How to Check Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Crystal clear windshield is necessary for safe driving. Daily while driving on busy streets or highways there are a lot of dust, pollutants or organic matters get stuck to the windshield and make the windshield hazy. This haziness is sometimes causing severe accidents, especially in bad weather conditions. Windshield washer fluid is something which helps you to get rid off all these pollutants and organic matters to keep your windshield clean and clear. It is important to check the condition and level of this washer fluid regularly to ensure the safety.

Instructions

Here are given some easy instructions to check or replace the windshield washer fluid:

1. Choose a flat surface to park the car. Switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
2. Open the front hood and look for the windshield washer fluid reservoir. It is usually a white in color located near the base of the windshield.
3. The washer fluid reservoir is mostly transparent having indicator marks on it. Those marks help you to determine the level of the fluid. Anything below “Half Full” mark means the fluid level is low and you need to refill it or replace it.
4. Examine the reservoir for possible leaks and damage.
5. Use the appropriate washer fluid mixture to refill the reservoir. You can take help from owner’s manual for mixture type.
6. Take the cap out from reservoir and put a funnel in it. Slowly refill the reservoir with washer fluid until it reaches up to the “FULL” mark.
7. Close the reservoir cap and finally close the hood.
8. Turn on the windshield washer mechanism and examine the working of the washer fluid and the nozzles. If fluid is not coming out at right amount clean the nozzles.

These are the easy instructions by following them you can check the level of washer fluid and replace it with convenience.

Why Windshield Washer Fluid is used?

Windshield washer fluid is a kind of fluid which has the tendency to clean the windshield with the help of washer blade wipers. Washer fluid is sprayed through the nozzles to the windshield and washer blade wipers along with fluid clear the windshield from:

• Dust, pollutants and dirt: Dirt, dust and pollutants are commonly seen on the windshield. They make the windshield foggy and therefore make the driving difficult and unsafe. Washer fluid helps to clear them from the windshield.

• Water and ice crystals: Rain water, snow or sleet sometimes get hold on the windshield and water droplets leave marks on the windshield, which reduces the visibility. Washer fluid keep those marks and other minerals clear and makes the windshield clean.

• Organic material: There are certain organic matters (from plants or other substances), insects or birds excrements, which leave traces or stains on the windshield. They are all washed away by washer fluid.

Formulations of Windshield Washer Fluid

Windshield washer fluid is not an ordinary fluid. It is not only meant to clean the windshield, but it also prevents the wiper blade rubbers from damage. Washer fluid contains some special ingredients which help to break the powerful bond of the pollutants with the windshield, leaving it clear and clean. There are different ways to make a washer fluid mixture:

• Water is the main ingredient of washer fluid. Only water alone in the reservoir is capable of cleaning the windshield. Water is a useful solvent, which can clean any stain or dirt from the windshield.

• Antifreeze is sometimes used with water, especially in the cold weather conditions. Remember only small amount of antifreeze is enough to dilute with water. Being highly toxic, it is helpful to break the bond between ice crystals and windshield.

• Soap and water mixture is also very helpful to clean the windshield. It should be noted that only soft soap can be used. Any other hard soap or powder detergent can damage the wiper blade rubbers and a windshield.

• The mixture of alcohol and water is used to keep the windshield free from streaks and also to keep the windshield sparkling clear. Like antifreeze only small quantity of alcohol is used with water to avoid any damage to wiper blade rubbers.