The only automotive product I have ever seen with a skull and cross bones on the label, and the word "POISON" written next to it is on windshield washer fluid. A company is only required to put this warning on product labeling when the product is acutely toxic. I think this warning is only on the regular and all season version of washer fluid, but I'm not positive. As far as can tell the summer version of windshield washer fluid does not have the skull and cross bones on it's label. The skull and cross bones warning might have something to do with ingredient(s) that helps it work in colder weather and not freeze. Included with the warning are instructions for the user to not get the washer fluid on their skin because it can cause central nervous system damage, and drinking it can cause blindness. Who would have thought something as benign as adding windshield washer fluid to your car or truck isn't so benign after all. Can a person use the safer summer version of windshield washer fluid year round?
Windshield washer fluid manufacturers want customers to use the summer version of their fluid only during the summer time, but than switch to something else to handle cold winters. That makes it necessary for the customer to remember to drain the summer fluid from their windshield washer fluid reservoir before the winter season arrives, or risk having it freeze and damage the reservoir, motors, lines or spray nozzle. Windshield washer reservoirs do not have drain plugs, and getting to them can be difficult, so it's a messy process. So no, using the summer version of windshield washer fluid in cold weather is not recommended because it can freeze.
I don't think any windshield washer fluid is explicitly labeled as a "winter," only version, but I could be wrong. I think that's true in most cases, but I haven't seen every brand. I think regular old windshield washer fluid can survive most freezing temperatures in US, and still work in warmer weather. I would imagine it's been that way for decades before the seasonal windshield washer fluids appeared on the market, and it has worked well for countless number of people.
Bottom line, unless you live in the South West United States where freezing temps are rare, use regular windshield washer fluid or the all season version year round. I'm not saying the summer version formula doesn't clean better in warmer temps, but why would anyone want to deal with draining washer fluid out of their car or truck to prepare for the winter season? Just remember to wear disposable gloves when handling this stuff, and stick with regular windshield washer fluid or the all season version.
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