What Are the Reasons for a Car's Windshield Wiper Not Spraying Water?
3 Answers
Reasons for a car's windshield wiper not spraying water: 1. Insufficient windshield washer fluid; 2. Leaking hose: For example, the hose may have been chewed through by rodents or the hose connection may have come loose; 3. Clogged filter screen: Mainly caused by using low-quality windshield washer fluid or tap water, which is a cumulative process; 4. Clogged spray nozzle: Possibly due to waxing the windshield and covering the spray nozzle, or frequent use of low-quality washer fluid or tap water; 5. Damaged spray motor or electrical fault: If the issue lies with the spray motor itself, first check if the filter screen is clogged—this can be repaired. If it's another issue, the motor may need to be replaced.
I work on cars every day and often encounter issues with windshield washers not spraying. The most common problem is an empty washer fluid reservoir—many people forget to refill it after driving for a while. Simply adding fluid can solve this. Next is clogged nozzles, where dirt and dust accumulate in the tiny holes, blocking the spray; a fine needle can clear them out. If there's still no action after refilling, listen for a humming sound from the pump. If there's no sound, the fuse might be blown—open the fuse box and replace the corresponding fuse. If the pump itself is faulty, it's a bit more troublesome, requiring a new part. In summer, high temperatures can cause hoses to age and leak, which is another reason. Broken wires or malfunctioning control buttons also require a systematic check. Remember, in winter, frozen fluid can also prevent spraying, so use antifreeze washer fluid as a precaution. Regular maintenance is key—check the fluid level and nozzle clarity monthly. Don’t underestimate this; poor visibility in rain or snow is dangerous and affects safe driving.
Last month my car had the same issue, the windshield washer wouldn’t spray water, which was really frustrating. Upon checking, I found the washer fluid was empty; I often forget to top it up regularly. After refilling, test the nozzles—if they still don’t spray, it’s likely clogged with dust, just clean them out. If the pump makes no sound, check the fuse; your car manual will show you where the fuse box is. Wiring aging and switch failures are less likely but possible. Safety-wise, note that a malfunctioning washer in rainy conditions can blur your vision, so get it fixed when parked. From experience, I’ve learned that checking fluid levels and nozzle clarity quarterly prevents bigger problems. Maintenance is simple—don’t wait until it breaks to scramble.
