How to add windshield wiper fluid

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Close up of windshield wiper fluid well under the hood

Windshield washer fluid is one of those maintenance items that you might overlook. Until you try to look through a dirty windshield while driving, that is.

You should check your windshield washer fluid whenever you fill up your fuel tank. If your washer fluid is low, refilling it is easy. Here’s how to do it.

Before you start

There are a few things you should do before starting step 1:

  • Park your vehicle on a level surface, and set the parking brake.

  • Roll up or remove loose clothing, and keep your arms away from the cooling fan(s) when checking the washer fluid—fans can turn on automatically, even when the engine is off.

  • Only put windshield washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir. Other vehicle fluids can damage your wiper/washer system.

  • Don’t use water in the washer fluid reservoir. If it freezes, it can clog and damage the reservoir and hoses.

  • In extremely cold weather, use low-temperature washer fluid. And don’t fill the reservoir all the way.

  1. Open your hood and find your washer fluid reservoir—it’s usually a white, translucent container with a windshield/water symbol on the cap. Note that if your vehicle has a rear wiper, there may be a second reservoir for it as well.

  2. Remove the cap(s) and check the fluid level in the reservoir(s). If it's full, you don’t need to add any.

  3. If the fluid is low, carefully pour some into the reservoir(s) until it almost reaches the top.

  4. Replace the cap(s) and press down until it pops into place. Then, close the hood.

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