How to Replace a Windscreen Washer Reservoir and Choose the Right Fluid
One of the most undermined components on our vehicles is the windscreen which although for some it's just a piece of glass, it's actually come a long way from just being that. Nowadays, windscreens are curved and for a good reason too as this way less bugs and dirt stay on them.
That is not to say that cleaning your windscreen isn't as important. It pretty much is as it allows you to see better and stay safe on the road especially when travelling at higher speeds. A clean windscreen can also minimise glare and prevent further damage to the surface of the glass as there's no dirt to get trapped.
Replacing a Windscreen Washer Reservoir
What You Need
In order to replace a damaged windscreen washer tank you'll need to equip yourself with the right tools and supplies. These include needle nose pliers, a torch, butt connectors, boxed-end wrenches, a battery saver, gloves, side cutters, a tyre iron, torque wrench, wire crimpers and strippers. You'll also need wheel chocks, a flat-head screwdriver and a ratchet with appropriate sockets to replace a windshield washer bottle.
Replacement Process
1. With the battery saver in the cigarette lighter, start by disconnecting the battery and removing the bolts that hold the reservoir. When you locate the windscreen washer bottle make sure to remove the harness plug on the washer pump first before you take off the fasteners.
2. Once the plug and windscreen washer bottle are out, empty the washer fluid from the windscreen washer tank if any is left and make sure to remove the washer pump too. You should keep the pump unless you've purchased a new one. Before you put on the new reservoir make sure to clean the contacts of the harness plug and those of the washer pump.
3. Installing the new reservoir means you first need to reinstall the washer pump and then the reservoir itself. With that done, connect the harness plug back in its place and secure the reservoir with the same bolts you removed earlier.
4. In case you removed a clamp you'll need to reinstall it with the needle nose pliers together with the line that the clamp was holding. Before you put everything back together make sure to put some windscreen washer fluid back into the windscreen washer tank and test its function.
Types of Windshield Washer Fluid
Blue
Known as standard washer fluid, blue fluid is the generic washer fluid most people have in their vehicles. This type of washer fluid can clean every windscreen no matter the conditions and what it has on it but don't expect it to excel in cold weather with stubborn stains. Blue washer fluid is essentially glass cleaner that has been mixed with methanol and water to make it more appropriate for your car's windscreen.
Green
When it comes to cleaning your windscreen from bug splatters, green washer fluid is best. Also known as bug remover fluid it can take care of any sticky mess, it doesn't necessarily have to be a bug. Remember though that this type of washer fluid has less antifreeze. This makes green washer fluid more acceptable during the summer since there are more insects roaming about and temperatures are higher.
Pink
You may not like the colour of water-beading washer fluid but it has some excellent properties when it comes to driving in the rain or washing your car. As its name implies, pink washer fluid is able to keep heavy rain away from the windscreen and thus your wipers won't have to be on as much. The capabilities of pink washer fluid are extremely useful if you live in an area where heavy rains are a regular occurrence even during a short period of time.
Purple
Something that you may not ever need in your life is de-icing washer fluid. Its purple colour indicates the use of silicone and additives that when mixed keep the windscreen free from water and the fluid itself won't freeze up in cold weather. This is still a water-beading washer fluid at its core but it has more antifreeze in it in order to keep it usable in freezing temperatures which is not the case for us Aussies.
Yellow
If you can't make up your mind but want something better than just plain washer fluid, go for all-season fluid. This has a yellow colour and it means that it can survive in cold temperatures. All-season washer fluid can also help remove bugs and take care of water thanks to its combination of aggressive cleaning agents and additives. Just don't expect this type of washer fluid to excel at any of the above.
Final Words
Something as simple as a windshield washer bottle can be so crucial for your car and especially for your safety. Without washer fluid and a place to store it, you'll have to bring a bottle of fluid in your boot and pour it on the windscreen yourself with the wipers on. That's more than just a hassle and no one wants to keep doing it.
