How to Activate the Windshield Washer Spray?
3 Answers
To activate the windshield washer spray, follow these steps: Pull the wiper switch lever downward or push it upward to select different wiping modes, then pull the lever inward to spray windshield washer fluid. The windshield wiper is a blade structure installed in front of the windshield, composed of components such as an electric motor, reducer, four-bar linkage, wiper arm spindle, and wiper blade assembly. Its primary function is to clear rain, snow, and dust that obstruct visibility on the windshield. Precautions for using windshield wipers: Always spray windshield washer fluid before wiping away dust and insects on the windshield surface; manually remove stubborn and hard stains from the glass to avoid damaging the rubber blade, which could lead to ineffective wiping or wiper damage; use a cloth to remove dust and sand from the glass, as sand particles can act like sandpaper on the wiper rubber, causing severe damage; when washing the car or maintaining the wipers, hold the wiper blade by its "backbone" and gently return it to its position—do not let it snap back abruptly; in winter, use an ice scraper to remove ice debris from the surface before using the wipers to prevent damage to the rubber blade; in summer, avoid exposing the wipers to direct sunlight.
I've been driving for over a decade, and spraying water to clean the windshield is a routine task—it's quite simple. Usually, the lever on the right side of the steering wheel controls the wipers. There's a small button at the top of the lever, or you can pull the lever toward yourself to spray the cleaning fluid. If the water flow seems weak or doesn't come out at all, first check if there's any cleaning fluid in the reservoir. It's typically located in the engine compartment under a cap marked with a spray nozzle symbol—just top it up with water or dedicated windshield washer fluid. While spraying, also check if the nozzle is clogged; a gentle poke with a needle should clear it. For safety, avoid spraying on highways to prevent distraction. Make it a habit to check the reservoir monthly to avoid being caught off guard during dry weather.
I just got my driver's license and was a bit confused when trying to use the windshield washer for the first time. A friend taught me that pulling the lever behind the steering wheel firmly will activate the spray. It's actually very simple to operate—just look down from the driver's seat, locate the wiper control lever, and push it inward. This will spray washer fluid while the wipers move to clear away dirt. If it doesn't spray, don't rush to fix it immediately—it might just be out of fluid. Open the front hood and look for the small blue or transparent container, which holds the cleaning fluid. I always keep a bottle of windshield washer fluid in the car for easy refills. As a beginner, it's best to practice a few times while parked before using it on the road to ensure clear visibility.
