What to Do When the Windshield Wiper Sometimes Doesn't Spray Water?
3 Answers
The solutions for when the windshield wiper sometimes doesn't spray water are: 1. Use a sewing needle, pin, or thin steel wire to unclog the spray nozzle; 2. If the windshield washer fluid level is low, replenish it; 3. Replace damaged hoses and tighten loose connections; 4. Repair or replace the motor and its wiring. The maintenance methods for windshield wipers are: 1. When removing dust from the windshield surface on sunny days, spray windshield washer fluid to avoid dry wiping; 2. Manually remove stubborn, hard dirt from the glass; 3. When lifting the wiper blades during car washing or daily cleaning, handle them gently; 4. Before using in winter, first use an ice scraper to remove ice chips from the windshield surface.
I remember once when I was driving and the windshield wiper spray wasn't working, which really worried me. Later, I figured out how to fix it myself. The main reasons could be that the washer fluid reservoir is empty or the water level is too low. You just need to open the hood to check the water level and top up the washer fluid. Nozzle clogs are also very common, especially after driving the car for a few years with lots of road dust. You can gently clean the nozzle with a needle or small stick. The hose might have aged, cracked, or broken. Feel along the hose line for any soft spots and replace a small section of the hose if necessary. In winter, be careful of freezing—below zero temperatures can cause the spray to stop working due to freezing. Adding antifreeze washer fluid or parking in a heated garage can prevent this. Electrical system issues are less common, but a blown wiper motor or fuse could cause this. Just use a multimeter to test the power lines. Regular maintenance habits, like cleaning the nozzles and adding fresh washer fluid every quarter, can prevent many problems. Don't wait until it's raining to find out you can't drive.
I enjoy DIY car repairs, and minor issues like windshield washer not spraying can be easily fixed by myself. The first step is always to check if the washer fluid reservoir has water—popping the hood and topping it up solves most cases. The nozzles can get clogged with dust; I find gently poking them with a paperclip to clear the spray holes works wonders. The hose might have cracks or kinks, so running your hand along the tubing ensures it’s unobstructed. In winter, adding specialized antifreeze prevents freezing. Locate the wiper-related fuse in the dashboard’s fuse box and inspect it—replacing a blown one costs just ten bucks. If the washer motor hums but no fluid comes out, the switch or relay might be faulty. Unplug the connector and blow air to test if pressure flows through, helping decide if a pro is needed. Remember to stay alert while driving—if poor spraying affects visibility, pull over immediately. Safety first; never force it.
