Why is the windshield washer fluid not spraying?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why a car's windshield washer fluid may not spray: 1. Clogged pipes: Frequently driving on unpaved roads allows tiny dust particles to enter the spray nozzles of the wipers. Over time, the dried dust can block the nozzles, preventing the wipers from spraying water. Simply insert a brush into the wiper spray nozzles to clean out the dust or attached dirt, and turn on the wiper spray switch while cleaning. 2. Water level too low: The windshield washer fluid reservoir is designed in the engine compartment. If the water level is too low, it will also prevent water from spraying. In this case, simply add water to the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
It's really annoying when the windshield washer fluid won't spray! I remember last time driving in the rain, the windshield was covered in mud splashes, but nothing happened when I pressed the button a few times. I guessed the reservoir was empty, and sure enough, when I popped the hood, there was no water left. Adding some washer fluid fixed it. Sometimes even when it's full, it still doesn't work—turns out the spray nozzles were clogged with dust. A thin needle or toothpick carefully poked into the nozzle openings can unclog them. Winter is worse—regular water freezes and won't spray, so you must use antifreeze washer fluid to avoid this. If the pump doesn’t make a humming sound, the fuse might be blown—just check the fuse box and replace it. Old hoses or poor switch contact can also cause issues. These small problems are simple to fix. Regular checks and maintenance when topping up washer fluid can make driving much safer.
