What to Do When Car Windshield Washer Fluid Freezes and Won't Spray
3 Answers
If the windshield washer fluid is frozen, do not attempt to spray it as this may damage the motor. Here are some solutions: 1. Solar Thawing Method: If the sun is strong, park the car under direct sunlight at noon and open the hood to let the sun warm the engine compartment. If the fluid isn't severely frozen, it should thaw after some time. 2. Warm Water Thawing Method: If sunlight doesn't work, add some warm water to the washer fluid reservoir. Once the fluid thaws, drain it completely to prevent refreezing. 3. Underground Parking Thawing: If you have access to a warm underground garage, park the car there and start the engine. The combined heat from the garage and the engine will quickly thaw the frozen fluid.
I've been driving for over a decade and encountered frozen windshield washer fluid several times. The main issue stems from insufficient antifreeze concentration - once temperatures drop below freezing, it solidifies and clogs the nozzles. From my experience, don't forcibly activate the washer button as it may burn out the motor. The safest approach is to quickly park in a heated garage or indoor parking lot for several hours to let it thaw naturally. In urgent situations, you can add bottled warm water to help, but never use boiling water to avoid cracking the windshield. Prevention is crucial - always use dedicated antifreeze washer fluid, preferably the -20°C rated type for better reliability. Also note that similar defogging systems for the front windshield may freeze too. Conducting winter preparedness checks before the cold season can prevent many headaches, especially since clear visibility is vital during long-distance driving. Remember to stay patient - safety first, never take reckless risks.
Last winter, I panicked when I found the windshield washer fluid wouldn't spray. A friend later told me it was probably frozen. The usual cause is low temperatures causing the liquid to freeze and block the pipes. The solution is simple: stop trying to use it to avoid damaging the nozzles, park in a warmer place like an underground garage for a while to let it thaw naturally. Or carefully pour some warm water to rinse the nozzle area, wait a few minutes to see if it clears. To prevent this, just switch to a high-freeze-resistant, standard windshield washer fluid that works above -15°C. This is similar to wiper blades, which also tend to have issues in winter. Regular vehicle maintenance can avoid such embarrassing situations and make driving much more worry-free.
