Checking and refilling your windshield washer fluid is important for clear visibility and safety on the roadway. Though windshield washer fluid doesn't need changing like oil, regular monitoring and refilling with the right type of washer fluid keeps road grime, insects, and other debris out of your field of vision while driving. Adding washer fluid to your car's reservoir is simple and relatively inexpensive.
How to Check Your Windshield Washer Fluid
Keeping a clear view of the road ahead is important for your safety and the safety of your vehicle's occupants, which makes knowing how to check your windshield washer fluid an important part of responsible car ownership.
To check the windshield washer fluid level in your car, pop the hood, prop it open if necessary, and look for the windshield washer fluid reservoir tank. The reservoir tank is typically semi-opaque with graduated markings indicating how much fluid remains inside.
Depending on the model, the windshield washer fluid reservoir may be located at the back of the engine near the windshield or on the sides of the engine. As a general rule, if the reservoir tank is below half full, top it off with the windshield washer fluid of your choice. If you're planning to refill the reservoir with a seasonal blend to prepare for upcoming cold weather or summer driving, then allow the contents of your windshield washer fluid reservoir to be depleted over time to facilitate the refill.
Although you should routinely check the fluid level, you'll know it's time for a refill when you notice that the fluid dispenses weakly or not at all when you push the windshield washer button. In some vehicles, a low washer fluid warning light may be triggered.
Changing Your Windshield Washer Fluid
Do you actually need to change your windshield washer fluid? The fast answer is "no". Unlike oil which must be drained and replaced at set intervals to ensure engine performance and longevity, windshield washer fluid doesn't need to be changed, only refilled. Still, it's important to keep a mindful watch of the level of your car's windshield wiper fluid and top it off when it's running low.
Most drivers have this vital fluid refilled when their car is being serviced or when a visual inspection of the fluid reservoir tank indicates that it's empty or in need of a refill. Luckily, refilling your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is relatively simple and requires no special tools other than a funnel.
Keep in mind that there are different types of windshield washer fluids on the market, including general-purpose products ideal for clearing everyday dirt and grime from your windshield. Most drivers choose this type of all-season fluid to use year-round since it works well in both cold and warm climates.
For more specific windshield-clearing power, changing your windshield washer fluid from an all-purpose or all-season washer fluid blend to a seasonal formula makes sense. Summer blends contain a higher concentration of cleaning agents to clear summer grime, pollen, and bugs while winter formulas are made using special agents that prevent freezing in colder temps or that help melt ice from your windshield.
There are also specific windshield washer fluids for bug removal that clear away insect residue. And to improve visibility during rainy weather, choose rain-repellent windshield washer fluid that repels water and may also improve the performance of your wiper blades.
Replacing Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid is one of those things you don't think about until it's gone. Nonetheless, it can be good practice to check the level of windshield washer fluid in your car, truck, SUV, van, or other vehicle from time to time to ensure that you always have enough for clearing off a sudden splatter on the roadway.
You can add windshield washer fluid to your Toyota in just a few simple steps. To do so, just remove the reservoir cap, and use a funnel to add the windshield washer fluid to the reservoir. Most windshield washer fluid reservoirs hold a gallon of fluid. Replace the cap tightly, close the hood, and pat yourself on the back for performing a basic maintenance task.
Rain, snow, road dust, grime and insects can obscure your view of the roadway, making it hard to see ahead or be prepared to yield, slow down, or even stop when the situation calls for it. Refilling your windshield wiper fluid with the appropriate type of fluid helps you stay safe as you make your way from point A to point B, whether you're alone on your morning commute or hauling the kids back and forth to soccer practice.