Will windshield washer fluid with a freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius freeze?
3 Answers
Windshield washer fluid with a freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius will not freeze, as 0-degree fluid has antifreeze properties. Automotive windshield washer fluids are generally categorized into summer-use 0-degree fluid and winter-use -20 and -35-degree fluids. Those that remain unfrozen at -40 degrees Celsius are considered special antifreeze types, suitable for extremely cold northern regions. High-quality automotive windshield washer fluid is primarily composed of water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. Commonly known as "glass water," windshield washer fluid typically has wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing functions, thereby serving to clean and remove dirt. Based on their form, windshield washer fluids can be classified into solid and liquid types.
When I was young and driving in the north, I encountered this issue. Back then, I didn’t know better and used windshield washer fluid with a freezing point of 0°C. As a result, it froze when the temperature dropped. That time, it almost caused an accident—the windshield was covered in ice shards, and the fluid wouldn’t spray, making driving feel like fumbling in the dark. Later, an experienced driver taught me that if the washer fluid is labeled with a freezing point of 0°C, it will definitely freeze when the temperature falls below 0°C, since that’s the freezing point of the liquid. Now I’ve learned my lesson: as soon as winter arrives, I switch to antifreeze washer fluid, like the kind labeled -20°C, so even in the coldest weather, it won’t freeze. Everyone, remember—don’t skimp on this small expense. Safety comes first. Check the freezing point label on your washer fluid every season to avoid panicking like I did back then. This matters for your family’s peace of mind on the road.
The key here is understanding the freezing point concept. Simply put, if the windshield washer fluid has a 0°C freezing point, it will definitely freeze when temperatures drop below 0°C. Driving in the city during winter makes this particularly obvious - regular washer fluid turns to ice when temperatures fall below zero, spraying out as ice shards that can't clean the windshield at all. I recommend using professional antifreeze washer fluid with a freezing point lower than your area's minimum temperature, such as -10°C or lower products. Also, never mix tap water with washer fluid as that raises the freezing point. Over the years, I've developed a habit of checking all car fluids every three months, especially replacing with new bottled fluid before winter. It's a small expense that prevents major troubles, ensuring worry-free driving throughout the season.
