How to Winterize Washer Fluid

Winter is a hazardous time to be out driving in a car that hasn't been prepared for the harsh conditions. In many parts of the country, temperatures plummet to near or below zero. Your ability to see is of utmost importance. Make sure you refill your washer fluid with low temperature washer fluid. This specially designed fluid will not freeze at low temperatures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Low temperature washer fluid
• Water

1. Flush your washer fluid reservoir with clean water. Before the cold of winter makes its appearance, make sure your washer fluid is ready for it. The fluid used in the summertime is generally either plain water or a higher temperature washer fluid. It is important to flush all this fluid out of the system.
2. Refill the reservoir with low temperature washer fluid once you have flushed the plain water through your system and there is no more fluid or water left in the reservoir or system. Flushing the water through the system prevents trapped pockets of the higher temperature fluid. As water freezes, it expands and could burst hoses or sealed plastic parts. The low temperature washer fluid is specially designed not to freeze in extremely low temperatures.
3. Operate the washer fluid dispenser until the new fluid has filled the system. Filling all the parts of the washer system will prevent any damage to those parts, should the temperature take a sudden turn down.

Tips & Warnings

• Take this opportunity to also replace your windshield wipers. They are just as important as the washer fluid in winter conditions.