Where to Use Windshield Washer Fluid?
3 Answers
Location for using windshield washer fluid: Pull the engine compartment lever inside the driver's cabin to open the hood, locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir, open its cap and add the fluid. The symbol for the windshield washer fluid reservoir is a universal icon resembling a windshield wiper spray pattern, which is standardized across nearly all vehicle brands. Windshield washer fluid is widely used for quick dirt removal and bright cleaning on various glass surfaces including automotive windshields, rearview mirrors, as well as household, office, door/window, and decorative glass. It offers multiple functions: cleaning performance, antifreeze protection, anti-fogging, anti-static properties, lubrication, and corrosion prevention.
Every day commuting to work, I can't do without windshield washer fluid, mainly used for cleaning the windshield. This stuff is stored in the plastic tank with a blue cap in the engine compartment, and when you press the windshield wiper button, it sprays out from the nozzles under the windshield, which is especially effective against bugs that splatter on the glass in summer. When driving on the highway, the mud and sand kicked up by the car in front splashes onto the windshield, and a couple of swipes with the washer fluid and wipers clean it right up. Some high-end cars even have a rear window washer function, which is also useful for dust accumulation on the rear glass. I always keep two bottles of concentrated windshield washer fluid in my trunk, ready to mix at the gas station. However, in winter, you need to use the antifreeze type, as the regular one can freeze and crack the hoses below zero.
As a truck driver with over a decade of experience, windshield washer fluid is an essential safety item for me. No matter how clear the dashcam footage is, a dusty windshield still makes it impossible to see the road clearly. This liquid is primarily used in three areas: the front and rear windshields and the rearview mirror for reversing. Especially when trucks kick up mud in rainy conditions, using wipers without washer fluid just smears the dirt and makes visibility worse. I prefer adjusting the nozzle angle to a fan-shaped spray pattern for even coverage across the glass. Before long trips, I always check the reservoir level, and a needle can unclog any blocked nozzles. While some smart car models now automatically adjust the spray volume based on dirt levels, experienced drivers like me find manual control more economical with washer fluid usage.
