need to pick up in store for the savings.
That's exactly what I've been using, they were offered two for $8 last year at my local store. However, in my experience, the Bosch one seems to perform better. Of course, the effectiveness will also largely depend on the condition of the wipers and the rubber.
8 "serves" vs 10 "serves" though
I just pour until it looks about right so probably only achieve 3-4 serves per bottle.
Bought once. Never again. The thing settled down blocking everything. One mechanic wanted to replace the motor as didn't know what was happening. Went to another mechanic and he found the problem was caused by the concentrate I used.
The Bars did? Might be my issue.
yeah i was wondering why my rear wiper wasn't squirting water, turns out the bar bugs was clogging it, looked at the bottom of the wiperfluid tank and it was gunked up with black algae looking stuck
Same. Never using Bars Leaks is my washer bottle again.
Bought once. Never again. The thing settled down blocking everything.
I haven't experienced it blocking up my washer fluid tubes/reservoir (thankfully) but the concentrate definitely does settle at the bottom of the washer fluid reservoir pretty quickly and completely loses its effectiveness unless you're spraying the windshield constantly.
It comes out of the bottle extremely thick and viscous but after a few days of the fluid sitting in your car, it seems to have the same effect as just putting tap water in washer fluid reservoir and smears around anything stuck to your windshield.
Bar's Bugs seems to be one of those automotive care products that's riding on its reputation from years ago and has long since cheapened out or it was never that good to begin with but still sells well because it's routinely the cheapest windshield washer fluid you can buy in bulk.
It comes out of the bottle extremely thick and viscous
Really ? The Bars I've used was not viscous at all, just poured the concentrate out of the bottle like water 🤷🏼♂️
How did you end up clearing this? I had the same issue with bar bugs and it ended up choking my front windshield pump. Tried flushing the reservoir with excess water but it never returned to its original pump pressure.
i gained access to my reservoir directly and put bleach in it and let it sit for a few hours then flushed it out with a hose, i haven't tested it but might be able to can probably achieve the same thing by going through the normal refill cap and then running the wiper jets.
also i had to take out the part where the water comes out of the rear wiper jet and clean it as there was some gunk dried up at the end
followed this video https://youtu.be/yWR-7fntfJA?si=mGVIq9-dNRS5Olsq&t=183, and had to clean the small plastic thing he pulled out, this is for the rear wiper not sure if the front will be the same
Are they on sale or is this their usually price?
Bars Bugz worked really well on my windscreen.
But then I found it was dissolving the inside of the plastic washer bottle tank in my car.Never again.
Holy shit lol
Wtf is in that stuff?Need to dilute it
Yeah, it was diluted. It was added to water already in the tank as per instructions.
I thought it was dissolving the tank, but reading the above, it may have been just destabilising within itself and leaving gelled goo on all the surfaces. Same result.
Scored a few bottles when these when they were $2. Mind you that was a few years ago.
Product worked very well for both cars.
Make sure it does not eat at clear coat etc
We used to sell this stuff at work and can confirm its a really good washer bottle additive.
i can get my genuine bmw window washer from the dealer for $4.80 for 250ml at trade cost, it also smells amazing
Lol. You spelt blinker fluid wrong.
They spent all their money on their car lease, can't afford blinker fluid.
Edit: Lol triggered BMW leasees
i ran out of that a week into owning it
What is blinker?
Spoken like a true BMW driver.
@schquid: I have never owned a BMW, not my cup of tea. But, as snappy1234 has kindly answered below that it is a indicator indeed.
Turning indicator lights.
This is the genuine BMW stuff, they use Bosch
It's a high yield investment.
Price history shows that it's been this price since Oct last year?
And up from 9.90 before that.
Yes it did go through a price hike recently. Used to get it for around 9. 8 ish during black friday.
If you don't mind a smaller bottle of Bars Bugs
$4 for a 375 ML @ Colesi think i bought the eclipse concentrate one for $1 or $2, smaller bottle good for 4 fill ups. i have one more left, then need to buy something. works fine
Is this good for preventing algae/biofilm growth in the washer bottle? This is the problem I need a solution for
Just put some bleach in there.
1 cup of metho into your wiper fluid compartment.
That is all.
Can add some essential oil into it if you like
Interesting. What purpose does it serve, other than a nice smell?
Nicer smell and may improve cleaning.
Some essential oils used for cleaning purpose, e.g. eucalyptus
Can confirm this stuff is great
I just use water :-). Works perfect!
I thought that"s what you were meant to do
Good for dirt but not squished on contamination (in my experience)
I got 600mL bars bugs concentrate for $4 last week. not sure this is much of a deal.
Good timing - my car has been beeping 'low washer fluid' the last 3 days.
I just mix shampoo with water? Works ok. Does that causes any issues that we have special concentrates?
ChatGPT answer: It's best to use proper wiper washer fluid for cars instead of a mix like shampoo and water. Wiper fluid is specially formulated for cleaning windshields effectively without leaving streaks or damaging the car's components. It also resists freezing in cold weather, unlike a homemade mix, which is crucial for winter driving. While a shampoo-water mixture might not cause immediate harm, using the right fluid ensures better cleaning, safety, and longevity of your car's parts.
AmericaGPT strikes again with it's take that considers ice-roads and snow conditions.
Shampoo foams and forms bubbles. Terrible idea for a windscreen.
Low suds laundry detergent then?
How much of the concentrate do you put in? It says 10 “serves” but instructions only said to pour “one measure” and cant seem to find how many mls they define as one measure. Ive been marking the bottle 10 equal-ish lines but feels like not enough for a full washer fluid tank.
The same amount of olive oil Nonna pours in the sauce.
Each time you fill it, use around 50ml of washer fluid. It's okay to be off by 5-10ml. If your tank is big, you can add a little more. I typically use around 50ml, though I don't measure it precisely; I just estimate.
Never thought there would be cake made up of yogurt and coffee. Does it taste good though? The cake i mean not the fluid.
Similar to Tiramisu but better.
X = 500/10
Doesn't seem that cheap.
I still have 5L of Bars Bug concentrate I've purchased years ago for $10 or $20.
Thanks OP. I used to buy a small bottle and didn't know there's a large one available.
This one is better than the other stuffs I've tried as it doesn't smells bad.
Coincidentally I just ran out off my Bar Bugs and I picked up this Bosch fluid… Bar Bugs specify to use 75ml in the windscreen reservior, should I assume this Bosch fluid will be the same amount?
Any specials on blinker fluid?
Buy in bulk. name brand and OEM certified, Trico. 50ml per 1L. Plus, Made In Australia. Not sure what the Bosch concentration dilution level is but if it's the same 50ml per 1L then this will be over 3 x cheaper. Bosch one is way over priced. https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-panel/car-care/windscreen-…. Can be bought from Kogan for $21.44 instead of $31 at Repco if you have free shipping option via Kogan First, even more savings.
Not really a fair price comparison without being rude to you, the 5L from Automotive Superstore was $30.95; now is $24.30. (https://automotivesuperstore.com.au/bosch-bwa5l)
Plus shipping. The Trico can be bought by pretty much anyone for $31 and picked up and online for $21 via eBay and online shops if you qualify for free shipping etc making it even better. Trico is also OEM approved by manufacturers.
If you are hell bent on Bosch and have eBay Plus, 5L Bosch concentrate for $28 delivered. Making it just $2.80 per 500ml vs $10.30. Still over 3x saving. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/292565912090?epid=4019454804&has…
The product description mentions that Trico is a global OEM and Aftermarket supplier but so is BOSCH, but it does not explicitly state that the Trico washer additive is OEM. If I've made a mistake, I'm okay with being corrected.
@[Deactivated]: Both are global OEM suppliers, Bosch and Trico. Buying 500ml bottle option is a financially poor choice for both products.
I never used Bosch.
I have Trico.
Still going through a big bottle, bought 3+ years ago,
and … mixing with distilled water, and using with wipers.Works well !
Distilled water? Damn, you must have a high yield investment motorcar.
I was recommended Bowden's Own Wipe Out Windscreen Washer Additive. Pricy but works well:
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/blog/latest-news/wipe-out-the-…
Is anyone using this Bunnings product for their car?
The label says you can but I haven’t tried it on my cars yet. 20ml per refill.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/peerless-jal-1l-window-wash-conc…
Toyota branded ones is around $7 (500ml) at dealer parts department.
Part number: 0888800500, it's pricier online due to postage, so just go to parts when you drive pass.
Obviously it's not specific to Toyota.
looks like it's out of stock. Cannot buy it even though it shows as available. :-(
Select a postcode from the button on the left next to the Amazon logo. For postcode 3000 shows there are 3 left in stock.
Edit: Sorry my bad, it's a different 3rd party seller at a much higher price.
Please restock :)
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If its Bosch you can be pretty confident itll be a good product.