Have you ever turned on your windshield washers only to be met with no fluid and the harsh screech of dry wiper blades bouncing across your windshield? That can be an unfortunate way to find out your need to refill your windshield washer fluid reservoir. Whether it was a lack of spray, or a warning light that let you know you that you are low on fluid, it’s important to refill soon.

Keeping the windshield washer fluid topped off can be one of the most overlooked and neglected maintenance items on a vehicle. If you’ve ever parked under a tree, traveled on a dirt road, or driven the highway after a storm, you know how important it can be to have enough washer fluid on board. Having a clear windshield to see through is a necessity to safe operation of your vehicle and cleanings will likely come at an inopportune time, and not having windshield washer fluid could lead to a dangerous situation for you and other drivers.

Under the hood of your vehicle is a plastic container that contains the fluid for your windshield wipers. Is it full of liquid? If not, you can fill it with any one of a variety of windshield washer solutions — you can even use a home window cleaner. Just don’t use detergent, which can leave a residue that can plug up your lines. Plus, it isn’t easy to drive with suds all over your windshield!

Pay attention to the kind of windshield washer fluid you use. There are kinds that claim to remove sap and bugs. Some are concentrated, which means that you need to mix them with water before adding them to the reservoir. If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, consider a premixed washer solution that contains antifreeze. This solution comes in quart and gallon sizes and keeps your windshield clean while preventing the liquid from freezing up in cold weather.

So remember when it comes to washer fluid there are different kinds. Some are good for warmer climates and some are a must for where it gets cold. I remember when I had my first car when I was 16 and it was late at night and I put the washer fluid in the wrong plastic container, that was a mess and a trip to the shop! So be careful where you put the fluid and as always DRIVE SAFE!!!