Windshield wiper fluid does a great job of keeping your windshield squeaky clean. Certain variants are even formulated to clean up bug carcasses or let water slip off the glass quickly. But can you use these formulas all year round, or does windshield wiper fluid freeze in the winter? Well, if you live in a colder climate or have particularly harsh winters, you’ll want to pick up a winter windshield washer.
For many places with mild winters, an all-season windshield wiper should do the trick. For summers, there are even windshield washers with bug-washing properties. Keep in mind though that mild-weather wiper fluid does freeze at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If your winters tend to dip below that temperature for extended periods of time, you’ll want something more resilient to the cold.
You can opt to pick up a winter windshield washer fluid and keep it in your vehicle all year long if you worry about freezing wiper fluids. These winter formulas can stay liquid until -20 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit depending on their ingredients. Standard winter fluids have a freezing point of around -30 degrees, give or take. This is good enough for most cold places.
In very cold temperatures however, even winter windshield wiper fluids can still freeze. If you live in an extremely cold climate, you can opt to purchase windshield wiper antifreeze, which will retain its liquid form until -50 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes as an additive for certain washer fluids, meaning you pour it in to keep your non-winter windshield wiper fluid from freezing.
When you take your vehicle to a repair facility, they’ll likely also top up your washer fluid. Take care because the formula they use might be a very watered down washer fluid that’s more prone to freezing. Frozen windshield washer fluid can cause a lot of problems for your washer system. The expanding liquid can crack the washer fluid tank or damage the fluid pump, which might need to be replaced. Alternatively, certain washer fluids might freeze when sprayed out onto the windshield, which is dangerous because it can limit your vision.
One note to make is when you take your vehicle in to a repair facility, most will top off your washer fluid. You have to be careful because they are usually a very watered down version.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
When dealing with frozen windshield washer fluid, you can try getting the fluid to melt out by driving around, parking in a sunny spot, or warming up your vehicle. If the pump and tank aren’t damaged, you can spray out all the old fluid and replace it with something more weather-appropriate. If the pump and tank did sustain some damage though, it’s best to consult a licensed mechanic.
The cold winter can wreak havoc on your windshield washer and other related components. The washer reservoir and washer hoses can rupture when washer fluid freezes and expands. Without a functioning windshield washer, you can’t clean your windshield while driving. Good thing you can get your windshield washer back to tip-top shape by getting the right replacement parts here at CarParts.com!
CarParts.com is a one-stop shop for all sorts of parts and accessories, including various components for your vehicle’s windshield washer. We have a wide selection of parts for various makes and models, so you can be confident that we’ll have the part that you need. Moreover, our parts are built to last, as they’re sourced from the leading aftermarket brands.
Get your windshield washer working like new again! Check out our selection of windshield washer parts and order today at CarParts.com!
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