Windshield Washers

Kaos1 · 01-16-2007, 09:34 PM

Does anyone know if the windshield washers are programmed to not operate in freezing temperatures. Either that is the case or I've got some bad windshield washer fluid that is freezing in the lines.

galaxee · 01-16-2007, 09:41 PM

our nozzles are currently frozen shut too. got rained on, then it froze, and haven't thawed out since...

dmckinstry · 01-17-2007, 01:14 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kaos1 @ Jan 16 2007, 06:34 PM) [snapback]376597[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Does anyone know if the windshield washers are programmed to not operate in freezing temperatures. Either that is the case or I've got some bad windshield washer fluid that is freezing in the lines.
[/b]

Mine worked OK at 10 F or less. They're not working right now that it's warmed up. I'm assuming I'm out of fluid though.

Dave M.

jayman · 01-17-2007, 04:34 AM

About the only good thing about Canadian Tire - or Crappy Tire as we call it - is they carry their own line of 4 litre jugs of washer fluid good to -45 C.

I've been somewhat surprised to catch Americans living in border areas - such as northern Minnesota and ND - buying washer fluid when up here. Apparently the "winter" fluid down there is only good to -20 F.

I use the Crappy Tire -45 C stuff year round, seems to work ok. It sure reeks once you spray it on the windshield though.

Kaos1 · 01-17-2007, 05:49 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboK @ Jan 17 2007, 08:08 AM) [snapback]376705[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

That would be my guess. Maybe not a "bad" batch, just fluid that doesn't resist freezing. How cold has it been in your neck of the woods? (Can't tell where you live; I don't read lattitude and longitude very well.)

The factory stuff easily froze in mine last year. I put in some de-icer washer fluid a few weeks ago, in part to prevent freezing, and also to help de-ice the windshield. I haven't had a chance to test it for either purpose yet. Today we had the first sub-freezing temps (with no frost) in a few weeks. You might try that when your reservoir gets low. I think additives are also available that are designed to prevent freezing.
[/b]

It's been around 30F. Some mornings light frost will form on the windshield and usually could be removed by spraying some fluid on it but I guess that it has frozen in the lines or nozzles. Guess I'll have to get some of the good stuff.

JimboK · 01-17-2007, 08:08 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kaos1 @ Jan 16 2007, 09:34 PM) [snapback]376597[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

... I've got some bad windshield washer fluid that is freezing in the lines.
[/b]

That would be my guess. Maybe not a "bad" batch, just fluid that doesn't resist freezing. How cold has it been in your neck of the woods? (Can't tell where you live; I don't read lattitude and longitude very well.)

The factory stuff easily froze in mine last year. I put in some de-icer washer fluid a few weeks ago, in part to prevent freezing, and also to help de-ice the windshield. I haven't had a chance to test it for either purpose yet. Today we had the first sub-freezing temps (with no frost) in a few weeks. You might try that when your reservoir gets low. I think additives are also available that are designed to prevent freezing.

Skwyre7 · 01-17-2007, 08:55 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboK @ Jan 17 2007, 08:08 AM) [snapback]376705[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

The factory stuff easily froze in mine last year. I put in some de-icer washer fluid a few weeks ago, in part to prevent freezing, and also to help de-ice the windshield. I haven't had a chance to test it for either purpose yet. Today we had the first sub-freezing temps (with no frost) in a few weeks. You might try that when your reservoir gets low. I think additives are also available that are designed to prevent freezing.
[/b]

Same here. I haven't put the de-icer washer fluid in there yet, as I haven't had to refill. I might get some to top off the reservoir though.

Charles Suitt · 01-17-2007, 02:54 PM

<_< Although extended freezing weather is not prevalent in Dallas TX, I always use 'winterized' washer fluid during the winter months [safe to about 10º F]. Now [Jan 17 07] we're having freezing temperatures - washers working well. One issue, the huge washer fluid tank can last a long time, so anti-freeze solution may need to be added.

galaxee · 01-19-2007, 02:40 PM

yep, we dumped the remainder of our fluid and filled it up with de-icer instead... made a world of difference.

JimN · 01-19-2007, 09:50 PM

[quote]
That would be my guess. Maybe not a "bad" batch, just fluid that doesn't resist freezing. How cold has it been in your neck of the woods? (Can't tell where you live; I don't read lattitude and longitude very well.)

I estimate the OP is close to Chambersburg PA.

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01-16-2007, 09:34 PM	#1
Kaos1 Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mid-Alantic Posts: 40 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Does anyone know if the windshield washers are programmed to not operate in freezing temperatures. Either that is the case or I've got some bad windshield washer fluid that is freezing in the lines.

01-16-2007, 09:41 PM	#2
galaxee resident lab rat Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: boilermaker territory Posts: 9,675 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 94 Times in 37 Posts Friends: 26	our nozzles are currently frozen shut too. got rained on, then it froze, and haven't thawed out since...

01-17-2007, 04:34 AM	#4
jayman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Posts: 11,565 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: B Thanks: 35 Thanked 185 Times in 168 Posts Friends: 12	About the only good thing about Canadian Tire - or Crappy Tire as we call it - is they carry their own line of 4 litre jugs of washer fluid good to -45 C. I've been somewhat surprised to catch Americans living in border areas - such as northern Minnesota and ND - buying washer fluid when up here. Apparently the "winter" fluid down there is only good to -20 F. I use the Crappy Tire -45 C stuff year round, seems to work ok. It sure reeks once you spray it on the windshield though.

01-17-2007, 02:54 PM	#8
Charles Suitt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 1,624 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Touring Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	<_< Although extended freezing weather is not prevalent in Dallas TX, I always use 'winterized' washer fluid during the winter months [safe to about 10º F]. Now [Jan 17 07] we're having freezing temperatures - washers working well. One issue, the huge washer fluid tank can last a long time, so anti-freeze solution may need to be added.

01-19-2007, 02:40 PM	#9
galaxee resident lab rat Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: boilermaker territory Posts: 9,675 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 94 Times in 37 Posts Friends: 26	yep, we dumped the remainder of our fluid and filled it up with de-icer instead... made a world of difference.

01-19-2007, 09:50 PM	#10
JimN P719 of ??? Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,702 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: N/A Package: #3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 30 Times in 28 Posts Friends: 2	[quote] That would be my guess. Maybe not a "bad" batch, just fluid that doesn't resist freezing. How cold has it been in your neck of the woods? (Can't tell where you live; I don't read lattitude and longitude very well.) I estimate the OP is close to Chambersburg PA.