General additives - coolant, screenwash etc

[Omega]

I'm just starting to 'top-up' things on my new baby,,,,, and was wondering if I really need to use Mercedes Brands of Coolant,,,, Screen wash etc etc ?

Don't get me wrong, if I do, then so be it. But I rekkon there will be as good products out there that some of you use,,,, at a better cost.

SCREENWASH:
In my last E220 (124) I used a main brand for a few years,,,, then all of a sudden there was a blockage. I assumed a bit of crap in the nozzle/s,,, but pon closer inspection, the whole system was clogged up with slimy 'scum'. Inside the reservoir were bits of blue film floating about, a a bluey slime on the inside walls. I had to strip the lot out a wash it thoroughly, to get rid.
I stopped using screenwash then, & returned to a couple of drops of washing up liquid.
Is there a screenwash out there (MB or otherwise) that (i) does the job, (ii) dosn't make slime ?

COOLANT:
Again, I want a coolant which does the job (& well) but not necessarily MB brand,,,,,,, unless this really is the best !?!?

EXTINGUISHER:
As mine didn't cum with one, is there a specific model that I need to look for,,,, or "anything that will fit" ?

cheers all

 

[ecossebev]

I would be reluctant to use washig up liquid as a screenwash because of the high salt content. This can lead to corrosion in the nozzles blocking them worse than a bit of sludge can. If you don't mind paying a bit extra, then buy MB additives.

 

[Omega]

Cheers,

I didn't know about the salt in W.Liquid, but I didn't intend to use it in this one anyway.

Nor is it just the cost,,,, I'm only talking about a few quid either way,,,, but I don't like buying an item "just for the brand name" when it just might be the same stuff as unbranded ones.

Maybe i'm a bit too cynical,,,, but they all put their logo on things (and double the price) and swear that's the only one that's any good !

I'll stick to MB this time,,,, but would hope that someone on these pages will tell me that the same stuff (identical) can be got cheaper without the logo.

all the best

 

[Spoonman]

More recent MB cars need specific coolant according to my local Motor Factor shop, found that out only coz he asked the year of my C-class when I was in there buying some. That doesnt mean it has to be an MB brand I think it just has to be a certain type.

I use washing up liquid in my screenwash and never had a problem with it, I think if u dont use too much in the water it should be fine, but it may depend on the model as to how sensitive it is to using different liquids than it was designed for.

Also do you realy need an extinguisher?

 

[kth286]

Also do you realy need an extinguisher?

Only when you are in a motorway crash and you are trapped in your burning car and you are about to die !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



An extinguisher makes a lot of sense to me - but then I have been involved in selling life cover - only needed when you die and leave your dependents destitute without it.

 

[Omega]

.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,,,,,,,,,,,, burning alive,,,,, or having a chance,,,,,, a really hard decision !?


Of course, it may not be your own fire that needs attention,,,,,,, ?!
Wot if you come across a kid trapped in a burning car,,,,
or someone smokin' in an undesignated area ??

It's uses are almost endless (or was that 'the end' ?!).

 

[LTD]

You could always use the fire extinguisher to thump the parasites that want to clean your windscreen with dirty water.

Not that I am condoning any form of violence ..........

 

[kwakdonut]

I would recommend a CO2 extinguisher but don't keep it in the boot! Find somewhere convenient actually inside the car for it.

 

[wemorgan]

I would recommend a CO2 extinguisher but don't keep it in the boot! Find somewhere convenient actually inside the car for it.

Resting free on the parcel shelf should do.
I will remind you of its presence when you have a crash





Err ok.......screwed to the passenger footwell should be a little safer

 

[kwakdonut]

Resting free on the parcel shelf should do.
I will remind you of its presence when you have a crash





Err ok.......screwed to the passenger footwell should be a little safer

Of course! Safely secured somewhere in the car goes without saying....

 

[Omega]

tee hee,,,, thanks folks.

One of my niggles when buying the car, is that is has a specific bracket, under the seat, just for this item. Why bother putting the bracket in - but no extinguisher ?
Which brings me onto the point, that it will need to be a specific size, to fit ! (there's a surprise,,,, I'd like to bet that there is only one product out there that fits the bracket - and it's made by M.B at 4 times the cost of others.)

I was hoping that some forum member would know the exact size or model number of this item,,,, before I have to resort to calling my M.B dealer.