How to keep windshield washer fluid from freezeing?
 

A newbe to winter driving asks...
While drivng in cold enough temps the light roadspray/mist in the air will freeze into a thin white sheet on the windshield. Using the windshield washer will remove it, but the the fluid in the washer tubes freezes up. That means either stop and clean ithe windshield or get behind a truck so the heavier spray gets on my windshield then run the wipers.

Now to the point, the saftey dept. says add alchohol to the washer fluid. No not the good stuff :D just isoproprul.

What about chemical reactions?
Does this work? Or was someone pulling my leg?
Add at what ratio?

Yes, I know low temp washer fluid is available, but if the ratio is low enough then the alchohol is cheaper since I can get free washer fluid from the shop (the kind that freezes).

Thanks for any help,
Dan

BTW ... Yes, I do read/search the posts on poor driving conditions and will likely be the slower truck in the granny lane during poor conditions.

I have found that the increased visibility of a good windshield washer fluid is worth the cost when compared to the free stuff I can get at the shop. I have ran Rainex in mine since it was new last May. Have been down to -12 and has not frozen, clears the windshield much better than the blue stuff with much better visibility. I had one of our drivers in the truck with me 2 weeks ago while it was raining and he was amazed at how clear my windshield stayed in the rain.

Side question though, why is it that when you have a windshield wiper go bad, the drivers' side always fails first?

Yes, I use the alcohol method. I just pour a little in there and see what happens. If it still freezes I just add more till I get it right. I have used as little as a quarter bottle before and I have used a complete bottle before. But, It still is easier just to spend the extra money and buy the fluid that is rated for low temps.

That reminds me, time to put on the new wipers I bought. Better ones than the shop will provide.

Dan

the same reason toast always lands butter side down

go to Wal-Mart get a jug of the Rain-X windshield washer fluid cleaner it is kind of pee green yellow color,it is alot better than that blue crap and only bout .75 cents more but it work's great.It clrans the windshield alot better also

:lol: Rumor has it ....some guy named "Murphy" is responsible ...

cool ...thanx guys ...Ill use it in my POV also ....

the Rain-X stuff works really really GOOD. It is the best out there. I drive for a guy in the winter time that has 3 tri axles dump trucks and has plows on them and we plow for penndot. With rain-x and winter wipers we never have to get out to smack the wipers. and the windshield stays kinda clear. With snow coming off the plow hitting the windshield.