Washer fluid helps clean the windshield with wipers while driving. However, it can freeze in bitterly cold winters. Have you ever wondered whether you can put antifreeze in washer fluid and what can happen to your car?
Washer fluid boosts visibility by protecting the windshield from dirt, insects, and streaks but freezes in cold weather. You can’t put antifreeze in washer fluid to protect your car paint. It also avoids streaks on the glass and becomes a safety hazard for animals and humans.
Washer fluid includes water that freezes at 32℉ when winter comes. A visual check allows seeing whether the washer fluid is frozen. You pop the hood, look at the car side wall towards the front, and see the washer fluid.
Alternatively, check a cap with a wiper having a water drop symbol on it. It’s the washer fluid reservoir. A visual inspection will tell you whether the fluid is frozen or not. If it’s frozen, you must thaw it to prevent damaging the pump, tank, and the lines that get the fluid to the nozzle.
Why Is Washer Fluid Important?
Before discovering whether you can add antifreeze to the washer fluid, you may wonder whether your car needs it anyway. There are various reasons why a car needs washer fluid, including:
It’s A Legal Requirement
Every car on the road must have washer fluid in the reservoir. You’re likely penalized when the police pull you over and discover you have no washer fluid. This is extremely important if there’s reason to suspect that poor visibility made you drive dangerously.
Reduces Sun Dazzle
This hazardous phenomenon may cause accidents at any time of the year. Keeping the washer fluid reservoir topped up ensures your windshield is free from streaks and smears that may cause dazzle.
Keeping Your Car In Great Shape
Washer fluid is specially made for use on car windshields. So, it isn’t recommended to try using water or other home products. You risk damaging your car paint time over time. Therefore, investing in quality washer fluid must be part of your car maintenance program.
Prevents Freezing
Quality washer fluid is essential, especially if it has a low freezing rating. On cold nights, the fluid will protect the water in the reservoir from freezing and damaging your vehicle.
Removes Bugs, Streaks, And Dirt
Your windshield is the first line of defense from various things on the road. Using water to clean it will only effectively remove dirt, streaks, and bugs. Quality washer fluid has powerful cleaning agents which remove any substances on the windshield for clear visibility.
Can You Put Antifreeze In Washer Fluid?
There’s a myth that putting antifreeze in washer fluid is like coolant. Vehicles use two kinds of antifreeze products for the coolant and washer fluid. Both have different purposes, although some think one can substitute the other, which is wrong.
Antifreeze for coolant doesn’t have the same freezing point as washer fluid antifreeze. So adding washer fluid antifreeze to your car engine may cause significant problems in winter. These may include damaging the internal parts of your car.
Alternatively, adding antifreeze to the washer fluid is a bad idea. It will not work to meet your expectations. You’re likely to end up with significant problems with your car.
What Will Happen To Your Car?
Antifreeze in washer fluid will potentially damage your paintwork. The impact will depend on the strength of the mixture and type. So, don’t take chances. You are likely to end up with spots on your car decor.
Putting antifreeze in your washer fluid will make you end up with streaks on the windshield. This is because antifreeze isn’t made for cleaning glass. Antifreeze is oily and will smear your windshield, making it blurry.
Antifreeze is naturally corrosive. So, adding it to your washer fluid will make it not freeze, but you will end up with significant damage to your car, including on components like hoses, water pumps, windshield gaskets, and wipers.
How Can I Prevent Washer Fluid From Freezing?
Knowing how to protect your washer fluid from freezing is an excellent idea after knowing the demerits of adding antifreeze. Here are some options to prevent washer fluid from freezing.
Keep In A Warm Place
Park your car in the garage when not using it to keep the washer fluid warm. You will regret it when you leave the car outside in the cold. Have the garage appropriately insulated if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather.
Place A Heat Source Near The Reservoir
Another brilliant idea to protect washer fluid from freezing is placing a heat source near the windshield reservoir at night, such as an engine block heater. This will keep the washer fluid washer even when the car isn’t moving. It’s a wonderful solution if you don’t have space to keep your car indoors during inclement weather.
Use Freeze Resistant Fluid
If you live in an icy place, invest in freeze-resistant washer fluid. This comes with special additives to resist harmful weather effects. It will lessen the chances of your washer fluid freezing.
Always look for a freeze-resistant solution to ensure the fluid won’t be affected by cold weather.
Conclusion
Suppose you’ve wondered whether you can add antifreeze to your washer fluid. Well, it’s a bad idea. It’s terrible for your car and puts your life at risk. Never attempt to put antifreeze in washer fluid to protect your car paint, smearing the windshield and corroding your car parts.
