Windshield Washer Fluid/Lines?

[Stan229]

Can anyone explain why my windshield washer fluid sprays do not work in the cold? I thought the windshield washing fluid wont freeze if my engine is on to heat it up, could my lines be frozen? My car is only about 3months old with 1000 miles on it

Should I just drain it and get the Rainx -25F freezing point fluid? What do you guys suggest?

[desmonsm]

If it's really cold in your area (read teens or below), I'd use all the fluid you currently have and replace it with deicing fluid. You can find this type of fluid produced by many manufacturers (Rain-X, Mr. Clean, etc).
On a related note, is it safe to assume that mixing different types of windshield fluid is ok (eg Rain-X deicing and regular blue fluids)?

[stevencrosbie]

Just like said above, you need to replace the fluid. I have stuff that won't freeze unless under -25 as it does get very cold in CO.

[phoenix]

I have been using the Rainx windshield fluid for a while now and, though it does do a wonderful job of keeping my windshield clean, the windshield washer that sprays on the drivers side still seems to freeze up in the cold on me!! I don't know why this is that the passenger side washer will work and the drivers side will not but it is more than a little bit annoying, it is a road hazard.

Has anyone else experienced this? If so, have you taken steps with Honda to remedy this?

[stiller fan]

i have had 2 different 4th gen accords do this to me..... no fix that i know of.

i thought that maybe due to the silicone in the fluid, that maybe that's what is clogging it up.....

[Stan229]

yes that happens to me too
its kind of like a general progression first both work, then only passengers and then they both stop

[07ACC4DREXL-V6]

pop the tubes from behind the nozzels and as close as you can get to the pump
then pop them off the point were it splits to go to the seperate nozzels
next take an air hose (hope you have one) and blow backwards through each hose from the windscreen to the pump
you probably have some gunk, fuzz, jizzz (ok mybe no jizz) in the hoses and that is making for low flow
once cleared the pump (if you are using quality fluid) should pressure past any obstructions in the line like slush or near ice
if they are frozen too much it, weak cleaner is your problem

PS - the rain-X is really great stuff and worth the extra couple of bucks
over time it places the rain-X formula on the windscreen and you will see how much better your wipers work and how wind alone will clear the windscreen in a light rain

[phoenix]

I appreciate the advice 07ACC4DREXL-V6 (phew! that name's a mouthful!) but I have been using RainX washer fluid for two winters now so I do not think "weak cleaner" is my problem.

[stevencrosbie]

If you Actually use RainX on the windshield every couple of washings, you will have an unbeatable ability to clear your windshield (bugs also come off easier).

I've been applying it for the past 5 years on cars. I swear by it. (also makes getting that Ice off easier).

[peconi]

I had the same issue two weeks ago. It's been so damn cold here in Columbus, OH, that the liquid froze.

Mr. Clean's washer liquid with de-icer seems to deal better with cold weather. It's nice and green - I got it at Thornton's or what ever the Gas station is called

It costs only a buck more than the regular one

[07ACC4DREXL-V6]

Originally Posted by phoenix

I appreciate the advice 07ACC4DREXL-V6 (phew! that name's a mouthful!) but I have been using RainX washer fluid for two winters now so I do not think "weak cleaner" is my problem.

your first posts states you only have had the car 3 months???
anyway I think you mave have a slight blockage creating the problem
cleaning the tubes with compressed air might clear it up

[Stan229]

im the one with the 3 month old car yes.. i really dont think tehre can be a blockage that soon.. but i did buy the rainx fluid at walmart for $2.24! so i'll fill it in once i get a chance (this weekend)

[07ACC4DREXL-V6]

well stan you never know
a small piece of scrim from one of the plastic connectors or the 'y' tube could have broken off when they put the system together and made it's way to a nozzle

[Stan229]

that woudlnt cause a permanent blockage? i'm really not sure how thick the lines are and how big of a particle could have broken off.. sorry if these are newbie questions.. yesterday during ~33F weather the fluid nozzles were workin perfectly well

[07ACC4DREXL-V6]

IDK - maybe it lies on its side occassionally and the pressure works it flat against the nozzle opening
maybe the low flow is enough at freezing temps to create the blockage
I had low flow on the passenger and then sometimes drivers side in my 2002
the compressed air trick worked for me and I thought it a good quick and free way to try and fix yours too....