Wiper Fluid Frozen

I'm surprised a Canadian is asking this question.

I always add winter washer fluid at this time of year and importantly I run it through by washing the windscreen a few times. No point leaving water or summer fluid in the pipes and jets.

 

i didn't even know they sold summer fluid.

 

Mixing is not a problem. I usually remember to pour in a jug of winter washer fluid before it starts freezing hard at night, then pump it through for a minute or so. Draining not required.

 

Or mildly warm water. Doesn't have to be boiling. I always use tepid water to clear my screen in a morning. 10c water is much warmer than a -10c screen. 90c water will just cause problems.

 

Get a large tarp or plastic sheet. Place it over the car. Leave the grill and tailpipe uncovered. Run the car for an hour or so until it's all warmed up. Then run your washer until all the summer fluid is replaced with winter fluid.

 

Don't sit in the car whilst you do this though

 

Yes, don't.

 

I don't see the point of ever using non freeze-protected fluid (aka summer fluid), year 'round. During the summer I rarely use the washer fluid, so whatever fluid I pour in then is still going to be mostly there, come below freezing times. And my climate's a lot milder than T.O., lol.

Could you get the car into a semi-heated garage for a few hours, and siphon out the fluid? Be careful: use a fluid transfer pump or be real cautious if starting a siphon action with your mouth.

 

For those of us who live inland, "bugwash" is a necessity in the summer. I don't believe it comes in a non-freezing version.

 

You can buy methanol-laced fluid year 'round, on the lower mainland. Even if it's in short supply you can stock up. I've been using Toyota's fluid.

 

If it costs 3 times as much, it's gotta be at least twice as good.


Water with a bit of methanol mixed in works too.

 

It's $3.95 for 4 liters. I'm there getting oil and filters, main reason I get it. I wishfully think it might be a bit better at preventing a film building up on the glass. The generic stuff's what, $2.99? I'm not saying it's miracle fluid Greg, lol. My main point: NEVER use methanol-free fluid, no freezing problems.

 

In my area, you can't even get the stuff made for below-freezing weather; they're not allowed to sell it due to the high VOC content. Which is fine, as long as you don't drive into the mountains, where it does freeze...

Of course, given our nice weather, I've only had to fill the washer fluid once in almost 40,000 miles - but I discovered that the auto parts store keeps the good stuff behind the counter, so you have to ask for it. Luckily, I was heading into the mountains shortly afterward, so I had an excuse for needing it...

 

Unbelievable.