Will There Be Problems If the Windshield Washer Fluid Freezes and Is Left Untreated?
3 Answers
Windshield washer fluid freezing and being left untreated can cause problems. If the washer fluid freezes, turning on the windshield wiper switch can easily damage the motor. Additionally, when the wipers are activated without washer fluid being sprayed, the wipers will scrape against the windshield roughly, potentially scratching the windshield and impairing the driver's visibility. If the washer fluid reservoir is not completely frozen and there is still some space, you can add some warm water to speed up the thawing process. However, be careful not to use water that is too hot—ideally, it should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius, as excessively high temperatures can cause the reservoir to crack. On sunny days, the owner can park the vehicle in the sun, open the engine hood, and let the sun warm it for a while. This method usually helps thaw the frozen washer fluid quickly. Another method is to start the vehicle and let it idle to warm up, allowing the engine's heat to thaw the washer fluid. However, idling the engine will increase fuel consumption. Once the washer fluid has thawed, it is essential to drain the old fluid and replace it with a washer fluid that has a lower freezing point.
Last time my windshield washer fluid froze and I ignored it, which ended up costing me big time. The washer motor burned out from trying to work against the ice, and replacing it cost over 300 yuan. The mechanic said frozen washer fluid expands in volume and can crack the reservoir, but the biggest worry is when it thaws in warmer weather and leaks into the engine bay, corroding the wiring. If it snows and you can't use the washer fluid to clean off the grime, the wipers scraping dry can also damage the rubber blades. It's recommended to quickly thaw it using the heater in the garage, or if that doesn't work, switch to a -25°C antifreeze washer fluid. Never pour hot water on it, as the washer fluid reservoir can easily crack.
Frozen windshield washer fluid can cause many hazards. One winter, I was in a hurry to go out and the nozzle was frozen. I forced the switch, which ended up burning out the wiper motor. The mechanic found that the reservoir and pipes were deformed and cracked by the ice. Even after the weather warmed up and the ice melted, they would leak with every bump. The worst part was when mud suddenly splattered on the windshield while driving on the highway, making it hard to see and increasing the risk of an accident. I recommend using a heater in the garage for half an hour to thaw it, then adding some alcohol to prevent freezing. Experienced drivers say never to use tap water as a substitute, as it will freeze again when the temperature drops.
