How to Stop Your Windshield Washer Fluid from Freezing
It is more than slightly annoying to find that your windshield washer fluid has frozen overnight, especially if you are running a little late in the morning.
There are a few simple ways to prevent this from happening to you. Even better, they are low-cost remedies. Always keep the washer fluid reservoir full in the wintertime. More fluid means that there is more volume and it takes a longer time to freeze. Buy windshield wiper fluid that is specially formulated for winter driving, like Blue Devil Windshield Washer Concentrate. These formulas will prevent freezing inside the fluid reservoir down to a temperature of -40 degrees. You can also go the do-it-yourself route and add isopropyl alcohol to the fluid. This is rubbing alcohol that you can find on the shelves of any store selling health and beauty products. Buy 90 percent rubbing alcohol because it is diluted with only 10 percent water. The cheaper 70 percent solution obviously contains much more water and may not be as effective as the stronger option. Add 16 ounces, one pint, to a gallon of washer fluid and shake the plastic jug to mix the contents. More is not better in this case because too much alcohol can damage your vehicle's paint. To prevent the washer fluid from freezing on your windshield, use the defrost setting for your vehicle's heater. This works even if icing occurs while you are driving. Another method is spraying the windshield with a mixture of vinegar and water before the temperature drops below freezing. You can make this by mixing three parts of water with one part of white vinegar in a plastic spray bottle. Spray it on the windshield but avoid letting it contact any painted surfaces. This mixture is too dilute to damage the paint, but it may remove a portion of the wax job. As an alternative, apply a commercial de-icing product.