Dirt, dust, wind, bugs, and weather can all contribute to a dirty windshield. Having an adequate amount of wiper fluid is essential for the driver’s visibility and safety year round. You may find that you use more fluid in the winter time with icy and snowy conditions that tend to cloud up your windshield. Chicago winters and low wiper fluid pretty much go hand in hand. Driving behind a large truck that splashes water from the pavement and using your defroster can only get you so far. Here are a few steps to guide you in filling up your wiper fluid:
- Turn off vehicle and prop hood open.
- Locate the windshield wiper reservoir cap and open it. It will be labeled with a window and wiper icon.
- Add fluid until you reach the fill line. If you don’t have the best aim, you may want to use a funnel.
- Replace the reservoir cap and close your car’s hood. All done!
What Not to Do
Don’t use pure water in your windshield washer fluid reservoir. Water can not only freeze in your fluid pump, but its lack of solvents will make cleaning dirt and bugs from your windshield a more complicated task. If you’re in a pinch and need to clean your windshield, we recommend stopping at a gas station. Many gas stations supply wiper fluid and squeegee cleaning buckets near gas pumps. You can also pour a water bottle on your windshield as a last resort, but never risk driving if you can’t see out of your windshield.
Be Prepared
If you drive an older car, it may not have a wiper fluid warning light. That’s why you may want to have a gallon of fluid stored away in your trunk. Alternatively you can purchase a smaller, 16oz package of concentrated wiper fluid for easy storage. You may also want to purchase fluid that is labeled for below freezing temperatures.
