How to Add Windshield Washer Fluid by Yourself?
4 Answers
First, open the hood. There is usually a lever in the lower left corner of the driver's compartment. Pull it upwards firmly to open the hood. After lifting the hood, locate the inlet for adding windshield washer fluid and pour the fluid into it. If the inlet has a scale, you can determine the amount to add by observing the scale. If there is no scale, observe the pipe and stop when it is full.
When I first learned to refill windshield washer fluid myself, I thought it was super convenient—this task is really not difficult. First, park the car on level ground and turn off the engine, remembering to engage the handbrake. The hood release lever is located below the steering wheel on the left side; pull it once and you’ll hear a click. Walk to the front of the car, feel for the safety latch in the hood gap, and push it to the left to fully open the hood. Locate the blue cap marked with a windshield washer symbol near the windshield—don’t confuse it with the coolant reservoir. Before pouring the fluid, shake the bottle and choose the appropriate type for the season (winter requires a -20°C formula). Align the bottle mouth with the reservoir opening and pour slowly, leaving a two-finger gap to prevent spills. After sealing all caps, activate the wipers and spray twice to check if the fluid flows evenly. The whole process takes just about ten minutes, and regular checks can save you from running out of fluid mid-drive.
Adding windshield washer fluid by yourself is actually very simple. Let me show you how. First, locate the hood release lever under the driver's seat, pull it until you hear a click. Then walk to the front of the car, reach into the hood gap and push the small orange latch sideways to release the hood. Use the support rod to prop it open. The washer fluid reservoir cap usually has a windshield wiper symbol, often in blue or black on most vehicles. Pay attention to seasonal differences when filling - use standard fluid with bug remover for summer, and always use antifreeze type in cold climates to prevent freezing. If the reservoir has a filter screen, pour carefully to avoid overflow. Keep two bottles of washer fluid in your trunk for convenience, especially useful on highways where bugs accumulate quickly. After filling, start the car and test the spray function while listening for normal motor operation sounds.
Adding windshield washer fluid is a basic car maintenance skill. Open the hood and locate the washer fluid reservoir, which has a round cap marked with a wavy arrow symbol. Don't skimp on cheap washer fluid - choose reputable brands that won't damage your car's paint. Leave about 10% space when filling to prevent leakage from bumps. Use 0°C+ rated fluid in spring/autumn, and select a lower temperature rating than your local winter minimum. If overfilled and spills into the engine compartment, wipe it clean immediately. The whole process takes just 2-3 minutes, much quicker and easier than visiting a dealership.
