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How to Refill Your Car's Washer Fluid

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Find the washer fluid tank

    Pop the hood and look in the engine bay for a cap marked with a washer-spray icon. It's usually clearly separated from the other fluid reservoirs, making it easy to spot.

  2. Check the level and top it off

    If the tank is translucent you can check the level from the outside. If it's low, open the cap and fill with store-bought washer fluid up to near the maximum line.

  3. Use a winter-grade fluid

    In cold weather, regular washer fluid can freeze inside the lines, so it's safer to switch to a winter (antifreeze-rated) washer fluid ahead of the cold season.

  4. Avoid using plain water

    Water alone can freeze easily in winter and clog or even crack the lines, and it also lacks the cleaning agents needed to cut through grime, bugs, or road film effectively.

  5. Check the spray nozzles too

    After refilling, confirm both nozzles are spraying evenly, and if one seems clogged, you can carefully clear it with a thin needle.

A Simple Task That's Easy to Forget

Refilling washer fluid only takes a few minutes, but if you don't check the level ahead of time, you can be caught off guard when the spray doesn't work right when you need it most. Making it a habit to check whenever you wash your car or fill up on fuel makes it easy to stay on top of.

Check Your Winter Car Care While You're At It

While you're checking your washer fluid, it's worth also looking into general winter car maintenance. Covering both helps you get ready for the colder season safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I mistake the washer fluid tank for the coolant tank?

Most caps are marked to tell them apart, a spray or water-jet icon for washer fluid and a thermometer icon for coolant, so checking the symbol on the cap should prevent any mix-up.

What happens if the washer fluid freezes?

If it freezes inside the lines, the spray may stop working or the lines themselves could get damaged, so it's best to use a winter-grade washer fluid in cold climates.