Even a bit below it's freeze point it doesn't freeze, sitting in the block. But as soon as you start it, and the fan starts to pull that icy cold air through the rad, the water in the glycol goes to crystals, and they are too big to circulate. So even tho it did not freeze overnight, now the rad is not circulating, nor the heatercore and your temp gauge is telling you the engine is overheating.And you can imagine the frustration that sets in when you are hundreds of miles from home with 3 kids and a screaming wife. There is just no good way to make this better. The car has to be removed to a warmer environment and thawed out. So, it's another night in the motel.
I'l make it up to you dear, honestly.
Just try to erase that from her memory. Just try......A lifetime of apologies won't cover it.
Why can't they be like men, we just duke it out for a bit,then go have a beer.
Story embellished for effect.