2005 chevrolet impala the wiper fluid freezes in tubing.?

Question

Freezes in the wiper tubing,mainly where the tubing runs near the windshield. I use the winter mix but still freezes. I want to either re-route the tubing away from the cold window area OR add some hollow foam tubing over the original tubing.Freezes up every winter and i'm just tired of it. If I break up the frozen mixture it will then spray fine but there has got to be others with the freezing issues. Past cars with the spray jets attached to the engine hood never freeze,the cars I've had with this tubing running by the windshield do freeze. Thoughts??  Thanks !  Can I get a washer tank heater or do they even sell that anymore.

Stpaulguy · Accepted Answer

Don't waste your time. It'll still freeze. Change your brand of washer fluid because they're cheating you on the level of freeze protection. Or dump in a bottle of rubbing alcohol to boost the freeze protection.

Humveetech · Answer

Not sure if there is anything out there to go that low, you may want to look online for any that say they go that low in temp without freezing.  But it wont help even if you put a heater in the reservoir since that tube will be the last thing to ever get warm & by then, the windshield will feel the warmth from the defroster.

I know GM tried to make it work & ended up removing them from too many issues on Cadillac. I would use straight washer fluid if that is what it says is the best at this point.  Maybe go to the hardware store & find something to wrap the hose in to keep it somewhat insulated

doornobk · Answer

Winter mix?   That sounds a little suspicious to me. Check the label, I bet it says if you are in a freezing climate not to mix it.  The stuff I am used to using in cold climates does not get mixed with anything, you just put it in straight out of the bottle.  Typical stuff is blue and is good to around -20F.   There is usually a premium option that is usually purple and that is good for a little cooler temps like -30F.

I have been in a freezing climate for 40 years and never had issues with the lines freezing.  Its was around 0F here yesterday and all my washers are working fine.

Sometimes the nozzles on the hood will get rain or snow in the tips and freeze up but a few presses of the button and the solvent will usually melt it out.  Never had that happen with the ones on the wiper arms or under the hood.

? · Answer

Different ways to prevent freezing:
 By lowering the freezing point of the mix 
Epsom salt -  Isopropyl / Rubbing alcohol- , Straight ammonia .

1.) Combine Epsom salt & warm water , mix to dissolve thoroughly.
 Then Add to your mixture. 
  OR
2.) Add at least 1 cup Isopropyl or Rubbing alcohol.

3.) Straight ammonia .

First, start by mixing a cup of any of the above with a gallon of your windshield mix and leave it out over night to see if it freezes.
If it does strengthen the mix.

PatrickC · Answer

Add denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or methanol at a rate of 25%.  Use whatever is cheapest.  It will be good to -30 F.  If it still freezes, bump up the percentage.  Never seen ww fluid freeze like you say.  Must be some cheap Asian stuff where they are trying to get rid of their hazardous chemicals.

2005 chevrolet impala the wiper fluid freezes in tubing.?

5 Answers