Frozen screen wash

ashmanq

ashmanq

ashmanq

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Joined
21 Mar 2006
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290
Location
Scotland
Ive got a 53-plate Nissan Micra and the screen wash has frozen. Does anyone know how to thaw an already frozen screen wash reservoir? I tried adding as much screen wash (Holtz) as possible to the screen wash (to the top) reservoir but it still froze. Ive bought my self some new concentrate windscreen wash (works to -32C when used neat) and want to use this now but the reservoir is full.
 
I've driven for 45 mins on the motorway and it still hasn't thawed. I have some screen wash I a spray bottle but you can't use it in the morotway where I really need it.
 
How about mixing up a fresh batch of screenwash using hot water? The heat might help it thaw, and if its got a high concetration of screenwash, the hot water shouldnt freeze when entering the frozen system then? No dount someone with a better grasp of physics will tell me this is a bad idea though.
 
My screenwash had frozen before a trip to Northumberland before christmas (350 miles away). It took more than 3 hours for it to clear, and that was even after hot water, neat screenwash, antifeeze etc begin poured on it.
As the drive was mostly motorway my partner had to resort to leaning out the passenger window chucking some water on it in the hope that some would hit and my wipers could smear it across the windscreen.

Needless to say, I wasn't very happy for the first few hours!

I've since put undiluted stuff inside, and even in the harsh nighttime conditions it still hasn't frozen, so that' obviously the way forward.
 
I wouldn't expect the engine heat to do a thing in this weather. Certainly won't in my car where the washer bottle is right out in the front corner well away from the engine.
To defrost I'd have just put a kettle of boiling water in it, then drain and refill properly after its thawed.
 
Do you know how to drain the screen wash reservoir in a micra? All you can see is a tube protruding out from the front drivers side corner of the engine bay.
 
As said, doubtful that it would thaw it. My screenwash is inside the wing! Also, 5 litres is a lot to thaw out. Apart from garage + heater theres not a lot you can do tbh! Unless you can take out the whole reservoir easily enough and defrost it in the bath!
(Probably not feasible due to pump etc.)
 
ashmanq said:
I've driven for 45 mins on the motorway and it still hasn't thawed. I have some screen wash I a spray bottle but you can't use it in the morotway where I really need it.
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Boiling hot kettle water needs adding to it, the more screen wash. Should sort it.

Depending on the car, the heat from the engine will never warm it, my pug 306 never warms up as the screen wash is behind the front bumper and in front of the wheel.
 
I picked up some premixed stuff a few days ago, went to top up this morning and the bloody stuff has frozen in it's bottle, not even broke the foil yet! Makes for a lovely slush puppy though :D
 
Ever seen one of those 12v kettle elements you use to make a cup of tea in the car?

Fit one in your washerbottle and if it freezes, take the cord from the glove box, plug it in, defrost...

:D
 
Dr Who said:
Ever seen one of those 12v kettle elements you use to make a cup of tea in the car?

Fit one in your washerbottle and if it freezes, take the cord from the glove box, plug it in, defrost...

:D
Click to expand...

Not seen one before...WAIT you can make cups of tea in the car!?!?! :eek:
 
This happened to mine. I just filled up with hot water.

Just remember not to try the washers for a while. Not worth the risk spraying hot water onto the windscreen in this weather. :)
 
Mine keeps freezing too. Don't get the Asda 2.5 litres bottles of screenwash for £1

They looks like a bargain but even neat the damn stuff freezes.
 
skippi90 said:
This happened to mine. I just filled up with hot water.

Just remember not to try the washers for a while. Not worth the risk spraying hot water onto the windscreen in this weather. :)
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Will this work even though the car is sitting outside (on the drive) in like -9C temperature?

Had a look at the heating element, interesting but im not sure it would fit down the slim long tube that goes down to the reservoir bottle somewhere unseen in the depths of the engine compartment...on a side note the headlights are also a MAJOR PITA to change in this car (had to do it the other day).
 
ashmanq said:
Will this work even though the car is sitting outside (on the drive) in like -9C temperature?

Had a look at the heating element, interesting but im not sure it would fit down the slim long tube that goes down to the reservoir bottle somewhere unseen in the depths of the engine compartment...on a side note the headlights are also a MAJOR PITA to change in this car (had to do it the other day).
Click to expand...

Yeah but obviously you'll need to do it before you set off everytime.
 
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