How to clean windshield in single digit temperatures??

[snapppyd]

The temperatures have been single digits here this week.

My windshield is almost impossible to see thru with all the salt, etc. I tried using the windshield washer, it is frozen, does not work.

Has anyone here tried using alcohol/water to clean car windows in freezing weather? I don't want to end up with ice and make things worse.

Calling on experienced freezing weather drivers for advice!!!!!

 

[Klayfish]

Go to any auto parts store, or Wal-Mart and buy the correct windshield washer fluid. There are many of them that will tolerate temps well below 0 degrees F. Get a bottle. Pour some onto a washcloth and wring it out. Wash windshield. Rinse and repeat as needed.

If your system is already frozen, do NOT try to do anything with it until temps go above freezing. Once they do, ditch the fluid you were using and put proper fluid in.

Good luck!!

 

[RangerPooh]

You need to use the correct windshield washer fluid for cold weather. One that will not freeze. Drain what is already in the system (hit the washer fluid button until it gets low) and then add the correct liquid. You'll ahve to chisel away the ice from the old stuff, unless it's "warm", but this will possibly solve part of the issue.

When we lived in a cold weather climate we used a combination of correct washer fluid and kept ice scrapers on hand. Never tried the alcohol method as I was always concerned about possible damage to my paint job.

 

[GreatLakes]

Yep, winter windshield fluid is what you need. If your lines are frozen just put some in a bucket and grab an automotive window squeegee.

 

[Klayfish]

You need to use the correct windshield washer fluid for cold weather. One that will not freeze. Drain what is already in the system (hit the washer fluid button until it gets low) and then add the correct liquid. You'll ahve to chisel away the ice from the old stuff, unless it's "warm", but this will possibly solve part of the issue.

When we lived in a cold weather climate we used a combination of correct washer fluid and kept ice scrapers on hand. Never tried the alcohol method as I was always concerned about possible damage to my paint job.

The only thing I'd say on that is to not chisel away anything. You risk damaging something. It's not worth it, unless it's an emergency. Just wait until it gets above freezing if you can...or even if it's slightly below freezing but it's bright sunshine, that sometimes works.

 

[ManhattanMcC]

Go to any auto parts store, or Wal-Mart and buy the correct windshield washer fluid. There are many of them that will tolerate temps well below 0 degrees F. Get a bottle. Pour some onto a washcloth and wring it out. Wash windshield. Rinse and repeat as needed.

If your system is already frozen, do NOT try to do anything with it until temps go above freezing. Once they do, ditch the fluid you were using and put proper fluid in.

Good luck!!

To add to this... At the same auto parts/big box store where you get the "correct" washer fluid, also invest in a regular old spray bottle, preferably the garden sort with a healthy spray, and a brush (I'm assuming you have one of those though...) Keep the spray bottle filled with washer fluid and inside your house. You can use that to spray down your windows and WW nozzles once you get any loose snow off, also works great on locks, etc...

Spray, Brush, Repeat, Enjoy

 

[snapppyd]

thanks everyone!