Will Frozen Windshield Washer Fluid Damage the Water Tank?
2 Answers
If the vehicle's windshield washer fluid reservoir freezes, it is recommended not to use the wiper motor for an extended period as it may cause burnout or damage. Wait until the ice thaws, or you can add a small amount of high-proof alcohol to help speed up the thawing process before resuming normal use. Below is an introduction to windshield washer fluid: 1. Windshield washer fluid contains components such as ethylene glycol and alcohol, which significantly lower the freezing point of the liquid, preventing it from freezing in winter. When using windshield washer fluid, choose between antifreeze and special-effect types based on the corresponding temperature. Antifreeze types are generally suitable for temperatures above -20°C, while special-effect types are suitable for temperatures below -20°C. In colder northern winters, it is advisable to use special-effect windshield washer fluid to avoid freezing due to extremely low temperatures. 2. If you find that the washer fluid does not spray when the reservoir is full, it indicates that the fluid is frozen. In this case, do not attempt to spray further. If the weather is clear, you can park the car in the sun at noon, open the hood to let the sunlight warm the reservoir. If the freezing is not severe, the fluid will thaw on its own after some time.
Last winter, I personally experienced the issue of windshield washer fluid freezing, which was quite worrying at first as I thought it might damage the radiator as well. After doing some research and consulting with a mechanic friend, I learned that the windshield washer fluid and the cooling system's radiator are completely separate, with no connecting pipes between them. If the washer fluid freezes and expands, it mainly damages the washer fluid reservoir, spray nozzles, or pipes, as these plastic components are prone to bursting, affecting the windshield cleaning performance. However, the radiator contains engine coolant, typically a mixture with antifreeze, designed with excellent boiling and freezing points, making it less likely to freeze and get damaged. I recommend using a specialized antifreeze washer fluid formula during cold seasons to avoid such troubles—it really helps prevent unexpected expansion damage. If it accidentally freezes, just park the car in a garage or heated room for a few hours to let it thaw, and avoid using the spray nozzles forcefully to prevent further damage. Also, make it a habit to check the washer fluid level when inspecting the tires—it’s the safest practice.
