The windshield is a vital element in the car. Through it we can see the path to follow, as well as the different unforeseen events. It is vital to keep it in good condition and also clean. For this we have the windshield wiper, which is mainly used to remove rain, hail or snow. Its operation depends on having water on the moon, which is why sometimes we have to use the windshield washer fluid.
You should not use windshield washer fluid anytime the window is dirty. The window must be clean, you should not clean it exclusively with the brushes, since dirt can deteriorate them and even damage the glass.
This is an act that we all get used to doing almost automatically, it has no secrets. And it has happened to all of us (or will happen), finding ourselves one day when the car’s windshield wiper does not expel liquid… The solution is within everyone’s reach and there are different levels of severity that we are going to see below, due to forgetfulness, accumulation of dirt or wear caused by the passage of time.
Why doesn’t water come out of the windshield wiper?
If when activating the windshield wipers no water comes out or comes out with less flow than usual, it is possible that the cause is that
empty tank
The main reason why water does not come out of the windshield wiper is very simple, that the water tank is empty. So it’s time to check it:
- With the engine cold, raise the hood and look for the circular tank cover (it has an image of a windshield wiper and usually has a blue cap. If you don’t see it, read the vehicle manual to find it.
- Check out. The tank is usually translucent for easy checking. If not, it is best to look from the opening (you can help with a flashlight if
- If you don’t see anything or the liquid level is very close to the bottom, fill up.
- The edge sometimes has a kind of strainer so that impurities that could damage the circuit do not get in. Take the opportunity to see if it is in good condition.
- Then bring a bottle with windshield washer fluid (it is usually a mixture of water and alcohol, to prevent it from freezing at low temperatures and it is not expensive at all, avoid homemade mixtures). Fill until it reaches the max fill line.
- It is possible that your vehicle has a rear window cleaner, which has a separate tank. Sometimes it is closer to the trunk.
fluid leak
If the car is already old, it is possible that there is a leak in the circuit that goes from the tank to the diffusers. To check it, it is best to fill in the deposit. After a while, check that the level is still at the maximum. If not, look for puddles on the ground (whenever possible) and feel the wiper circuit hoses to try to locate the leak.
Replacing one of these sleeves is not expensive, but depending on the model it can be somewhat complex.
circuit obstruction
In addition to losing liquid, the circuit can become clogged. It is not common, but it is possible that dirt accumulates in the tank or that a blockage occurs in some area of the sleeves or nozzles.
The most common in these cases is to use compressed air to move the particles, or a wire to unclog the ducts. After doing so, everything should be cleaned with plenty of water.
A common place where these clogs occur is in the diffuser, just the place where the water exits towards the windshield. It is usually somewhat protected by the hood, but it is left out in the open and can be damaged. The verification is simple, because it is enough to disassemble the sleeve that supplies it with liquid. If liquid comes out of it when we activate it in the car, the blockage is in that diffuser, which you can unclog with a pin or needle.
It is a good moment to check if these ejectors are well directed, which send the water towards the central and lower part of the glass. Otherwise, there may be dry areas, so the brushes can be damaged or even the glass itself.
electrical failure
If the problem is not in the fluid or its ducts, there may be an electrical fault. There are several elements susceptible to failure.
- Water Pump: It is the piece that projects the liquid from the tank to the ejectors. Typically it looks like a black cylinder, connected to the bottom of the water tank. It is possible to check its status by turning off the car, disconnecting it and starting the vehicle again. If you start the car and connect the windshield wipers and you notice a small noise, like a buzz, it is that it receives electricity… So it’s time to change it. A professional would use a multimeter.
- Fuse: If the power does not arrive, it may simply be that you need to change a fuse in the car. Locate what it is (in the instruction book) and change it. Be careful, if you see that it shares a fuse with the wiper arm and it moves… what is failing is the pump.
- Security before everything: If you have problems detecting the problem or repairing the pump, or you have never manipulated electrical components of a vehicle, it is better to take the car to your trusted workshop.
