Can Windshield Washer Fluid Freeze and Crack the Reservoir?
2 Answers
If the windshield washer fluid is only slightly frozen, it will not crack the reservoir. However, if it freezes excessively, there is a possibility of damage. In mild cases, the reservoir may deform, while in severe cases, it could crack, and the spray piston may also freeze and crack. Therefore, if your current windshield washer fluid does not have antifreeze properties, it is best to replace it with an antifreeze-type fluid. It is recommended to choose a washer fluid with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the local minimum temperature. If you find that the washer fluid is not spraying out despite the reservoir being full, it indicates that the fluid has frozen. In this case, do not attempt to spray it further, as this could damage the motor. If the sun is strong, you can park the car in direct sunlight at noon and open the hood to let the sun thaw the fluid. If the freezing is not severe, the fluid will eventually melt. Alternatively, you can add some warm water to the reservoir. Once the washer fluid has thawed, drain it completely to prevent refreezing. Additionally, you can start the vehicle and drive for a while to use the engine's heat to thaw the frozen washer fluid, or purchase a specialized de-icer to melt it. After the washer fluid has thawed, remember to promptly replace it with a winter-grade or high-performance antifreeze-type washer fluid to prevent freezing again.
Last time at -15°C, I forgot to switch to antifreeze windshield washer fluid, and the entire reservoir tank cracked. Regular washer fluid only has a freezing point of -5°C at best, which definitely can't handle northern winters. When washer fluid freezes, its volume expands by 9%, and plastic reservoirs can't withstand that pressure. The worst part is the washer pump can also freeze and break—replacing the whole set costs several hundred yuan. Now I've learned my lesson: before winter hits, I always switch to -25°C antifreeze washer fluid and add specialized antifreeze additives to the wiper fluid tank for double protection and peace of mind. If you find the spray isn't working, never force the switch—thaw it in a warm garage first.
