What to Do When the Windshield Washer Fluid in the Car Freezes?
2 Answers
Drive the car into the sunlight, open the front hood to let it bask in the sun, which can help thaw the windshield washer fluid. Alternatively, you can pour some warm water into the washer fluid reservoir. Once the fluid thaws, make sure to drain it from the reservoir as soon as possible to prevent it from freezing again. When selecting windshield washer fluid, consider the following two points: 1. Check the Packaging Labels The packaging should clearly display the manufacturer's name, address, production date, and other details. If the packaging appears rough or the production date is unclear, it might be a low-quality product that not only fails to clean effectively but also tends to freeze easily. 2. Understand the Freezing Point of the Washer Fluid In winter, use an anti-freeze windshield washer fluid to ensure it doesn't freeze and damage car components even when the outside temperature drops below -18°C. There is also a special anti-freeze type that remains unfrozen at temperatures as low as -40°C, suitable for use in extremely cold regions of northern China. Choose the appropriate windshield washer fluid based on the environmental temperature of your region.
I've encountered the issue of frozen windshield washer fluid several times while driving in Northeast China. The first thing to remember is not to force the spray, as the water pump and pipes can't handle it and may get damaged. Find time to park the car in a warmer indoor garage. If that's not available, go to a repair shop and borrow their hot air blower to slowly thaw the reservoir—it usually takes about two hours to work. Never pour boiling water, as the temperature difference can crack the glass and cause even bigger trouble. After thawing, immediately check if the washer fluid has a low freezing point and replace it with a winter-specific antifreeze type. Look for products labeled -30°C. Also, inspect the reservoir and pipes for any potential leaks. Make it a habit to check regularly to avoid damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Driving on icy roads without clear visibility is extremely dangerous, so this issue must be resolved as soon as possible—don't delay.
