Okay so I've seen a few people complain about their washer nozzles freeze up in bad weather but every single time it hits 20's nothing comes out of the nozzles. After I drive for around 30 minutes it starts to come out smooth as can be. None the less when it doesn't work absolutely nothing comes out of either nozzle. I always use the most expensive fluid rated to -30. I've tried 2 different fluids and no luck. This has never happened to me, you all think it could be something else?
Just sounds like they are frozen in the area that is above the hood. I don't usually use any washer fluid until the engine is warm though, so I haven't had that issue. Sorry I can't think of anything else to help. Usually when one of mine are blocked it is because I have not completely cleared the snow and/or ice from around it.
I have had this issue in other vehicles. Make sure you fill the reservoir with 100% washer fluid. Many gas stations and repair shops water down their washer fluid so that they can save money when the "top off" your fluids as a courtesy. Unfortunately, that raises the freezing point of the mixture so it will freeze at a higher temperature.
Better fluid. Despite what you think, your fluid is freezing. It is also possible to have slush freeze over the outside of the nozzles, but that should be obvious when you look at them. Tom
-Some- isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) will usually free it up within a day. In a Prius tank, with washer fluid already in there, I'd add a quart or so. Washer fluid is isopropyl alcohol with water, a drop of soap, and colour. Beware "rubbing alcohol" as it often has rubbing oil added. Don't spray it until the car has warmed the windshield up a bit, because it will drop in temp when it hits the windshield, due to evaporation. Even our -40C rated stuff will freeze on the windshield if you spray it before you have used "defrost" enough. Perhaps there is still higher temp rated stuff in the lines? It's also possible the alcohol is evaporating out of the lines (through the nossle), leaving it diluted so it freezes at a higher temp.
