Symptoms
- Washer fluid stopped spraying only in cold weather
- Reservoir has ice or slush visible inside
- Fluid used was a summer-only or diluted mix
Likely causes
- CommonWasher fluid not rated for the temperatureFluids are rated to different freeze points; a summer blend can freeze well above 32°F.
- CommonWater added or fluid diluted with waterDiluting washer fluid, even with good intentions, raises its freezing point significantly.
- PossibleFrozen line or nozzle rather than the whole reservoirSometimes only the exposed line or nozzle freezes even if the reservoir fluid is fine.
What to do
- Check the fluid's rated freeze temperature on the bottle you used; many basic fluids are only rated to about 20°F.
- If frozen, park in a warmer space (garage) if possible and let it thaw naturally rather than forcing the pump, which can burn out the motor.
- Once thawed, drain and refill with a washer fluid rated well below your area's coldest expected temperature (some go down to -20°F or lower).
- Never add plain water to washer fluid in cold climates, since it raises the freeze point.
- If only the nozzles are frozen, a small amount of warm (not boiling) water poured over them can help, then dry them off.
- Keep the reservoir full going into winter, since a fuller reservoir is somewhat more resistant to freezing than a nearly empty one.
Tools and parts
Winter-rated washer fluidSearch: “washer fluid rated for -20F”
When to call a pro
If the washer pump motor runs but no fluid comes out even after thawing, have the pump checked since forcing a frozen pump can burn it out.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.