What to Do When the Windshield Washer Fluid in a Sedan Freezes?
2 Answers
Here are the solutions for frozen windshield washer fluid in a sedan: 1. Do not continuously operate the switch, as this may burn out the washer pump and cause unnecessary financial loss. At this time, you can drive the car and wait for the engine's heat to thaw the windshield washer fluid before using it. 2. If the windshield is too blurry, for safety reasons, you can warm up the car for a while or park it in the sun. Wait until the washer fluid melts, clean the windshield thoroughly, and then drive. 3. Purchase a professional de-icer and add it to the washer fluid. This method works faster—once melted, you can spray it out. 4. Add some hot water to the washer fluid. Heating the water can significantly raise the temperature of the washer fluid and help melt the ice.
Don't force the washer fluid if it's frozen, as it can damage the nozzles. I've encountered this situation a few times, and the most effective method is to park in a warm place, like an underground garage or a sunny parking lot, allowing the car to naturally warm up and thaw. If you can't wait, you can gently apply a warm towel around the washer fluid reservoir to speed up the warming process, but avoid pouring boiling water directly to prevent cracking due to thermal expansion and contraction. After thawing, promptly drain the old fluid and replace it with a dedicated antifreeze washer fluid—choose a high-quality one that can withstand -20°C for reliable performance. Remember to check the washer fluid level before winter; too little fluid is prone to freezing. Safety comes first when driving—don't rush to spray if it's frozen to avoid hazards. Prevention is better than cure, so developing good habits saves time and effort.
