How to Check Windshield Wiper Fluid

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

Windshield wiper fluid, or windshield washer fluid, helps your windshield wipers remove dirt and grime from the windshield. Mostly water, washer fluid usually includes ammonia to enhance its cleaning ability, alcohol to prevent streaking and to keep ice from forming in the washer nozzles. When driving under dusty or slushy conditions, you may have to use your wipers frequently, making it necessary to check the windshield wiper fluid level.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!

*

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1090552-v4-728px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Ideally, you should do so on a level surface to help the engine bay cool. Wait for a few minutes, until the car hood is cool enough to rest your hand on. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1090552-v4-728px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

On most cars, the washer fluid reservoir is located at the back of the engine bay, near the base of the windshield. The tank is usually translucent, allowing you to see whether there is fluid in the reservoir or not.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1090552-v4-728px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

4
Check the wiper fluid level. Many washer fluid reservoirs have marks to show the fluid level. If the tank is less than half-full, you'll need to refill it. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Also, check the tank for cracks or leaks.
The reservoir cap usually is designed to screw on and off.
You may want to use a funnel to avoid spills. Once you've refilled the tank, replace the cap and close the hood. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1090552-v4-728px-Check-Windshield-Wiper-Fluid-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This will let you test the washers' performance by turning on your windshield wipers and then the washers. The washers should deliver a steady stream of fluid; if not, you may have to clean the washer nozzles and lines.

Video

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I filled the reservoir with fluid and the fluid does not come out when I push on the control. What could be the problem?

Community Answer

You have to make sure you don't introduce dirt into the system because it can create a clog. It might be a bad pump.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

My car produces a whistling sound when accelerating, what might be the cause?

Community Answer

It could be anything, such as air flow, a loose seal around a door, mechanical resonance, or the brakes. If you slightly apply the brakes, does the sound go away, or does it get worse? Some cars make whistling sounds normally. Sometimes there is a leak at the air cleaner. Some cars make a high frequency sound at around 65 miles per hour because the mechanical resonance was designed to be optimized for freeway speeds. The torque converter can slip rather than engage the engine directly. In that event, the RPMs will be higher than normal and the gas mileage will be lower than normal. Maybe the wheel bearings need to be checked.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

My fuel gauge suddenly stop working. A couple of days later when I filled up, it moved up and down several times, and has stayed down since. What might the problem be?

Community Answer

It's probably your fuel pump. There is a Bowie that floats to see how much gas you have.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Use only the kind of washer fluid recommended in your owner's manual. In a pinch, you can use ordinary water as washer fluid; however, it may allow ice to form in the fluid reservoir, nozzles or lines in wintertime.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Keep washer fluid out of the reach of pets and small children, particularly if it contains antifreeze. Most antifreeze is made with ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet but is poisonous.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2

Things You'll Need

Bottle of washer fluid
Funnel (optional)
Rag or paper towel (to wipe up spills)

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

Log in

How to Check Windshield Wiper Fluid

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Steps

Video

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories