At What Temperature Does Windshield Washer Fluid Freeze in a Car?
2 Answers
Different models of windshield washer fluid have different freezing points. Anti-freeze windshield washer fluid: It depends on whether the windshield washer fluid added to the reservoir is anti-freeze type. If summer windshield washer fluid was previously added, meaning the freezing point of the fluid does not meet the usage requirements, it must be drained and replaced with anti-freeze windshield washer fluid. Otherwise, there is a risk of the fluid freezing, which could damage the reservoir or the windshield washer pump. Introduction to automotive windshield washer fluid: Automotive windshield washer fluid is composed of various surfactants and additives, providing functions such as wetting, penetration, and solubilization, thereby achieving cleaning and decontamination effects. It can significantly lower the freezing point of the liquid, thus preventing freezing and quickly dissolving frost. It also prevents the formation of fog droplets, ensuring the windshield remains clear and transparent for unobstructed visibility.
As a young person who frequently commutes by car, I remember last winter when the temperature dropped below freezing, the windshield washer fluid wouldn't spray, making me sweat in panic. Later, a friend at the 4S store told me that regular washer fluid can freeze around 0°C, but the antifreeze versions on the market are usually designed to freeze between -10°C and -20°C, depending on the specifications on the product label. The cheap one I usually use claimed to be effective down to -15°C, but it didn't work well—probably due to a poor formula. I recommend switching to antifreeze washer fluid before winter arrives, unlike me who waited until it froze. If it does freeze, you can use a hot towel on the nozzle or wait for the engine to warm up and slowly thaw it, but never use boiling water to avoid damaging the reservoir. When choosing a product, I prioritize brand and reviews to ensure it suits the low temperatures in my region—for example, in northern areas, opt for one rated below -30°C. Safety comes first; don’t let a small issue escalate and compromise your visibility just to save a few bucks.
