What to Do When Car Windshield Washer Fluid Freezes and Won't Spray Out
2 Answers
Solutions for frozen windshield washer fluid that won't spray out: You can open the reservoir cap and let it thaw in sunlight. If only a thin layer is frozen, it will melt quickly. If it remains frozen, add some warm water to help thaw the fluid. Note that after thawing, you should completely replace the existing washer fluid with a lower-freezing-point formula to prevent re-freezing. Windshield washer fluid is a consumable liquid used for cleaning vehicle windshields, primarily composed of water, alcohol, and ethylene glycol, providing cleaning, antifreeze, and anti-fog functions. By formulation, it can be categorized into solid and liquid types, with most solid variants designed for use above 0°C.
When encountering frozen windshield washer fluid that won't spray, my most straightforward solution is to park in a safe spot, open the hood, and let the engine heat up to melt the ice with radiant heat. Usually waiting about ten minutes will get it spraying again. If in a hurry, you can carefully use a hairdryer or warm air to blow on the washer nozzle, but be careful not to melt plastic components. Afterwards, be sure to completely replace it with antifreeze washer fluid - I recommend brands with a freezing point of -20°C or lower, like Shell. Never cut corners by using tap water, as it will definitely freeze in winter. During routine maintenance, check the fluid concentration to avoid being stranded. If it doesn't work after one attempt, inspect for clogged lines or a faulty pump to prevent vehicle damage. This is actually quite a common issue - just handle it patiently.
