Why Can't Windshield Washer Fluid Spray in Winter?
3 Answers
Winter windshield washer fluid may fail to spray due to the following reasons: 1. The added washer fluid has insufficient antifreeze capability. 2. The windshield nozzle is clogged. 3. The washer pump is damaged or there is a wiring issue. 4. Leakage in the washer fluid pipeline. 5. Insufficient washer fluid level. Below are the functions of windshield washer fluid: 1. Cleaning performance: Windshield washer fluid is formulated with various surfactants and additives. Surfactants typically have functions such as wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing, thereby achieving cleaning and stain removal. 2. Antifreeze performance: The presence of alcohol and ethylene glycol in the washer fluid can significantly lower the freezing point of the liquid, thus providing antifreeze effects and quickly dissolving frost. 3. Anti-fog performance: The washer fluid forms a single-molecule protective layer on the glass surface. This protective film prevents the formation of fog droplets, ensuring the windshield remains clear and transparent with a clear view. 4. Anti-static performance: After cleaning with washer fluid, substances adsorbed on the glass surface can eliminate static charges on the glass, providing anti-static properties. 5. Lubrication performance: The washer fluid contains ethylene glycol, which has a high viscosity and can provide lubrication, reducing friction between the wiper and the glass to prevent scratches. 6. Anti-corrosion performance: The washer fluid contains various corrosion inhibitors that have no corrosive effect on any metals, ensuring absolute safety for automotive paint and rubber.
The most common reason for windshield washer fluid not spraying in winter is freezing. Once, when I went out in sub-zero temperatures below -10°C, I found it wouldn’t spray—turns out I had mistakenly filled it with regular washer fluid the day before. When it froze, not only were the nozzles blocked, but the hoses could even crack. It’s advisable to stop using it immediately and park in a garage for a few hours to let it thaw. Next time, switch to a professional antifreeze washer fluid rated for -25°C, and check if the nozzle openings are blocked by ice chips. Before driving in winter, it’s best to warm up the car for about ten minutes to let the engine compartment heat up, reducing the chance of liquid freezing in the hoses. If it still doesn’t spray after thawing, you might need to check if the washer pump fuse is blown or if the hose connectors have cracked and leaked due to freezing.
I've encountered this issue too many times. The most common problem is the windshield washer nozzle freezing, especially those tiny spray holes. In winter, warm up the car for a while before driving and check if the rear window nozzle can spray water. Some cars have separate water pumps controlling the front and rear nozzles. It's crucial to check if the washer fluid reservoir is filled with antifreeze-type liquid—look for the -20°C or -40°C markings on the bottle when purchasing. If there's ice buildup on the nozzle, try scraping off the frozen chunks with a bank card. The washer fluid hose running from the engine compartment to the hood is prone to freezing; applying a hot towel to the hose connections works well. If parking outdoors for an extended period, emptying the washer fluid reservoir before parking prevents freezing issues.
