How to Clean the Front Windshield Drainage Trough of a Car?
4 Answers
Open the engine hood and locate the front windshield drainage trough, which is below the wiper linkage. Use a 14# tool to remove them and take off the wipers. Remove the triangular deflector plates indicated by the arrows, one on each side. Pull out the windshield washer hose from the windshield drainage trough, and use a plastic pry tool to remove the four plastic clips. Then, take off the front windshield drainage trough. Rinse the removed drainage trough with water and reassemble all the components.
I recently cleaned my car's windshield washer reservoir. If this thing gets clogged, it's really annoying when the water doesn't spray out while washing the windows. The first step is to park and turn off the engine to ensure safety and avoid any risk of electric shock. Open the hood and locate the transparent plastic reservoir, usually positioned at the front left or right corner. Start by draining the old washer fluid—use a tube or pump to suck it out to avoid spills. Then, mix warm water with a bit of mild detergent and pour it into the reservoir. Shake the hood up and down to let the foam inside flush out dirt. Use a small soft brush or an old toothbrush to clean accumulated dust from the reservoir walls and corners. Don’t forget the spray nozzles—carefully unclog them with a fine needle to prevent blockages. Finally, after a thorough rinse, refill with new washer fluid. I learned from a car wash shop to do this every three months—it extends the life of the washer system and avoids safety hazards caused by blurred vision while driving. Extra tip: choose a good-quality washer fluid to better protect your car, and don’t use tap water to save money—it can cause problems.
As a father of two, I understand that windshield cleaning is crucial for family safety, and a dirty reservoir can clog the nozzles, posing risks. The cleaning process is actually simple: First, park the car on level ground and turn off the engine. Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir cap under the windshield, and wear gloves before opening it to avoid cuts. Pour out the remaining old fluid—using a straw or bottle spout can prevent spills. Then, mix warm water with dish soap and pour it into the reservoir to soak and clean. Gently shake the reservoir by hand to ensure the inner walls are thoroughly soaked. If needed, use an old toothbrush to scrub the edges to prevent algae buildup. Don’t forget to clean the spray nozzles—just gently poke them a few times with a pin. Rinse thoroughly, refill with new washer fluid, and test the spray to ensure it works properly. I recommend doing this every six months along with wiper blade checks to avoid poor visibility at high speeds and potential accidents. Good habits make family trips safer and more comfortable.
Cleaning the windshield washer reservoir is a piece of cake! Park and turn off the engine to locate the plastic tank in the engine bay; drain the old fluid carefully without spilling; pour in warm water with a bit of dish soap and swirl it around; rinse several times to remove grime; clear the tiny spray nozzles; finally refill with fresh washer fluid. The job is quick, and doing it regularly prevents clogs—you can easily tackle it during car washes. Keeping your view crystal clear is crucial for safety.
