Can Car Windshield Washer Fluid Freeze?
2 Answers
There are generally two types of car windshield washer fluid: regular and antifreeze. The regular type can freeze in winter, while the antifreeze type will not. High-quality car windshield washer fluid is made from deionized water and various environmentally friendly additives, providing functions such as dirt removal, water repellency, antifreeze, anti-static, and anti-corrosion. Car windshield washer fluid is formulated with multiple surfactants and additives, offering functions like wetting, penetration, and solubilization, thereby achieving cleaning and dirt removal. It significantly lowers the freezing point of the liquid, providing antifreeze properties and quickly dissolving frost. It prevents the formation of fog droplets, ensuring clear and transparent windshields with unobstructed visibility. It also eliminates static charges on the glass surface, offering anti-static properties. Additionally, it acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the wipers and the glass to prevent scratches. Moreover, it thoroughly removes dust and stains from smooth surfaces with a single wipe, leaving no watermarks, providing long-lasting cleanliness without damaging the surface. It also features dust-proof, fog-proof, and freeze-proof functions, making it less prone to dust accumulation.
I remember two winters ago when I was driving on the highway, it was about minus ten degrees Celsius outside, and the windshield washer fluid suddenly stopped spraying—it had all frozen in the reservoir. Regular washer fluid is mostly water, and when the temperature drops significantly, it can freeze, especially versions without antifreeze additives. Later, I checked the manual and realized it’s best to use specialized winter antifreeze washer fluid, which is labeled with the applicable temperature range, like -20°C. Also, avoid randomly mixing water with it—always dilute the additive in the correct ratio, or you risk damaging the spray nozzles. If it freezes, don’t rush to heat it up; let the car warm up naturally after starting, or park it indoors to thaw gradually. In short, always switch to antifreeze washer fluid before winter to ensure driving safety—I learned this lesson the hard way.