If you're driving your vehicle and notice from the indicator light on the dashboard that you're low on windshield washer fluid, don't ignore it and be sure to fill up on washer fluid as soon as possible. You'll never know just when you're going to need to clean the windshield so your view of the road isn't impaired or impacted.
Fortunately, refilling a vehicle's windshield wiper fluid and maintaining an adequate cleaner level is one of the easiest maintenance steps you can do to ensure you'll be able to see clearly behind the wheel.
When refilling the windshield fluid reservoir there are a few tips to keep in mind. Never use just plain water. Commercially available washer fluid has additives that prevent streaking on windshields, can contain chemicals so water beads up on the glass for increased visibility when driving in the rain, and anti-freezing washer fluid is available to help defrost the windshield when a light layer of ice forms during cold mornings.
In climates where water freezes, having just water in a reservoir can lead to it freezing and expanding. The expansion can lead to cracks in the reservoir, requiring a replacement. And water in the lines that lead from the reservoir to the windshield will also freeze, which clogs the lines, rendering the windshield washer useless and likely leaving your wiper blades to just smear and make more of a mess on the windshield.
Never add anti-freeze meant for a vehicle's radiator to the windshield washer reservoir. It's very caustic and can corrode the reservoir and the fluid lines, damage the reservoir pump, and if it comes into contact with the car's paint it can do damage to the car's finish. If you live where extremely low temperatures are common, anti-freezing washer fluid is likely available and it's a good idea to use it.
When it's time to refill, start by ensuring you're parked on a level surface. It's important that the reservoir sits level to get an accurate view of how much washer fluid remains. If the vehicle is parked on a hill at an angle, it can be difficult to assess how much fluid needs to be added. Once parked on a flat even surface, pop the hood of the vehicle with the interior hood release, and then disengage the safety latch under the hood to fully lift it up and securely prop it open.
With the hood open, locate the reservoir. It has a colored plastic cap that will likely be marked with a symbol that looks like a windshield with moving wipers. Depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, it may be positioned in a variety of spots within the engine bay. It's usually mounted on the perimeter of the bay near the firewall. Reservoirs are typically made from white translucent plastic with "low" and "high" lines along the side that serve as a gauge indicating how empty or full it is.
Once you can see how much washer fluid needs to be added, remove the cap. Some just flip up and are held in place with a plastic loop that is attached to the reservoir so it doesn't have to be fully removed. Others screw off completely, similar to the cap on the jug of washer fluid. If the reservoir cap is like this, remove it completely and set it aside someplace safe where it can be easily retrieved and screwed back on. Be sure not to set the cap down in any dirt or debris since it could fall into the reservoir when the cap is replaced, leading to clogged lines.
Using a funnel or the spout on the windshield washer fluid bottle, carefully pour the fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the “full” line. You should be able to see through the translucent reservoir to know when it's full. Clean up any spills with a rag or paper towel. Don't overfill the reservoir, as the fluid can expand within the hot engine bay, causing the reservoir to potentially crack and leak, requiring a reservoir replacement.
Once full, snap the cap back on or screw it back in place. It's a good idea to wipe down any cap that was fully removed to ensure no dirt or debris is on it. Now, simply close the hood, start the vehicle, and test that the washer fluid is functioning properly.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.