Windshield washer antifreeze?

[LDB]

Is there anything to add to the washer fluid tank to reduce freezing? We usually never drop below freezing and I use the green Rain-X at home. I have no clue what's in my new 2 days ago Honda Ridgeline. I don't want either car to freeze and burst a seam on the tank when expanding. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[rijndael]

 

[ctechbob]

Isopropyl alcohol......

Or methanol, which as I recall is what is in regular blue washer fluid that's rated for freezing temps.

 

[#18FAN]

You might find Methanol in a paint department main ingredient used in most washer fluid.
Or pour in a bottle of YELLOW bottle HEET 100% methanol

 

[LDB]

Thank you. I hadn't found the Prestone in the searches I did. And being south of Houston it is hen's teeth. But the places I've checked would send it to me by Thursday or so. Yeah, that really helps. I've had a few people comment the factory fill should be good down into the teens so I probably don't need to be concerned. I'm sure I can find other things to fuss with.

 

[skyactiv]

If the level is high enough and you have an antifreeze tester, test it.

 

[eljefino]

In a pinch you can use denatured alcohol or even vodka. If you're worried, siphon down the reservoir, store the fluid in a jug for after the cold spell or just chuck it. Throw a couple ounces of vodka in to mix with the few ounces you couldn't siphon, then run the pump for a second.

 

[thastinger]

Is there anything to add to the washer fluid tank to reduce freezing? We usually never drop below freezing and I use the green Rain-X at home. I have no clue what's in my new 2 days ago Honda Ridgeline. I don't want either car to freeze and burst a seam on the tank when expanding. Thanks for any and all help.

Methanol

but rubbing alky or cheap vodka is probably as close to methanol you'll fine unless you go to a race shop.

 

[Rand]

If the level is high enough and you have an antifreeze tester, test it.

how does that work on alcohol based fluid vs glycol?

 

[skyactiv]

how does that work on alcohol based fluid vs glycol?

I have no idea. I will test it and come back shortly.

 

[skyactiv]

I couldn't find my tester. I don't think I have one anymore.


The antifreeze tester is used for windshield washer fluid, too, the other testers are for a battery and a battery & coolant combo tester.
The numbers don't correlate however between coolant and washer fluid.
Start the video at 4:25

 

[John105]

It does eventually hit the car’s body and other cars. Any reason not to buy the stuff at a store. I get $3 is outrageous. I think it’s diluted now only good to -20F or something and funny +32F in the summer mix

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Just a side note - once you add something like the isopropyl, drive a bit to make sure its slosh mixed and then use the squirter so it gets into the lines. Isopropyl is probably easiest from Walmart, CVS, Walgreens or supermarket, try to get the 99% if possible.

I had done all the new good low temp -30F stuff in company car where others had regular water mostly. Drove 7 hours but didn't need the washer. Next morning at -10F the bottle was fine but lines were frozen solid.

 

[fantastic]

Just to be clear ... DO NOT USE VODKA!!! May have meant well but bad idea.
Just the smell of it in your vehicle could spend the night in a cell.

Here's the WM category
https://www.walmart.com/browse/auto-tires/windshield-washer-fluids/91083_1104294_3357617_1218939

I use the Rain-x brand below but they have GV brand for 1 penny less.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rain-X-2...Fluid/33694037?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1200
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Te...ller/111071828?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1102

Try to top off with something like that. Otherwise the other posters suggestions.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

rubbing alcohol

 

[burbguy82]

Just use/add washer fluid that has a lower published freezing temp than your lowest ambient temp.

 

[duck__dodgers]

peeps are oveethinking this... (in the best tradition of BITOG)

just have 1 winter-rated (-20 F, blue) wiper fluid jug as a spare in the garage. (on sale for $1.99/gallon at Menards up here in Iceberg-land)

a 50-50 water/wiperfluid mix is overkill during the rare cold snaps in the Deep South.

 

[Spring Break '92]

 

[Rand]

peeps are oveethinking this... (in the best tradition of BITOG)

just have 1 winter-rated (-20 F, blue) wiper fluid jug as a spare in the garage. (on sale for $1.99/gallon at Menards up here in Iceberg-land)

a 50-50 water/wiperfluid mix is overkill during the rare cold snaps in the Deep South.

there is 2 parts to that.. one yes it wont freeze in the reservoir and hoses..

but that -20f freezes on your window when its 20f out.
so as long as all you are doing is protecting the system from freezing and you dont intend to use it.. a 50/50 mix might be ok.
I generally use the -32f stuff which is the best available here.. and on a cold day yes it can still freeze on the window.
I miss the -54F stuff I grabbed in CA(but not too much)
since the outback warms up enough to blow warm air in <1mile when its 30f out.

 

[Speedy3861]

I've used nothing but Rain-X 2-in-1 Orange for at least 10 years, it's rated to -25f and I've never had a frozen tank, line or nozzle. I usually buy 5-6 jugs in the fall when it's on sale. I won't use anything else. Live in Central Pennsylvania, used to make occasional trips to northern New York state. It's never failed me. According to their website, they make an additive bottle that lowers the freezing point further. Over the years, I've tried a variety of washer fluids, IMHO, that generic blue stuff that you see everywhere is not an adequate product, tends to refreeze and glaze almost instantly below 20f. I also like the way water just blows off the glass when I use Rain-X.