Have you got a frozen windshield washer fluid? Find out how to Keep your windshield washer fluid from Freezing due to winter.
During winter, some car components freeze and become unresponsive due to the harsh weather. You’d often have to break off the ice or turn on the heat on your car before some parts could become responsive or usable.
Components such as the door, windshield, and some fluids, such as the washer fluid, etc., are prone to freeze during winter, making it harder to release them onto the windscreen for better visibility.
In this article, we’ll provide six actionable tips to keep your windshield washer fluid from Freezing during winter.
How to Keep Your Windshield Washer Fluid from Freezing
Drivers’ major problem during winter is keeping their windshields clean and clear. The washer fluid is essential because it helps maintain visibility while driving but can freeze in cold temperatures.
When the windshield washer fluid freezes, it won’t be released to the windshield, no matter how many times the driver pulls the windshield control stalk. It’s just like trying to spray an ice block.
The best way to avoid this situation is by preventing your windshield washer fluid from freezing, and here are six ways to do so.
Always Cover the Windshield Washer Reservoir
Endeavor to consistently cover the lid of the windshield washer reservoir from Freezing due to the cold weather. Once the fluid freezes, your driving experience will be affected due to poor visibility.
This doesn’t just apply to your windshield washer reservoir; tighten and fasten the lid of every fluid or oil reservoir in your car to stop them from freezing.
Use Winter Shield Washer Fluid
When choosing the best windshield washer fluid for your car, you must go for the winter shield washer fluid if you live in a region that freezes too often.
This is advised because these washer fluids contain chemicals that prevent them from going below -40°F (degree Fahrenheit) without having any side effects on your car.
Add Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol to the Windshield Washer Reservoir
Another way to stop your washer fluid from freezing is by either adding vodka or rubbing alcohol to the windshield washer reservoir. Since they have a low Freezing point, it’ll help stop your washer fluid from Freezing during winter.
I’d also advise this method against the regular anti-freeze solutions, which do the same function but cause damage to the paint and metal parts of your car.
If you don’t want to apply any solution or chemical to your regular washer fluid, then you should go for the winter shield washer fluid.
Cover the Windshield When Parked
To keep your windshield washer fluid from freezing, cover the windshield with a windshield cover or tarp when the car is parked for a long time. This will help insulate the windshield from cold temperatures, preventing the washer fluid from blocking.
Park your Car Inside
If you have a garage or an enclosed parking structure, then this should go a long way in keeping your washer fluid warmed up. Rather than parking your car in the open, consider taking it to a covered parking lot.
Purchase a Windshield Washer De-icer
Instead of using homemade solutions such as hot water and co, you can buy a driver to help you remove snow and ice from your windshield, windows, and glass without hassles.
To use a De-icer, turn it on and face the warm air dispersed on your windshield. Within a short time, your washer fluid should be warmed up.
FAQs
Can I put anti-freeze in the washer fluid?
Putting anti-freeze in washer fluid is not advisable because of the long-term repercussions. You might not notice any side effects, but over time, the paint on your car will start peeling off, and other metal parts will start rusting. Put rubbing alcohol or vodka into your washer fluid instead.
What happens if windshield wiper fluid freezes?
If the windshield washer fluid freezes, you may not be able to get a visible picture of the road ahead. This is because of the inability of the washer fluid to be released onto the windshield to clean fog, snow, or dust that might have accumulated.
Why does washer fluid freeze?
Washer fluid freezes primarily because of the physical weather conditions of your residence.
Can I add alcohol to my windshield washer fluid?
Yes, alcohol is the best for reducing the melting temperature of the washer fluid. You can also use vodka as a substitute for rubbing alcohol.
Can you pour hot water into the windshield wiper fluid?
No, pouring hot water into your windshield washer fluid is not advised as it may crack the windscreen if released onto it and make the wiper fluid mixture ineffective.
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