How to Check Car Windshield Washer Fluid

Road dirt can coat the windshield of your car while you are driving, especially when roads are wet or muddy. If you can't see out of your windshield you can't drive your car safely. It is important to keep your windshield washer fluid full at all times so you can keep your windshield clean. Check your car's windshield washer fluid level often.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open the hood of your car and secure it with the prop rod.

2. Locate your windshield washer reservoir. This is located on either side of the of the engine compartment. It is typically a large, transparent plastic container labeled Washer Fluid.

3. Open the top of the reservoir container and check the level if you are unable to determine the level by looking at it from the outside.

4. Fill with windshield washer fluid to bring the level up to the top of the reservoir fill neck.

5. Reinstall the reservoir cap. Remove the prop rod and close the hood of your car securely.

Tips & Warnings

• Most windshield washer fluid is blue. Blue windshield washer fluid is rated for minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Some washer fluid used for severe cold climates may be red.
• You can also fill your car's windshield washer reservoir with fresh water. However, fresh water does not remove road grime as well as washer fluid does. Water also freezes at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. You should never use it in cold climates where temperatures drop below freezing.
• Windshield washer fluids are toxic. They contain alcohol and are also flammable. Keep windshield washer fluid away from pets and children.