Basics: How to Refill Your Windshield Wiper Fluid

Do you consider anything that’s under the hood of your car a mystery? You can replace the windshield wiper fluid on your own – we’ll show you how.

When the weather gets close to the freezing point and you start getting those frost crystals on your windshield, it’s time to make sure your windshield washer fluid tank is full. A quick spray and swipe with your wipers and your car will be carpool-ready in no time. Don’t wait until the road salt completely covers your windshield and you can’t see at all! You’ll find bottles for sale all over in this season – consider buying a bottle for now and one for backup. (Yes, Costco has a 2-pack). Or order on amazon here.

Now that the nagging warning light is lit and you have a bottle of washer fluid handy, we’ll show you just how simple it is to refill your tank.

We’ll start at the beginning. Do you know how to pop the hood of your car?

Basics: How to Refill Your Windshield Wiper Fluid Always start by turning off the car. Every car is different, but somewhere on the bottom left you should find a button or lever that has a hood graphic on it. Once you pop that open, you’ll go around to the front of your car. It should only be open a little bit. Put your hand in and gently feel for a little latch. Slide that latch to open the hood. Some hoods will stay up and some will have a stick tucked into the side that needs to be raised and inserted into a notch on the underside of the hood to prop the hood open.

Find the the tank lid that has an image of a windshield with wipers. It may or may not spell out that washer fluid goes in there, but it’ll always have that image.

Slowly pour the fluid into that tank until it’s full.