Is it important to keep fluid in the windshield washer reservoir?

Your vehicle is equipped with a system to clean the windshield if it is dirty, called a windshield washer system. Your windshield washer system includes:

• Windshield washer reservoir
• washer fluid pump
• Fluid Dispersal Hoses
• Windshield washer jets
• Wiper system

Purpose of washer fluid

While the washer fluid is in the reservoir and used as needed, the fluid also performs another function in the reservoir. The washer fluid lubricates the parts it contains, including the washer fluid pump and hoses. If there is no washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir, the internal parts of the pump may corrode and the plastic parts may fail. If the washer fluid pump cannot pump as hard, or if the rubber hoses dry out and crack on the inside, the washer fluid system may leak, stop working effectively, or stop working completely.

The operation of the washer fluid pump in the absence of fluid in the tank causes an additional load on the pump and wears it out very quickly. If you know you're out of washer fluid, try not to activate your windshield washers.

Most importantly, if there is no washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir, you will not be able to clean the windshield if it becomes dirty. This can be a huge safety issue if you are driving in conditions where dirt or grime can get on your windshield. Wiper blades will only smear dirt if you can't apply washer fluid to the glass.

Make sure the washer fluid is always in the reservoir.