Topping up your windscreen washer fluid is one of the most frequent car maintenance jobs you will carry out. This guide will show you how to quickly locate the windscreen wash filler tank and easily top-up the wash fluid*. Some cars have warning lights that appear on your dashboard to inform you of a low windscreen wash level but these aren’t always fail-safe. Despite this job being so easy to carry out, many car owners forget or ignore the warnings which could lead to hazardous driving if you can’t clean your windscreen properly. In fact, if you don’t have enough wash fluid when your car gets it’s MOT it could fail, although it’s very quick to rectify.
Locate the windscreen washer tank / reservoir
First of all, make sure the car is parked safely and then open the bonnet. It’s best to top-up the windscreen wash before starting your journey, so you don’t run-out when you need it most. You will need to find out where the car’s ‘windscreen washer tank’ is. It is usually a semi-transparent plastic box so you can see the washer level, along with clear marks to indicate the minimum and maximum levels. It’s common to find the tank with a white or blue coloured cap with a windscreen and a jet of water symbolised. If you are in any doubt as to where the ‘windscreen washer tank’ is, check your car handbook. Next, it’s time to check the level marks on the side of the reservoir tank. Ideally, it’s always best to top-up to the fill line whenever you inspect the reservoir tank, so you don’t run the risk of it running dry. Now it’s time to prepare your windscreen washer solution and get ready to top-up. Due to the risk of freezing we recommend using washer fluid solution (pre-mixed or concentrate) with anti-freeze properties which you can buy at most petrol stations, garages, supermarkets or auto retailers. Make sure you read the instructions on the side of the product to prepare it for use in your reservoir.
Top-up the screenwash fluid
Lift up the filler cap on the tank and keep it somewhere safe if it’s not connected to the tank itself. Try and find a funnel and place it over the hole to prevent spillages and then slowly pour the screenwash into the tank. Allow it to settle into the reservoir and then check the level again. Once the level is at the ‘fill’ line you can replace the filler cap securely and close the bonnet. You are then ready to start your journey. Please contact us if you require assistance with checking your screenwash levels. *Please note these instructions vary from vehicle to vehicle, so always be sure to check your manufacturers manual for precise instructions to avoid warranty issues or damage to the car. We cannot be held responsible for any damage caused and these tips are only given as general advice.