What Causes the Car Windshield Wiper to Stop Spraying Water?
2 Answers
Reasons why a car windshield wiper stops spraying water: 1. Clogged Nozzles: If you frequently drive on unpaved roads, tiny dust particles can enter the wiper's spray nozzles. Over time, the dried dust can block the small spray holes, preventing water from being sprayed. This is the least severe issue and can be easily resolved by inserting a small brush (preferably a toothbrush) into the spray nozzles to clean out the dust or debris. While cleaning, turn on the wiper spray switch, and you'll notice the wiper gradually starts spraying water again. 2. Low or Empty Washer Fluid: The washer fluid reservoir (wiper spray bottle) is typically located in the engine compartment, making it difficult to visually check the water level (some models may display it on the dashboard). If the water level is too low, the spray tube may not reach the water, preventing it from being pumped out. In this case, simply refill the washer fluid reservoir. 3. Sufficient Water but No Spray When Switch is Activated: This occurs when the washer fluid reservoir is completely emptied. If the reservoir runs dry, the spray tube will also be empty. Even after refilling the reservoir, the spray tube may still contain air, preventing water from being sprayed when the switch is activated. Some car models may require keeping the spray switch on for about half a minute to purge the air and allow water to flow, but this method risks damaging the motor due to the lack of water in the tube, so it is generally not recommended.
When the windshield washer isn't spraying, always start with the simplest checks. First, verify if the washer fluid reservoir is empty – I've seen this basic mistake too many times. If the reservoir is full, crouch down and listen for the motor's humming sound when activating the washer. No sound likely indicates a blown fuse. If there's sound but no spray, it's probably clogged tubing or nozzles, especially prone to freezing in winter. Don't rush to the shop – try clearing the nozzles with a fine needle first; this solves 80% of issues. If that fails, the motor might be faulty; it's a small component attached beneath the reservoir where the tubing connects. PS: Some people use tap water instead of washer fluid – mineral deposits easily clog nozzles and corrode tubing connectors, doing more harm than good.
