The latest tests of the most consumed seasonal car care product certify a pleasing trend of production quality

Latvian Certification Centre has tested the samples of seven different winter screen-wash liquids from the retail shelves commonly sold in mass market. In general, the results of the test approve products compliance with the standards on chemicals, or there are only minor discrepancies on the core parameters investigated, such as percentage of methylated alcohol, freezing point, compliance with the volume said on the label, as well as content of the fusel oils (alcohols with higher boiling point, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate).

Extremely low ratio of methanol (methyl alcohol) being less than 0.0001, was detected in four samples tested. None of the liquids tested with a method of gas chromatography contained methanol in ratio higher than 0.72%. It’s a well-known fact that methanol has a hazardous effect on the eye vision and respiratory system, for instance, by the way of inhalation of its vapours through the ventilation system of the vehicle. “I am truly delighted to see such results”, says the Director of Getz Bros. & Co. (Latvia) Ltd., SIA “Not long ago, it was so common to find methanol percentage in winter screen-wash liquids several times above the limit. I’m satisfied with the fact that Pitstop, Narvesen Premium and Turtle Wax liquids that are manufactured by us, show methanol content to be as low as possible.

There was still nonconformity with the information on the label and product samples discovered when testing such properties as volume and crystallisation point, having direct impact on the functional qualities of liquids in severe cold conditions. For instance, the label of the liquid manufactured for B&S, SIA said to resist up to -21ºC, while lab test showed crystallisation at -15ºC, whereas the first crystal in Turtle Wax sample was detected at -28ºC, which is even lower reading than promised to be on the label showing -25ºC.

What proved to be common problem is a quantitative discrepancy between the measured volume and the one that it says on the packaging. Majority of the manufacturers doesn’t exceed the acceptable difference of 1%, however. With the exception of earlier mentioned B&S, SIA sample, being 80ml short to reach 4L mark, as promised.

The test of the fusel oil content that actually indicates the quality of the alcohol used in solution, showed considerably diverse results. The presence of acetaldehyde weight in the sample liquids investigated varied by hundreds of times, from the lowest measurement of 5.8 mg/l in Pilot -21 liquid (manufactured by Tilia-A) up to 1’428 mg/l in -22 ºC premix produced by United Oil, SIA. „Certainly, the content of fusel oil is rather negligible even in the last sample, which is only 1,5 g/l. However it should be a signal to the manufacturer on possible improvement required”, thinks the Latvian Certification Centre.

Alongside with the laboratory tests, it was the first time when the samples of the winter screen-wash liquids were passed to Juta Gedroviča, aromatherapy expert.
The most powerful fragrances were detected when evaluating Pitstop and Narvesen Premium screen-wash liquids, while Winter Windshield and Turtle Wax products were judged being lightest and the most unostentatious, as per the expert.

What might seem amazing, the expert smelled even a garlic fragrance in Pitstop sample, though it is not a common issue with this kind of chemicals. Meanwhile a touch of a lemon was perceptible in Narvesen liquid, which is a typical fragrance used in screen-wash liquids.

The sweetest smell was detected when testing Pilots and Screen Wash (manufactured by United Oils), pointing out the notes of melon in Pilot liquid. Conversely, producer of Winter Windshield liquid had managed to avoid the use of powerful or sweet odours while maintaining a blossom aroma, which could become appreciated by drivers unable to bear an intensive fragrance.

“It was not the target of the test to nominate the best product. It should be left with the independent experts”, notes S.Kozlinskis. “We are glad to conclude that all of the rivals were recognised being safe for the user. The standards of Latvian manufacturers of screen-wash liquids have considerably increased, and there is a logical interconnection between the price and the quality. Eventually, the car drivers can choose between a cheap and a quality product this season. Bearing in mind that it is hard to find something good but cheap in price, while buying cheap and finding it really good, even harder.”