How to Fill Windshield Wiper Fluid

Most drivers know how important it is to check the condition and level of brake fluid and transmission fluid on a regular basis, but it can be easy to overlook windshield wiper fluid! However, this automotive fluid can make all the difference when visibility is crucial on your travels. Our guide covers what every driver should know about what windshield wiper fluid is designed to do, and how to refill windshield wiper fluid when the level is low.

What is Windshield Wiper Fluid?

What is windshield wiper fluid, and how is it different from regular glass cleaners? Windshield wiper fluid contains ethanol or methanol to clean your windshield quickly and effectively without leaving streaks, and a small amount of ethylene glycol (an alcohol used in automotive antifreeze) to prevent the glass from freezing — even if the windchill in Orange dips below -20 degrees! 

There are also windshield wiper fluids specially formulated for other weather conditions, like high heat and humidity. We suggest replacing your windshield wiper fluid on a seasonal basis, especially if you’ll be spending time in an area where weather conditions change rapidly. The main difference between summer vs. winter windshield wiper formulations is that the summer version contains more detergents to remove dirt and insects, rather than a higher alcohol content to prevent freezing.

How to Use Windshield Wiper Fluid

Learning how to use windshield wiper fluid is intuitive — simply press the button near your vehicle’s steering wheel (oiften on the shifter) to spray wiper fluid until the windshield is covered with a generous amount. Then run your wipers until the fluid has been fully worked in and no streaks are visible. 

Learning how to how to refill windshield wiper fluid is slightly more complicated, but only until you’ve done it once! You’ll find the wiper fluid resevoir under the hood. In most vehicles, it’s a white, translucent container with a blue water symbol on the cap. If you’re still not sure where to put windshield wiper fluid, check your owner’s manual.

Once you’ve found where to put the windshield wiper fluid, check the level. Does the blue fluid reach the fill line? If not, unscrew the reservoir cap and carefully add fluid to the fill line. Then, tightly replace the cap.

Rely On Sonia’s Auto Group for Top-Notch Auto Service in Orange 

Our team is standing by to answer any further questions about how to refill windshield wiper fluid, so don’t hesitate to reach out! In the meantime, Orange-area drivers can check out our auto service video library or shop online for Mopar® genuine batteries and automotive accessories.