What Temperature Can Non-Antifreeze Windshield Washer Fluid Withstand?
3 Answers
Non-antifreeze windshield washer fluid can withstand temperatures around 0°C. Below are the performance characteristics of windshield washer fluid: Cleaning Performance: Windshield washer fluid is formulated with a variety of surfactants and additives. Surfactants typically have functions such as wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning and removing dirt. Antifreeze Performance: The presence of alcohol and ethylene glycol in windshield washer fluid significantly lowers the freezing point of the liquid, providing antifreeze properties and quickly dissolving frost. Anti-Fog Performance: Windshield washer fluid forms a monomolecular protective layer on the glass surface. This protective film prevents the formation of fog droplets, ensuring the windshield remains clear and transparent with a sharp field of vision. Anti-Static Performance: After cleaning with windshield washer fluid, substances adsorbed on the glass surface can eliminate static charges on the glass, providing anti-static properties.
As a seasoned driver, I must say that non-antifreeze windshield washer fluid starts freezing around zero degrees and basically can't handle temperatures below 0°C. I remember last winter when I was driving on the highway and wanted to clean the windshield, but nothing came out—turns out the water in the reservoir was completely frozen, almost causing a big problem. This is especially common in northern regions or mountainous areas. Once frozen, not only does it prevent you from cleaning the windshield, affecting visibility, but it can also damage the hoses or water pump, leading to costly repairs. That's why I recommend switching to antifreeze windshield washer fluid before winter arrives. The ones with alcohol additives can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C, are affordable, and help avoid hazards. Driving safety comes first—don’t cut corners on something so small and risk trouble.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've frequently seen accidents caused by owners using non-anti-freeze windshield washer fluid in cold weather. This stuff freezes at exactly 0°C—just slightly below zero and it turns to ice, making it impossible to spray. In severe cases, the water pipes can even crack and leak. For instance, one customer's car had its washer system completely clogged at -5°C, and cleaning it out was both costly and time-consuming. When choosing cleaning fluid, it's essential to consider the season. Using regular water-based fluid in summer isn't a big issue, but in winter, you must switch to the anti-freeze version, which contains glycol-based substances that significantly improve cold resistance. Simply checking the product label can save you from major headaches—safety should always come first.
