What Causes the Windshield Washer to Not Spray Water?
2 Answers
Reasons why the windshield washer does not spray water: 1. Insufficient washer fluid; 2. Incorrect washer fluid selection causing freezing in cold weather, leading to a cracked washer fluid reservoir; 3. Malfunction of the windshield washer pump; 4. Faulty washer fluid hoses or nozzles; 5. Blown fuse for the washer motor. Below are specific details about windshield wipers: 1. There are two types of wipers: traditional rain-sensing and rain-sensing. 2. Traditional rain-sensing wipers are common and come in three to four segments, allowing the driver to adjust based on rain intensity and visibility conditions. 3. Rain-sensing wipers are mostly used in mid-to-high-end vehicle models. 4. Windshield wipers are designed to be heat-resistant, cold-resistant, acid and alkali-resistant, corrosion-resistant, able to conform to the windshield, reduce motor load, operate quietly, have strong water-repellent properties, and be soft enough not to scratch the windshield, ensuring clear visibility.
I've encountered the issue of windshield wipers not spraying water several times. The most common cause is an empty washer fluid reservoir. Pop the hood and check the water level—if it's low, just top it up with windshield washer fluid. The nozzles can easily get clogged with bugs or dust blocking the holes; gently clearing them with a needle usually does the trick. If the water hose is old and cracked, it may leak, requiring replacement or sealing. A faulty washer pump—if you don't hear the humming sound when activating it—might need a complete replacement. A blown fuse in the car's fuse box can also be the culprit; just locate and replace it. In winter, frozen water can prevent spraying—don't force the pump, as it may burn out. Driving without functioning washers is extremely dangerous, especially in rain when visibility drops. I once nearly rear-ended someone due to this, so address any issues promptly. Regularly adding antifreeze washer fluid and keeping the system clean can prevent major headaches. If DIY fixes don’t work, visit a repair shop—don’t delay.
