Solving Problems with Windshields and Fluids in Winter

How do I keep my windshield clear of salt streaks while boosting visibility with a fluid that doesn’t freeze?

What is the best washer fluid for Airdrie winters? How do I keep seeing out of my windshield through all the salt streaks? How do I prevent my windshield from fogging up? How do I prevent my windshield washer fluid from freezing?

How to Keep Windshields Clean During Winter

Automotive windshields (also called windscreens) are made of specialty glass and coated with weather-resistant finishes. All of these factors combine to give auto drivers a windshield as high-visibility as possible, but inclement weather can still reduce visibility.[1]

Keeping all windows on an automobile clean during winter is very important, and keeping the windshield clean is most important of all. Two factors determine the visibility and cleanliness of the exterior of the windshield: the windshield wiper fluid and the windshield wipers themselves.

Beginning with the windshield wipers, these devices are designed to be flexible and supple, but this also creates an inherent weakness when temperatures drop. When cold weather hits during winter, windshield wiper “blades” become stiff and brittle, increasing the risk of cracks and breaks. Cracks, snaps, breaks, chips, and other damage to windshield wiper blades will lead to streaks and poor visibility through the windshield. Freezing temperatures may cause some windshield wipers to stick to the windshield.

The solution is simple: Automobile owners must purchase and install windshield wiper blades specifically designed for extremely cold temperatures. Such devices are made from cold-resistant rubber and synthetic material that is resistant to extreme cold, wind, snow, and ice.

What You Can Do: In addition to purchasing the right windshield wiper blades, it’s also important to fully scrape and clear any ice and snow off the windshield before using the wiper blades. Do this before using the vehicle each day, as manually clearing snow from all windows and windshields is an important first step before getting in and driving.

How to Prevent Windshield Washer Fluid from Freezing

The other problem vehicle owners experience during winter, regarding visibility, is windshield washer fluid that freezes in the reservoir, the fluid lines, the nozzles, or on the windshield. This is a serious problem because freezing causes liquids to expand. When the conditions become so cold that windshield washer fluid freezes, it can cause cracks or ruptures in the

fluid reservoir, lines, or nozzles. This can cause leaks, and it can also damage the pump and fluid motor.

The fix is a simple one. Automobile owners must use a windshield washer fluid rated for temperatures far colder than the on-highway temperature (high speeds and wind chill can bring on-highway temperatures far below the actual air temperature).

What you can do: In Airdrie and other parts of Alberta, it’s recommended that car owners use windshield washer fluid rated for -45 degrees Celsius, as such fluid will keep windshields safe, clean, and visible even through the worst of Alberta winters.

How to Reduce Salt-Streak on Windshields, Automobile Windows, and Exterior Mirrors

Salt streak, or the buildup of fine-particle debris from road salt, is another problem that affects visibility during winter. Salt streaks occur when road salt used to melt snow and ice mixes with water and fine particles of dirt and sand. The result is an opaque smear on one’s windshield, something that’s almost impossible to see out of!

Here, too, the fix is simple. The combination of windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid, both rated for cold temps, should be enough to keep visibility high, at least most of the time. However, vehicle owners should frequently hand-wash the exterior of their windshields, side windows, rear windows, and side mirrors throughout winter. They should use a window wash fluid, as this will help clear additional dirt, grime, and salt streaks. Furthermore, frequent window washing helps extend window lifespan and enhances visibility.

What About the Interior of the Windshield?

Modern automobiles are equipped with defroster devices that use blown air at varying temperatures to remove frost, condensation, and other buildup on the interior of the windshield. Auto owners should consult their vehicle's owner’s manual and become familiar with how to operate their vehicle’s defroster, so they’re comfortable improving the visibility

conditions of their windshield, both inside and outside the vehicle.

Supporting Airdrie Drivers with a Windshield Visibility Promotion and School Donations

To help Airdrie drivers get through the winter, customers who buy a set of winter windshield wipers from Dandy Auto will receive a complimentary jug of specialized -45°C windshield washer fluid. The fluid is the top-rated option for keeping windshields clean in Airdrie during winter. It will not freeze, and it will continue to perform its cleaning function even as the temps drop.

However, keep in mind that a good cleaning fluid is just one component to keeping a visible, debris-free windshield. Drivers must also ensure they are using winter-rated windshield wipers. Dandy Auto’s licensed and experienced Airdrie automotive professionals are ready to custom-select a pair of winter windshield wipers that will work best for your vehicle. They’ll

even help install them and load the windshield washer reservoir with complimentary -45C-rated washer fluid.

To further support Airdrie drivers, Dandy Auto recently donated nine gift certificates to the graduating class at George McDougall High School. The gift certificates donated this year total $1,500 in automotive services. The students will use the certificates at their silent auction to raise much-needed funds, and the certificates are good for any Airdrie auto service at Dandy Auto.

Dandy Auto is a One-Stop-Shop for All Things Automotive, in Every Season and Any Weather Condition

Ensuring Airdrie automobile owners have what they need for winter driving is just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended) for the winter automotive services offered at Dandy’s Airdrie auto garage. Come into the shop for Airdrie vehicle inspections, service, routine maintenance, and help fixing broken or failing automatic systems of any kind, and Dandy Auto’s

Professional auto mechanics will take care of it.

From routine maintenance to engine diagnostics and repair, if it has anything to do with an automobile, it’s within Dandy Auto’s wheelhouse (pun intended, again!) Shop local Airdrie today with Dandy Auto by contacting our office at (403) 945-1555 to schedule a service, or reach out via email: sales@dandy.ca.

Sources:

[1] Glass.net “Why Your Windshield Washer Fluid Matters: De-Ice For Winter.” Glass.net, 2025. blog.glass.net