How do I check my car’s windscreen washer fluid, what do I top it up with and how often should I do it?
WINDSCREEN washer fluid is crucial while driving in order to navigate safely.
But drivers are often caught left with a reduced view for forgetting to top up their washer liquid – or simply not knowing how.
Motorists not only risk their own safety, but those around them, when driving with a dirty windscreen.
Checking your fluid doesn’t take long and is vital for safe driving.
Here’s what you need to know to stop dirt, ice and snow blocking your view this winter.
How do I check my windscreen washer fluid?
Underneath the bonnet of your car is a plastic container that stores fluid for your windscreen wipers.
Pull your bonnet release lever, open it up and place the prop in place to hold it in place.
The container will usually have a symbol of a windscreen on the lid.
Once you’ve located the washer fluid container, you should be able to see through the container to check how much water is left.
Most car manufacturers will have a minimum level indicated on the vehicle’s washer containers.
What do I top it up with?
You can top up your washer container with a blend of water and a concentrated screen wash solution to help keep it clean – usually available from any store stocking car accessories.
For colder conditions, you can add antifreeze to the solution to ensure the water doesn’t freeze overnight.
Avoid adding detergent to the container as this can leave a soapy layer on your windscreen and is difficult to wipe away.
How often should I do it?
It’s recommended to check your wiper fluid at least once a month and top it up if necessary.
But you might need to check more regularly during the winter season or periods of increased driving, depending on how often you use it.
If your windscreen fluid container is less than a quarter empty, make sure to fill it up as you never know when you’ll need to use it.
your guide to car maintenance
Why is it important and can I be fined for having a dirty windscreen?
Motorists have a responsibility to ensure their driving doesn’t have a negative impact on others, and this can also apply to how your car is kept.
If you head out on the road with a dirty windscreen and it has an affect on your ability to see properly, you could be charged with careless driving in the event of an accident.
The charge carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence.
But in more serious cases, or those that are contested in court, the charge can attract a maximum £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban.
Even if you are involved in an incident that isn’t strictly your fault, if a court finds the outcome could have been lessened or prevented by your actions, you could still be penalised.
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