Should Windshield Washer Fluid Be Drained in Winter?

[VanKaden]

Whether the windshield washer fluid needs to be drained in winter depends on whether the fluid in the reservoir is of the antifreeze type. If summer windshield washer fluid was previously added, it must be drained and replaced with antifreeze windshield washer fluid. When choosing windshield washer fluid, it should be selected according to the season: In winter, the antifreeze performance should be the selection criterion. Choose a windshield washer fluid with a freezing point at least 10 degrees Celsius below the local minimum temperature. Otherwise, when temperatures drop in winter, the fluid may freeze and become unusable, leading to issues such as pump failure in the washer reservoir. When using antifreeze windshield washer fluid in winter, ensure it does not freeze: Antifreeze windshield washer fluid used in winter should remain unfrozen even when the outside temperature drops below -20 degrees Celsius, preventing damage to the vehicle's components. There are also special antifreeze types that remain unfrozen at -40 degrees Celsius, suitable for use in extremely cold northern regions.