Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Keeping the windshield clean and clear is essential for safe driving. The windshield washer fluid plays a vital role in this regard. Over time, the fluid can become dirty and contaminated, or you may need to replace it altogether. Draining and refilling the windshield washer fluid is an easy and important maintenance task that can help ensure your safety on the road.
Draining Windshield Washer Fluid: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open The Hood
Open your vehicle’s hood. This will allow you access to the windshield washer fluid reservoir near the front of the engine compartment. Locate and release the latch to open the hood, usually under or near the driver’s side dashboard.
Once you have released the latch, lift the hood and prop it open with a support rod or other device. Secure it properly, so it doesn’t accidentally close while you are working underneath it. With the hood open, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s engine compartment and locate where your windshield washer fluid reservoir is situated.
Step 2: Remove The Cap
The reservoir cap is under your car’s hood near the base of the windshield. Some cars might have a clear plastic container that reveals how much fluid is left, while others may have an opaque container.
To remove the cap, twist it counterclockwise until it comes off. Sometimes, you may need a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen an especially tight cap.
It’s important to note that some vehicles may require different methods for removing the windshield washer fluid reservoir cap.
Step 3: Locate the Drain Hose and Disconnect
The drain hose is usually a black rubber line that runs from the reservoir to underneath your car, where it can be drained. Lift your car and use a flashlight to find it. Once found, disconnect it by either unscrewing a clamp or removing any tags or bolts that hold it in place, depending on its type of connection.
Wear protective gloves when handling the fluid and connecting/disconnecting parts because some fluids can be corrosive without proper protection. After removal of the drain hose, carefully move the hose away from your vehicle so that any remaining fluid will not drip onto other parts of your vehicle while draining out completely.
Step 4: Drain The Fluid Into A Container & Reconnect The Hose
Once the cap has been removed, the fluid will drain out of the reservoir. Ensure a container is present to collect this fluid, such as a large jug or bucket. The container should be placed beneath the hose to catch the draining washer fluid. As this happens, ensure no spills occur on nearby surfaces that the corrosive liquid may damage.
Step 5: Refill The Reservoir
Before you add any new fluid, check your owner’s manual to see what type of fluid your car requires. Remove the cap from the reservoir and slowly pour it in until it is full. After adding the proper amount of fluid, securely screw the cap back on and wipe up any spilled liquid with a rag or paper towel. Now turn on your car and start its engine to test if everything was done correctly – try using your windshield wipers for a few seconds to see if they work as intended.
When Should Windshield Washer Fluid Be Drained And Why?
Windshield washer fluid should be drained if used at least once a year. This prevents old fluid from becoming contaminated with dirt and debris, which can clog the spray system. Draining also helps minimize evaporation in hot climates and will help keep your car’s windshield clean for longer.
Causes Of A Bad Windshield Washer Pump:
Clogged Spray Nozzles
Clogged spray nozzles can cause windshield washer fluid to not flow from the nozzle properly. To prevent clogging in the first place, use high-quality, non-freezing windshield washer fluid and check the nozzles for debris before using.
Leaking Hose
A leaking hose may cause the fluid to leak out and reduce the amount available for washing the windshield.
Pump Failure
Pump failure is one of the most common causes of a bad windshield washer pump. Over time, the motor that drives the pump can wear out or become damaged due to exposure to harsh weather conditions or debris on the road. When this happens, you may notice that the cleaning solution no longer sprays evenly across your windshield or doesn’t spray at all.
Frozen Washer Fluid
During colder months, when temperatures drop below freezing point, the liquid in the reservoir can freeze and cause blockages in the system. This affects the operation of the washer pump and damages other components, such as hoses and nozzles.
Faulty Switch
A faulty switch is another common cause of improper windshield washer fluid draining. This can happen when the switch gets stuck in the “off” position, preventing the washer pump from running and not allowing any fluid to be pumped through the nozzles.
How To Unclog The Nozzle On The Windshield?
- Locate the nozzle on your car’s windshield. This is usually located at the bottom of the windshield near the wipers.
- Once you have located it, disconnect it from its connection by unscrewing the bolts or clips holding it in place. Use a thin pipe cleaner or wire to dislodge debris blocking the nozzle. If this does not work, use a needle or other small tool to poke through the clog and loosen it up.
- After loosening up the clog, reattach the nozzle to its connection and fill your washer tank with fresh washer fluid until full.
- Start your engine and turn on your wipers to see if they spray correctly when they move across your windshield glass. If not, repeat these steps until all your nozzles are clear and functioning correctly!
How Much Can Windshield Washer Fluid Your Car Hold?
Most cars can hold at least 1-2 gallons of washer fluid. Some larger vehicles may require more. It’s essential to check with the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact amount that should be placed in the reservoir or tank.
What Color Is Winter Windshield Washer Fluid?
Most washer fluids are either blue, green, orange-yellow, or pink, but the coloring can vary depending on the type of solution used. Blue and green solutions typically contain methanol, an effective cleansing agent that helps reduce freezing temperatures. Orange-yellow solutions often include propylene glycol, which prevents freezing temperatures to -20°F. In contrast, pink solutions may contain a mix of methanol, propylene glycol, and additional cleaning agents.
What Happens When You Put Windshield Washer Fluid In A Gas Tank?
Adding windshield washer fluid to a gas tank can be extremely dangerous and could cause major damage to the vehicle. Suppose a significant amount of washer fluid is added. In that case, it can contaminate the fuel supply and damage or even destroy the fuel injectors, clog vital parts of the engine, and cause significant corrosion throughout the entire system. This could sometimes lead to an even more costly repair than replacing fuel injectors.
Conclusion
Draining the windshield washer fluid is a simple and easy task you can do independently. Following the steps mentioned in this article, you can safely and effectively remove old fluid from your vehicle’s reservoir. Always check your owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions before attempting maintenance tasks.
