Freezing Washer Jets

cormie

Hi,
So after doing 1,200km+ over Sunday and Monday around the country I must say I'm quite happy with the winter tyres and the only problem I had was the extreme caution of some drivers, going way too slow and then freezing washer jets

Bear in mind the temp gauge was reading -7, but I had a mix of washer fluid and water and when I was pulled up somewhere for a while I did a quick google and saw reports that this was a problem even from people using non diluted -30 degree grade fluid so I'm just wondering is there any known trick or solution that will stop them freezing up? I'd pour hot water over the jets and 15 minutes later they'd be frozen again. The fluid itself is fine but it's just the top of the jets freezing from the air and snow itself outside I guess.

Any feedback appreciated

no1beemerfan

There is no solution unless you install a heater element into the tank!

I just carry a few bottles of lukewarm water to put on the windscreen if needed.

mathepac

Heated washer jets are your only man.

BostonB

ou'd think they'd design a system to prevent this. Put the water container near a heat source, and heated jets, and pipes arranged so no water lie in them.

R.O.R

Always carry a bottle of water in the car with a sport top on it. Saved me a few times earlier this year when the washer jets froze on me the windscreen was covered.

Also, it's handy when you get thirsty

cormie

That's what I had to do alright, the sports cap makes it easy to spray while driving too I wonder could you get some kind of wire trailing from a heated source into each jet to keep it ice free. Would be a bit of a naff DIY job but would save a lot of hassle.

MetzgerMeister

One thing that could help prevent it is to dry the jets thoroughly after deicing the windscreen. If there's any water on them, this will freeze as you're travelling.

Also, spraying windscreen deicer directly onto them helps prevent them refreezing. This can have a knock-on effect when you use the jets i.e. any deicer in them will go onto the screen

EDIT: Just to let you know, I'm using (i think) shell windscreen wash in my reservoir. I haven't had the problem of my jets freezing even after the car has been sitting all night and is covered in ice/snow. The jets work perfectly straight away.

cormie

Does de-icer work well or is it just an alternative to a drop of warm water? I saw it for sale but didn't want to be throwing money away. If it works and will stop them freezing over, as opposed to just getting rid of ice once it's there (meaning I'd still have to stop, get out and spray) it'd be worth it though!

MetzgerMeister

All deicer sprays say that they help prevent refreezing. That's as far as my knowledge goes. What it means exactly, I don't know

BostonB

All the water bottles in side the car froze too! It was minus 8 though...

CarMuppet

All you need is to have a drink before setting off on a journey.


Then bring an empty bottle with you for warm water to sprinkle on jets.


Was told this by a Ukranian I wokred with years ago. :pac:

MetzgerMeister

CarMuppet wrote: »

All you need is to have a drink before setting off on a journey.


Then bring an empty bottle with you for warm water to sprinkle on jets.


Was told this by a Ukranian I wokred with years ago. :pac:

So you have a drink before setting off. then when you're stuck, you piss into the empty bottle and sprinkle it on the jets? :pac:

BostonB

The drinkin probably wasn't water though...

cormie

Haha, good idea again a series of tubes could make this an automated process, no toilet stop, no deicing stop. Just keep drinking plenty of water and you'll be ice free the whole journey and it's also very healthy, win win situation

Do-more

You can get heated windscreen washer jets for most models of cars, as they are standard spec in Nordic countries. Check with your main dealer. If you can't find them for your exact model they may have them for another model in the range that can be made fit.

Try googling for "retrofit heated washer jets" and you should find all you need to know.

If you can make them fit, Ford parts are usually quite cheap.

peasant

einheisserschre wrote: »

One thing that could help prevent it is to dry the jets thoroughly after deicing the windscreen. If there's any water on them, this will freeze as you're travelling.

This!

Had the same problem myself. The screenwash at this point is almost pure alcohol and wouldn't freeze in Siberia , but the tiniest bit of water from pouring the kettle over the windscreen will freeze the little pinhole for the jet solid.

Just rub over the jets with your thumb when you're done de-icing ...does the trick

Divorce Referendum

Here is a set for a focus: http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/search.php?keywords=Focus+Windscreen+Washer+Jet+%28Heated%29&x=0&y=0

I wonder would it be difficult to wire them up?

Do-more

Divorce Referendum wrote: »

Here is a set for a focus: http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/search.php?keywords=Focus+Windscreen+Washer+Jet+%28Heated%29&x=0&y=0

I wonder would it be difficult to wire them up?

http://www.btinternet.com/~madmole/HowDoI/EasyMods.html

Scroll down the page and you will get some info.