Windshield Wipers & Washer System

Washer System
Now, let's move on to the windshield washer system. Anybody who's ever had it clog or fail realizes what a vital piece of equipment it is. That's especially true in snowy climates where a lot of road salt accumulates, or in areas where bugs and road grime build up on the windshield.


The washer system includes a washer-fluid reservoir, pump, fluid lines and spray nozzles mounted near the wipers or on the wiper arms. While you can use water mixed with a bit of household window cleaner in your reservoir if in a pinch, automotive wiper fluid is worth the cost because it contains mild antifreeze to keep it from, well, freezing. These fluids also contain wetting agents to keep mineral deposits from building up in the hoses and nozzles, as well as methanol and isopropyl alcohol with cleaning and degreasing properties.


If you're simply low on washer fluid, the only potential complication in refilling the washer fluid is that in older vehicles the reservoir may look a lot like the radiator overflow reservoir. Both are usually translucent white plastic containers containing fluid, readily visible once you pop the hood. Auto manufacturers solved this problem by specifically labeling both reservoir caps. There is no need to empty the container of the existing fluid. Simply maintain a respectable level of fluid in the system. Some reservoirs have a "Full" line on the side of the reservoir. If there is no such line, fill the reservoir to the top, replace the cap and you're good to go.

Fluid Pump
If the washer system stops emitting fluid and your reservoir is full and not leaking, the problem could be the pump. The fluid pump is usually located next to or beneath the reservoir. The best way to identify a pump problem is to activate the system and listen for the pump hum. No hum, chances are the pump needs replacing.


If the pump is humming but you're still not getting fluid out of the nozzles, check for kinks in the hoses or debris on the sprayer nozzle. The low-tech tool of choice to clear the nozzles is a safety pin. If that doesn't clear the lines, you may need to disconnect the ends and force air or water through them. Just be careful where you're pointing the hoses.