TEXAS, USA — As Central Texas reaches some of the chilliest temperatures of the year, more drivers are asking about ways to stay safe on the roads.
One step you can take is making sure your vehicle's fluids are good to go.
But when it comes to your windshield washer fluid, is it safe to activate in the cold?
THE QUESTION
Can you use windshield washer fluid in freezing temperatures?
OUR SOURCES
Bryan Washko, Sergeant with the Texas Department of Public Safety Media Communications and Kip Guenzel, Kip's Automotive Owner
THE ANSWER
You should not use windshield washer fluid in freezing temperatures. Doing so can make it more difficult to drive, especially in icy conditions.
WHAT WE FOUND
"When it gets this cold things just don't work right," Guenzel told 6 News.
One of those things is your windshield washer fluid.
"Us Texans, we're not accustomed to changing our summer blend in our washer fluid systems to winter blend," Washko said.
Washer fluid can be a great help, but it could also put you at risk. Washko says turning the fluid on in below-freezing temperatures can create an ice film over your windshield.
"It instantly would turn into ice, impairing your visibility by 100%, which could lead to tragedy," Washko said.
Guenzel agreed, saying it would be nearly impossible to see.
"It'll be very distorted," Guenzel said. "It's like looking through a distorted glass, looking through a film of ice. You won't be able to judge from a distance and you'll just see light bursts. You won't know if it's a stoplight or if it's somebody's headlights."
Guenzel said running your defroster might help.
"That'll keep that windshield warm, and most of the time you can get away with squirting a little washing fluid up there," Guenzel said.
Washko said adding alcohol to your summer blend works best.
"People talked about just adding some rubbing alcohol to your tank, which will keep your summer blend from freezing," Washko said.
Overall, it's best to not use windshield washer fluid in freezing temperatures, as it can freeze and impair your visibility while driving.
"It's like putting on a blindfold," Washko said.
"We talk about winterizing our vehicle, we always make sure our fluids are topped off, our oil, our antifreeze," Washko added. "We also often neglect checking on that windshield wiper washer system, which has a summer blend in it, which will freeze right at 32. Definitely stock up before it gets cold and have your winter blend available."
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