What to Do When Car Windshield Washer Fluid Freezes?
2 Answers
Manually clean the windshield, then start the vehicle and use the heat generated by the vehicle's operation to melt the washer fluid. Here is some relevant information about washer fluid: 1. Types of washer fluid: There are many types of washer fluid available in the domestic market, but they can mainly be divided into three categories: summer washer fluid, winter antifreeze washer fluid, and special antifreeze washer fluid. Summer washer fluid is primarily used to remove insect residue from the windshield. It is important to choose the appropriate washer fluid based on different climates and temperature conditions. 2. Functions of washer fluid: High-quality washer fluid features rapid snow and ice melting, anti-glare, and anti-fogging properties, which play a significant role in improving driving safety.
I've driven for many years in the north, and frozen windshield washer fluid is all too common in winter. If you notice it's frozen, don't force the spray to avoid damaging the nozzles or motor. I usually park the car in a warm garage or underground parking lot and wait a few hours for it to thaw naturally. If there's no garage, I leave it in a sunny spot. When in urgent need, I carefully use a hairdryer to blow warm air at the washer fluid reservoir to thaw it, keeping a safe distance to prevent burns or part damage—just a few minutes of blowing to test. After thawing, I immediately replace the old fluid with antifreeze washer fluid, choosing a brand with a low-temperature rating like -30°C. Regularly, I check the fluid level and add a bit of alcohol to dilute it and prevent freezing, but not too much to avoid reduced effectiveness. Remember to replace it before winter to save a lot of hassle—making it a habit ensures safety and convenience.
