Frozen Windscreen washer jet

[Sweethy]

Hi all,

With the cold snap we are experimenting in the UK at the moment, my windscreen washer jet are frozen and take ages to function (more than 30 minutes drive) which is far from being ideal.

The washer jets are on the wiper (I don't think it's the aquable), my car is a 2019 S60.

Anyone got a good solution to use ?

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by Sweethy

Hi all,

With the cold snap we are experimenting in the UK at the moment, my windscreen washer jet are frozen and take ages to function (more than 30 minutes drive) which is far from being ideal.

The washer jets are on the wiper (I don't think it's the aquable), my car is a 2019 S60.

Anyone got a good solution to use ?

You are using plain water?

Anything will be better than that. Halfords do a whole range, either dilutable or ready to use. I find the -20c at 9 quid for 5 litres diluted 1:3 is good for even cold snaps such as this.

[Sweethy]

Actually, I just check and they are aquablade!

And no I am using a winter windscreen washer solution of half water half washer liquid as prescribed for winter use.

[Thorium]

For winter use, the Volvo screen wash does work well, but it's not cheap. It clears the screen without smearing and evaporates quickly.

An alternative is Costco Prestone screenwash. I regularly use that and it's never yet frozen either on the screen or in the nozzles. No white residue on the screen or particulate in the washer bottle/tubes, etc. Reasonably priced too.

I'm sure there'll be plenty of recommendations from others too.

[NickRno77]

Same here, I’ve added more concentrated window wash, slightly cleared last night. I’ve got heated wipers as well.

It’s -3c at the moment, I’m going out tonight so I’ll try again.

[S90]

Pretty sure all Aquablades were/are heated??

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Sweethy

Hi all,

With the cold snap we are experimenting in the UK at the moment, my windscreen washer jet are frozen and take ages to function (more than 30 minutes drive) which is far from being ideal.

The washer jets are on the wiper (I don't think it's the aquable), my car is a 2019 S60.

Anyone got a good solution to use ?

you really need Volvo washer fluid , it is spirit based unlike most of the cheap stuff you get out there. Therefore it evaporates without leaving any deposits whatsoever to block the valves or jets which the cheaper salt based products do.

Here are the concentrations you need depending on expected temperature.

25% mix -10 C

33% Mix -18 C

50% Mix - 28 C

Of course it's expensive but it works, you get what you pay for.

[c1800]

Well, operating the system while frozen could do some harm, but it might not. I wouldn’t.

Any enclosed/heated/underground enclosed car parks nearby? You could park for a few hours while it thaws out and go for a pint. Or wait for a warm spell. At least park in the sun, if you have any.

Diluting may be economical, but I’d err on the side of having a good margin. A weak solution may flow through the system, but when it hits the windscreen while moving the alcohol can evaporate quickly, and the remaining water freezes/streaks the screen. Premium brands may have certain additives, but I’m not convinced they actually do anything significant. I buy mine at Costco, but like everything else, the price has gone up from $10 for 16 L a year ago to $16 now. And I don’t bother diluting it.

Continually adding the high concentrate can help lower freezing point so that will help.

Once it clears I’d run the system continually to empty what you have in there and then fill with fluid that has a good margin of error. A failed pump and or reservoir can be surprisingly expensive to have replaced.

Hope it clears quickly.

[Chipp]

So when are the blade heaters on? Is it with the heated screen or back window?

[Sweethy]

Originally Posted by S90

Pretty sure all Aquablades were/are heated??

Actually, I just searched the web and not all of them are heated - at least valeo offers both options not sure what volvo does. And it seems the heat comes on automatically when the temperature is low.

Might top up the reservoir with pure winter washer liquid and hope it gets better.