Usually, windshield wipers help keep your windshield clean while you drive. Windshield wipers also have jets that spray out washing fluid to efficiently clean your windshield, but they may not always work.
You may be wondering why your windshield wipers are not spraying. I did some digging, and here is what I learned!
Why Are My Windshield Wipers Not Spraying?
Windshield wipers are not spraying because there is not enough washer fluid, or the washer fluid is frozen. Moreover, the windshield wiper system has various components that can fail, such as the water pump and nozzle jet. Additionally, you may have a leak in a hose that sends the washer fluid to your windshield.
Are you interested in learning about more reasons why your windshield wipers are not spraying? I made a list of reasons below, so keep reading!
1. Not Enough Washer Fluid
One of the most common reasons why your windshield wipers are not spraying is that you ran out of washer fluid.
Generally, most cars will have a reservoir where you can keep washer fluid to have the fluid sprayed on your windshield as needed.
Once you do not have any washer fluid left, your windshield wiper jets will not be able to spray any fluid.
Therefore, you can easily fix this problem by refilling the reservoir with more washer fluid.
2. Frozen Washer Fluid
Another common cause of why your windshield wipers are not spaying any fluid is that your washer fluid froze.
Typically, washer fluid is not made of just water since the fluid is specialized to clean harder messes off of the windshield.
Washer fluid contains a variety of alcohol to effectively clean the windshield without much effort, but there is still some water in it.
When the temperatures outside are below freezing, it is possible for the washing fluid to freeze.
Once the washer fluid is frozen, nothing will get sprayed out of your windshield wiper jets until the washer fluid melts.
3. Damaged Nozzle Jets
If there is no issue with your washer fluid, the next probable reason why your windshield wipers cannot spray is that your nozzle jets are damaged.
Generally, the windshield wiper nozzles can be found in the hood of your car or the arms of the windshield wiper blades.
These nozzle jets are in charge of spraying a fine mist of washer fluid across your windshield.
Once these nozzle jets get damaged, they will start having issues, including not spraying any washer fluid.
Normally, you can tell that your nozzle jets are going bad once they do not spray a mist or begin to leak.
4. Clogged Nozzle Jets
Your nozzle jets could still be the problem even if there is no damage because they are clogged.
Nozzle jets usually have very small holes, which means they are very susceptible to getting clogged.
Typically, lots of dirt, residue, debris, etc. will get stuck in the nozzles as you drive, park, etc., your car.
Luckily, you can usually clean out a clogged nozzle jet by gently using a toothpick to get rid of the blockage.
If a toothpick does not work for you, carefully rubbing a soft toothbrush that was dipped in warm water on the nozzle jet can remove the grime.
5. Faulty Hose
When there is no issue with your nozzle jets or washer fluid, it is time to check the hoses connected to the water pump and windshield wipers.
Normally, a hose connects to the windshield wiper’s nozzle jets to help spray out the washer fluid.
Occasionally, this hose can get damaged due to age, overuse, physical damage (such as a collision), etc.
When the hose is damaged, it can cause a leak because the hose would be torn, cracked, dented, etc.
As a result, you will not be able to spray washer fluid as needed because the washer fluid will leak out of the hose before it reaches the windshield.
6. Lack Of Power
Usually, most windshield wipers rely on the car’s electrical power sources to help them function and spray washer fluid.
When there is a lack of power in your car, your car may not be able to supply enough voltage to your water pump to spray the washer fluid.
As such, the first thing you need to make sure is that your car’s battery has enough power.
If your battery is fine, you may need to check your alternator since your alternator is the main source of power in your car.
Generally, the alternator’s job is to turn chemical energy into electrical energy, recharge your car’s battery, and more.
When the alternator is faulty, your washer pump will not have enough power to use your windshield wiper’s spraying function.
7. Damaged Water Pump
Typically, an electrical water pump is in charge of sending washer fluid to the nozzle jets.
If your water pump gets damaged, the failing water pump will be unable to send any washer fluid when you try to spray your windshield.
8. Incompatible Water Pump
If you recently had the water pump replaced and your windshield wipers still do not spray, you probably have an incompatible water pump.
There are various types of water pumps, so you need to make sure that you have the right kind for your car.
9. Blown Fuse
Finally, another issue that your water pump could have is that the fuse for your water pump has blown.
Like with most electrical devices in your car, there is a fuse that works like a conductor and a safety feature.
Once there is a short circuit, the fuse will “blow” to keep the damage away from the main electrical part, which would be your water pump.
Conclusion
Normally, windshield wipers will not spray because there is an issue with your windshield wiper system, such as a blown fuse in your electrical water pump.
Additionally, minor issues like a clogged nozzle jet or lack of washer fluid can keep your windshield wiper spray function from working.