What are the hazards of frozen windshield washer fluid to the car?
4 Answers
The hazards of frozen windshield washer fluid to the car include volume expansion leading to tank rupture, damage to the electrical system, and compromised driving safety. Below are methods to thaw frozen windshield washer fluid: 1. Sun exposure. If you find that the windshield washer fluid is frozen and you are not in a hurry to use the car, you can open the engine hood and position the engine compartment toward the sun to utilize solar heat to dissolve the fluid. Of course, the drawback of this method is quite obvious—it is heavily influenced by weather conditions. If there is no sun or the sunlight is not strong enough, it will affect the efficiency of thawing the windshield washer fluid. 2. Pouring hot water. Boil a pot of hot water and slowly pour it over the opening of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. This method is relatively troublesome, and if the freezing is severe, one pot of hot water may not be sufficient to resolve the issue. 3. Utilizing engine heat to thaw. Use the high temperature generated by the running engine to dissolve the windshield washer fluid. It is important to note that when the windshield washer fluid is not completely thawed, do not use the spray function, as it may cause damage to the spray motor.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've personally experienced the hassle of frozen windshield washer fluid. It not only clogs the spray nozzles, leaving the windshield dirty and obstructing road visibility—especially during rain or snow when blurred vision easily leads to rear-end collisions or scrapes—but worse, the plastic reservoir or pipes can crack due to water expanding as it freezes, costing hundreds or even thousands in unnecessary repairs. Additionally, forcing the washer pump to work under such conditions risks overloading and burning out the motor, adding more trouble. My habit is to switch to antifreeze washer fluid before winter, opting for a type with a freezing point as low as -30°C, and keeping a bottle of antifreeze additive on hand to mix with remaining water and prevent freezing. This way, driving becomes much more worry-free.
I often think about saving money while driving, and the issue of windshield washer fluid freezing is really costly. If it freezes and isn't dealt with, the plastic reservoir can crack or the washer pump can be ruined. Replacing these parts at a repair shop costs at least a few hundred yuan, not including labor fees. I learned this the hard way last year when I used tap water to save money, resulting in a burnt-out pump that cost me an extra 500 yuan. Even if just the nozzles get clogged, cleaning them can cost dozens of yuan, and during the process, water splashes might cause rust on engine components, increasing the damage. Now, I always opt for cost-effective winter-specific antifreeze and buy a bottle when it's on sale. Keeping it from freezing saves both hassle and money—after all, safe driving is priceless.
I dread driving in the city during my daily commute, especially at night when visibility is poor. The windshield washer fluid freezes and won't spray, leaving the windshield hazy. Driving in such conditions makes me nervous and prone to accidents. Last time, I almost hit a pedestrian. Actually, the problem is simple: neglecting to clean leads to ineffective cleaning, making it hard to see lane markings or oncoming headlights, which increases the risk of collisions. It's a major hazard. My suggestion is to check the windshield washer fluid before driving in cold weather. Feel it with your hand to see if it's frozen. If it's icy, don't force it. Find a warm place like an underground garage to let it thaw, then add antifreeze fluid. Always prioritize driving safety.
