We've all been there - it's a chilly winter morning, and as you prepare to embark on your daily commute, you're met with an unyielding windshield. So, why won't my windscreen washers work? Your screenwash may have fallen victim to the freezing temperatures.
Dealing with screenwash frozen in car is inconvenient and frustrating. But if you don’t learn how to unfreeze screenwash, it could be a whole lot more costly and dangerous. That’s why we are here to help.
So, why does screenwash freeze? And what can you do to get that reservoir unfrozen and clear your windscreen? We’ll cover all this and more below. You’ll even gain access to our premium screenwash rated for as low as -28°C!
That being said, let’s start with the basics - can screenwash freeze?
Certainly, screenwash can and does freeze. It's a liquid solution after all, and just like any other liquid, when the temperature drops enough, it solidifies.
However, the exact temperature at which your screenwash will freeze depends on its formulation.
Yes, it can. Just as water turns to ice under freezing conditions, screenwash can also succumb to the frigid temperatures, especially if it's diluted with a significant amount of water or if it's a low-quality formulation.
This is a common problem for drivers, especially those in regions that experience harsh winters. Imagine waking up to a frosty morning, attempting to clear your windscreen, only to find out that your screenwash is frozen solid!
This can set you back in your daily routine and be downright dangerous should you attempt to drive without your windscreen completely clear. Before we talk about how to unfreeze screenwash, though, why does screenwash freeze?
Let's dive a little into the chemistry behind screenwash to understand this. Screenwash is predominantly a mixture of water and detergents, with some formulations including alcohol or antifreeze agents.
The freezing point of pure water is 0°C. However, when you add solutes like detergents or alcohol, the freezing point decreases, meaning the solution can remain liquid at temperatures below 0°C.
But here's the catch: the exact freezing point of screenwash depends on its concentration and the types of chemicals used. A high-quality screenwash may contain ingredients that significantly lower the freezing point, allowing it to remain fluid even in extremely cold conditions.
On the other hand, if you've ever diluted your screenwash with too much water, or if the screenwash you purchased was of a lower grade, it might freeze just a few degrees below 0°C.
Moreover, many off-the-shelf screenwash solutions may not be up to par for extremely cold climates unless specifically labeled for winter or sub-zero use. These solutions, while effective at cleaning, may not have the required additives that prevent freezing at lower temperatures.
If you’re here reading this guide you’re probably all too familiar with the problems of dealing with screenwash frozen in car. It’s derailed your day and put you behind schedule.
But, that’s not the only reason you need to take swift action to unfreeze your car’s screenwash…
Water expands when it freezes. This simple fact of physics can wreak havoc on the confined spaces of a car's washer system.
Screenwash solutions can put undue pressure on the reservoir, hoses, and the tiny nozzles that spray the fluid onto the windscreen when frozen. This pressure might cause cracks or even ruptures over time or in particularly harsh conditions.
Furthermore, the washer pump, designed to move liquid, can strain or burn out if it tries to pump solid ice. Replacing these parts can be an unexpected and unwelcome expense, especially if the freeze-thaw cycle is a frequent winter occurrence.
Vision is paramount when you're on the road. If dirt, salt, or slush splashes onto your windscreen, and you have no way of clearing it because your screenwash is frozen, you're suddenly navigating with obscured vision.
According to road safety experts, driving with a dirty or frosty windscreen significantly increases the risk of accidents. You’re compromising your safety and the safety of others on the road when you drive without the ability to clean your windscreen effectively.
Beyond the potential harm to your vehicle and safety risks, there's the undeniable inconvenience factor. Waiting for the screenwash to thaw or searching for alternative methods to defrost it can lead to wasted time.
This delay can ripple through your day, making you late for work, appointments, or other commitments. It's one of those seemingly small issues that, especially when recurring, can throw off your entire routine.
In a world where time is precious, and punctuality often equated with professionalism, the repercussions of frozen screenwash can extend beyond mere vehicle maintenance. The knock-on effects can have real-world consequences on one's personal and professional life.
Don’t stress, though. There are a few ways you can go about unfreezing your car’s screenwash. We’ll also talk about a way you can prevent this frustration setback from ever happening again!
You need effective and safe solutions to get things flowing again when faced with screenwash frozen in car. Here is how to unfreeze screenwash in car fast to get back on the road with crystal-clear vision:
If you find your screenwash has frozen solid, one of the quickest ways to thaw it is by pouring lukewarm water over the reservoir and the nozzles.
It's crucial, however, to ensure the water isn't too hot, as a sudden temperature change could potentially crack the reservoir or the windshield. Lukewarm water gradually melts the ice without posing a risk to your car's parts.
Sometimes, the simplest solution is just moving your car to a warmer spot. While this may not do you much good if you’re in a rush, it is a good habit to get into so that you don’t have to deal with it again.
Parking your vehicle indoors can naturally help in thawing the screenwash if you have access to a garage. Even if the garage isn't heated, the mere fact that it's sheltered from the cold wind can make a noticeable difference.
If you don't have a garage, seeking a sunny spot during the day can also help, as direct sunlight can slowly raise the temperature inside your vehicle.
While instinct might drive you to crank up the car's heater to melt the ice, this might not be as effective for the screenwash.
The car's heater primarily targets the inside of the vehicle and the windscreen, but not necessarily the washer reservoir located under the bonnet.
While a warm engine compartment can aid in the thawing process, it's a gradual method and not the quickest solution if you're in a hurry.
Some modern vehicles come equipped with heated windshield washer systems. These systems are designed to prevent screenwash from freezing in the first place, or to quickly thaw it if it does. If your vehicle has this feature, it's typically as simple as pushing a button.
However, if you find yourself often dealing with frozen screenwash, and your car doesn't already have this feature, it might be worth investing in aftermarket heated washer systems.
Hopefully these tips on how to unfreeze screenwash in car get you back on the road fast. You can learn more about where to put screen wash or what happens if you don’t dilute screen wash in our blog.
At this point, though, it’s time we talked about prevention - which is where our harsh-weather screenwash formulations come in to save the day!
There's nothing more frustrating than discovering your screenwash frozen in car as winter’s chill seeps into every nook and cranny. But with Jennychem, you can bid farewell to these cold-weather woes for good!
We are proud to offer the best car screenwash for all climates, and we have a brilliant formulation specifically designed for the harshest UK winter climates. Our Extreme Winter Screenwash Super Concentrate is the ultimate shield against winter's icy grasp.
It’s a meticulously crafted formula that promises to be the guardian of your windscreen, battling everything from the most severe frosts to the persistent grime that winter roads throw at you. Here’s what separates it from the rest:
At Jennychem, we believe in empowering our customers with products that not only meet expectations but exceed them. This guarantee extends beyond our screenwash to our full selection of vehicle maintenance essentials.
That includes our car antifreeze concentrate, snow foam, car shampoo, ad blue for sale, air freshener, car drying towel, car wash mitt, and everything in between.
You can always trust Jennychem when you need vehicle cleaning or maintenance products - from the best car drying towel in the UK to the best snow foam in the UK, best luxury car air freshener in the UK, best tyre dressing, and beyond. Shop now as we wrap up this guide on how to unfreeze screenwash in car.
There you have it - how to unfreeze screenwash in car. Winter’s chill doesn’t have to take a toll on your vehicle’s windscreen system any longer. These frosty hurdles become more manageable with the right knowledge and products - and we have both in store for you here at Jennychem.
Get more tips on vehicle maintenance in our blog. We have articles on how to ceramic coat a car, how much adblue to add how to use snow foam, snow foam vs car shampoo, how to wash car wash mitt, the best way to dry a car after washing, and a whole lot more.
Remember, while unfreezing your screenwash is essential, prevention is the ultimate solution. By equipping your vehicle with a premium screenwash formula, you're investing in hassle-free winter drives and ensuring safety on the road.
Don’t let screenwash frozen in car delay your days or put your safety at risk ever again!
