Frozen Washer Fluid

Scott, I usually use the de-icer washer fluid in the winter time. It has a much lower freezing temperature and also helps with frost on the windshield in the mornings. You could try that and see how it works. I've had issues in several cars with the washer fluid freezing on really cold nights - which we've had a lot of lately! Another nice thing about the De-Icer washer fluid, is that it doesn't freeze right away on the windshield when you're driving.

 

You can purchase methanol-based windshield washer fluid in cold areas. For example, last week I paid $1.89 for a gallon of fluid at Kragen's (a discount auto parts store) in south Lake Tahoe, CA.

 

I live in Cleveland OH. During the winter months the only windshield wiper fluid you can buy has a very low freezing point. Most gas station leave it out on a pallet outside all winter and it never freezes.

I predict the factory wiper fluid is very close to pure water. That is why it’s freezing.

 

The fluid in my new 2010 Sienna minivan also froze during the first cold spell this season (at least the fluid in the nozzles froze).

It must be some cheap blue fluid with very little methanol that Toyota is shipping in their vehicles this year. After all, somebody might take a mind to drinking it, and if there was actually anything dangerous in the washer fluid, Toyota could be held liable!

 

Those of us who experience hard winters never dilute washer fluid with water. We always use the stuff in the bottle 100% pure.

Living in Minnesota, I've always wondered how owners less-north deal with seasonal change. Do they drain/flush their diluted fluid before the cold each year or risk it freezing?
.

 

I use the anti freeze type fluid year round.

 

Rain-X De-Icer fluid. If it runs out in warm weather, I'll switch to the Rain-X De-bug fluid. If it hasn't run out before winter, I'll just start adding the De-Icer as I go along.

 

Canadian Tire -40 washer fluid won't freeze at -40, but it will freeze when it is sprayed on the windshield at -35 at 100km/hr, freeze on the windshield. At that speed and temp, the ice sublimates (evaporates) quite quickly however.

 

In Minnesota, you can buy 2 types:
25 below rated for 1.89ish
and 34 below for 2.89 ish

The 34 below is worth it, as the alcohol in both "boils" off some, especially at the nozzles, and they plug. the better stuff has more alcohol, and therefore works better.

 

Agreed, Buy the better stuff it's worth the loose change difference and I even add Prestone Clear Deicer additive to the famous -40 Deg Blue stuff as a added precaution.

It has not let me down yet...

 

Do any of these fluids hurt the paint?

 

I am frankly shocked that the factory fluid freezes. Can't they spend a few bucks to provide some antifreeze.

 

Mine froze yesterday, too. But I found that it was just freezing over the nozzle opening. I guess since they are tucked under the hood, there's no wind to blow the "dribble" off.

I've filled mine a couple times already with the blue stuff form Wal-Mart, looks like I gotta go to the Prestone stuff for winter

 

Or you can find isopropyl alcohol at a hardware or paint store and add some of that.
None of these will hurt paint per se, but if used constantly they will "dry" the paint (remove water molecules in the paint matrix) and remove any wax treatment from painted surfaces.

My experience is -any- concentration of alcohol and water except pure alcohol will freeze/smear on the windshield if it's cold enough so be prepared for that. It will sublimate away rather quickly though. If you can wait until the windshield heats up a bit (use the front defroster to warm it) the time of reduction of vision will be much shorter. Get in the habit of cleaning the windshield when you stop. Then you won't need to use the washer fluid until the car gets a little warm.

Windshield washer antifreeze is made of alcohol, either methyl or isopropyl, the latter being better, a drop of detergent sometimes, water, and dye. The more alcohol in it the lower the freeze rating. You can add car wash concentrate to it (just a few drops will do), but don't add dish detergent or laundry detergent. It's too aggressive and will eventually damage the paint and perhaps the rubber wiper blades and window seals.

If your bottle of fluid in the car is frozen you can add some of the above alcohol to it and it will usually thaw overnight.

DO NOT try to use engine antifreeze. It will make a mess on your windshield.

 

I have never experienced any problem. You have to be careful sometimes with the Windshield Glass Srays that MELT the snow...As long as your careful you should be good.

But I always read the instructions to ensure that it clearly states will not damage car finish/paint.