What to Do When the Windshield Washer Fluid Freezes and Causes the Motor to Stop Responding?
4 Answers
If the windshield washer fluid is frozen and the motor is not responding, this is usually caused by the frozen washer fluid. In this case, avoid frequent attempts to spray the fluid and focus on thawing it as soon as possible. Solution: If the windshield washer fluid is severely frozen and sunlight alone cannot thaw it, you can slowly add some lukewarm water to the reservoir. However, avoid using hot water, as it may not only fail to thaw the fluid but also risk cracking the reservoir, which is not cost-effective. Precautions for Using Windshield Washer Fluid: It is important to note that the windshield washer fluid used in winter should differ from that used in summer, especially in regions with significant temperature differences between seasons. Winter washer fluid should have properties such as antifreeze and cleaning capabilities. When winter approaches, choose a washer fluid with better antifreeze performance. If you are unsure about its antifreeze properties, check the freezing point of the fluid—it should be at least 10°C lower than the typical lowest temperature in your area. Additionally, when purchasing washer fluid, opt for reputable brands. Legitimate washer fluids are categorized based on temperature, allowing car owners to select the most suitable product for the current weather conditions.
Last winter, I also encountered the issue of frozen windshield washer fluid, with the motor not making any sound at all. I was in a hurry to go out and kept pressing the switch, almost burning out the motor. Later, I parked the car in an underground garage to let it thaw slowly, which took three hours to completely melt. The key point is to thoroughly spray out any remaining fluid after thawing, otherwise it will freeze again at minus ten degrees. Now, I always switch to antifreeze windshield washer fluid in advance, with a freezing point about ten degrees lower than the local minimum temperature. I also keep portable antifreeze windshield washer fluid in the car for emergencies, and when parking, I try to position the car with the front facing away from the wind to reduce the impact of low temperatures. If the reservoir cracks due to freezing, it would be troublesome—a friend of mine spent over five hundred yuan replacing one. If you hear the motor humming but no water comes out, stop immediately and don’t force it.
Our auto repair shop handles over a dozen cases of frozen windshield washer fluid every winter. Key points to note: First, forcing the spray can burn out the motor—overheating the coil will render it useless. Second, thawing should be gradual; park the car indoors at around 10°C to let it melt naturally, as using heat lamps may damage the tubing. Third, after thawing, check the motor's resistance—the standard range is 3-5 ohms; significant deviation means replacement is needed. For antifreeze washer fluid, check the composition: methanol-based types have lower freezing points but corrode rubber parts, while ethanol-based ones are safer. Sediment at the bottom of the reservoir should be cleaned regularly, as excess impurities increase the risk of freezing. Northern car owners should drain the system before winter to completely remove summer-grade washer fluid.
Experience in Northeast China at minus 30 degrees: The first bottle of antifreeze windshield washer fluid should be replaced in November, and choosing the minus 40-degree specification is the safest. Park the car at night with the wipers raised to prevent them from freezing to the glass. If you find that the washer fluid won’t spray in the morning, first run the car with the heater on for half an hour to warm it up before trying again. The most practical solution is to mix your own antifreeze: two liters of water with half a kilogram of medical alcohol, costing just three yuan and lasting all winter. Once, when my washer motor froze, I opened the fuse box and removed the fuse for the washer motor, then reinserted it at noon when the temperature rose. Never follow the advice of pouring hot water—the plastic reservoir will crack from sudden temperature changes.
