Adjusting the Windshield Fluid Sprayer

Poor visibility because of dirty windshields leads to accidents.

There is an obvious reason why a windshield is transparent; to drive safely you need to be able to see where you are going. As the Florida Department of Highway Safety points out, a windshield should be kept clean because sunlight bouncing off a dirty windshield can momentarily blind you, and poor visibility leads to accidents. Well-adjusted windshield jets significantly increase the effectiveness of the wipers, and in many places, it is a legal requirement to maintain them correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Thin pin or needle

Instructions

1. Spray some water onto the windshield, using the lever or button provided for use by the driver. Watch the spray hitting the windshield and decide how it needs to be adjusted to become more effective.

2. Open the vehicle's hood and locate the base of the sprayer nozzle or nozzles. Some vehicles have a central nozzle, others have two. If the nozzle base is secured by an adjustable nut, loosen it sufficiently with an appropriate wrench so that it may be twisted from side to side. Other nozzles may be clipped into place and can be pulled free.

3. Rotate the nozzle in the direction determined by your earlier observation of the spray on the windshield and tighten the nut with your fingers. Close the hood.

4. Activate the windshield spray and again see where the water lands. Note any further adjustments, and then repeat Steps 2 through 3 until the nozzle is positioned to give the best coverage. Tighten the adjustment nut with a wrench.

5. Examine the sprayer nozzles and locate the holes out of which the water is sprayed. Insert a thin needle into the hole out of which water is sprayed. Gently move the needle from side to side and up and down. If the nozzle is adjustable, it will move with the needle, allowing you to adjust its aim.

6. Alternate a series of test sprays with further fine adjustment of the nozzles until the sprayer directs water exactly where you want it.

Tips & Warnings

• Include checking the positioning of fluid sprayers in your weekly vehicle check. It takes only a few seconds to ensure that they are working, and it might save your life.

• Violent use of a wrench or other tools may snap or damage components. Make adjustments gently and with care.

References

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Teen Driving Safety Tips
• ProCarCare: Windshield Wipers and Washers, Page 2 of 3