Frozen windshield washer fluid

[BobC]

Last winter I went up North to NY for Christmas and found that the washer fluid (standard jug stuff) was freezing in the lines/nozels (not the reservoir) at between 0-+10. After riding around for 30 minuted or so, they did thaw.

I would like to eliminate this problem for this year's trek. Any suggestions?

[ctrlraven]

Get the De-Icer kind of washer fluid. It will be more available up north.

Try finding some Prestone kind. Freeze protection -34°
http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/622569b.jpg

[Blk Mamba]

My suggestion is don't go.

[Mr. Man]

It's the alcohol that keeps washer fluid from freezing. Buy some that has a very low freezing point. I believe the alcohol is of the isopropyl variety. Read the active ingredient on the label. Perhaps you can find some of it in the pharmacy and add to what you have.

[babbage]

It's the alcohol that keeps washer fluid from freezing. Buy some that has a very low freezing point. I believe the alcohol is of the isopropyl variety. Read the active ingredient on the label. Perhaps you can find some of it in the pharmacy and add to what you have.


I got that stuff (above) , and didn't use it all up last winter. Then was paranoid I was spraying "paint thinner" all over my car! :eek:

[Egon Spengler]

I have never had this happen before in MA and it stays VERY cold for long periods of time here. Strange.

[Cheeseheadbob]

Since I work in the food manufacturing industry, we have drums of 99% IPA for various cleaning requirements. I mix in about 10% of that with the cheapo windshield washer fluid and it will not freeze. It even works as a de-icer when I add a little propylene glycol! Better living through chemicals....:D


I would like to eliminate this problem for this year's trek. Any suggestions?

[babbage]

Since I work in the food manufacturing industry, we have drums of 99% IPA for various cleaning requirements. I mix in about 10% of that with the cheapo windshield washer fluid and it will not freeze. It even works as a de-icer when I add a little propylene glycol! Better living through chemicals....:D

Does this hurt paint/rubber etc?

[Cheeseheadbob]

99% IPA will dry out rubber at fairly high concentrations. Probably >25%. I am not sure about paint, but I never had issues, and I ran that solution year round. The PG is petroleum based, so it does not harm the rubber components. Again, as for the paint, I did not have any issues. I find it funny that the manufacturers of the de-icer / no freeze washer fluid make it orange to make it seem like there is some sort of special ingredient you are paying an extra 3 bucks for...:rolleyes:
Does this hurt paint/rubber etc?

[Mr. Man]

Glycol on the paint isn't great if it sits. Alcohol is not paint thinner so spray away.

[Cheeseheadbob]

You are correct sir. Thanks for that. I never drove the Marauder in poor weather, but my other cars got washed very regularly, so I did not have to worry about it.
Glycol on the paint isn't great if it sits.

[BobC]

Thanks, I'll get some IPA for the car..and some India Pale Ale for me. :beer:

[Cheeseheadbob]

Ha! That brings back a memory from my brewing days. Our brewery had a lab guy whose English was barely adequate at best. Whenever we brewed our IPA, the fermentation log would be labeled IPA, of course. After our lab guy would do the micro, he would always come out and say, "what is this eeepa? I have never heard of such a beer." We finally clued him in about a year later...:beer:
..and some India Pale Ale for me. :beer:

[Dragcity]

Welcome to New York in the winter.

Born and raised here. It is common for our tool cabinets to have one or two bottles of Rubbing Alcohol, for just such an emercency.

Also found lying about are several cans of Ether, AKA 'Starting Fluid'
A Fall ritual for me is to stock up on these types of things. Just one more expense we incur here.

God, I hate NY...