Why is the car not spraying windshield washer fluid?
3 Answers
If the car is not spraying windshield washer fluid, the first consideration is insufficient washer fluid. You can check the fluid level through the dashboard or by directly opening the engine compartment. Other possible causes include clogged nozzles, freezing, or a damaged motor. In daily use, avoid using tap water as a substitute for dedicated windshield washer fluid. Tap water contains many impurities, which can clog the nozzles over time, and its cleaning effect is generally poor. Windshield washer fluid, commonly known as car windshield cleaning fluid, is a consumable in car use. High-quality windshield washer fluid is mainly composed of water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. When the transparency of the front windshield decreases, spraying some washer fluid can restore a clear and bright view.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen many cases where the windshield washer fluid won't spray. The most common issue is simply an empty reservoir - in summer the fluid evaporates quickly and can run dry before you know it. Nozzle clogs are another headache, especially after highway driving when insect remains can block the spray holes; a sewing needle usually clears them right out. If you hear the washer motor humming but get no fluid, there's an 80% chance it's a loose hose connection or cracked tubing from age. Winter brings the dreaded frozen washer fluid - my neighbor ruined his entire washer system last year by using plain tap water that froze solid. Also check the fuse marked 'Washer' in the fuse box - once my car's issue turned out to be a blown fuse. If the washer warning light appears on your dashboard, it means the sensor has detected a problem and you'll need an OBD scanner to read the specific trouble code. Regularly clearing leaves and debris from the windshield cowl area helps prevent nozzle blockages too.
Last week my car suddenly stopped spraying windshield fluid, so I first went to a roadside repair shop for inspection. The mechanic said to first check the fluid reservoir level, and sure enough it was empty. After refilling with dedicated cleaning fluid and testing, the left nozzle was still clogged. He used a 0.5mm steel wire to clear it and it worked fine. The most obvious sign of a faulty washer pump is not hearing the buzzing sound, in which case you'd need to remove the front bumper to replace the motor. A leaking hose is characterized by blue fluid traces in the engine bay - my old car once leaked due to aged rubber hoses. Many new cars now come with automatic detection that shows a dashboard warning when fluid is low. For prevention, it's best to check fluid levels every three months and switch to antifreeze washer fluid before winter. The mechanic recommended using a funnel with filter mesh when refilling to reduce impurities entering the system.
