The first October morning with the thermometer dipping below freezing often brings an unpleasant surprise for many drivers: your windshield is iced over, you pull the lever, but not a single drop comes out of the nozzles. The pump might buzz quietly, or there might be complete silence. The summer screenwash in your reservoir and lines has frozen solid.
The Most Common Mistake: Topping Up with Concentrate
Many drivers think: "There are still 2 litres of summer fluid left in the tank, I'll just add 1 litre of winter concentrate (-60°C) and it'll be fine." Unfortunately, that isn't how it works!
- Without mechanical agitation, the fluids in the tank mix very slowly.
- Most importantly, the long plastic tubes leading under the bonnet to the nozzles and the rear window still contain 100% summer fluid.
- The narrow nozzle outlets freeze first because they are exposed to the direct flow of freezing air.
Why you shouldn't keep hitting the switch: If the nozzles are frozen, the electric pump in the tank faces massive hydraulic resistance. This causes it to overheat quickly, potentially burning out its windings, or the excessive pressure could pop a tube off inside the fender, flooding your vehicle's sensitive electronics.
The Correct Transition Process:
- Spray out the remaining summer fluid until the reservoir is almost empty (giving the pump a rest every 10 seconds).
- Fill the tank with high-quality winter screenwash (rated at least -20°C or -25°C).
- Purge the system: Hold the wash function for at least 15-20 seconds for the windshield, and do the same for the rear window and headlight washers, until you can smell the distinct scent of alcohol coming through the nozzles. Only then is your system fully protected!
Take care of your visibility on the road. If you encounter any unexpected technical issues, our 24/7 roadside assistance and towing services are available in all weather conditions.