Your windscreen washer system is one of those features you don’t think much about—until it stops working. Whether it’s a weak spray or no fluid at all, a faulty system can quickly become a safety and legal issue, as your windscreen must remain clean at all times. The good news? Most issues are simple to diagnose and fix.
In this blog, we’ll cover the most common reasons your windscreen washer isn’t working, how to fix them, and tips to prevent future issues.
Common Reasons Your Windscreen Washer Isn’t Working
1. Blocked Nozzles
Tiny bits of dirt can build up in the spray nozzles over time, restricting the spray or stopping it altogether. If no fluid is coming out or the spray is uneven, a blockage is often to blame.
The Fix:
Use a small pin or needle to gently poke into the nozzle and dislodge any debris. Test the system after by spraying the screen wash a few times to make sure it’s clear.
2. Clogged Washer Tubes
Sometimes, dirt, or limescale can also build up in the pipes that carry the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzles, when this happens you might get an intermittent spray—or nothing at all.
The Fix:
This part can be a bit tricky, so here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Disconnect the hose from the windscreen washer reservoir. It’s usually secured with a clamp or rubber grommet, so you may need a screwdriver to loosen it. This gives you access to the pipe.
Step 2: Take a can of compressed air (or an airline) and spray air into the nozzle end of the hose — the part that usually connects to the bonnet nozzle.
Step 3: Keep going until the debris clears out from the end that was connected to the reservoir
Extra tip: Avoid spraying air from the reservoir end of the hose, as this can push dirt into the nozzle and make the blockage even harder to remove.
3. Frozen Washer System
During colder months, if you’re not using winter-grade screen wash, the fluid can freeze in the pipes, reservoir, or nozzles, completely stopping the spray.
The Fix:
Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes. Turn on the heater to help warm up the engine and the washer system — this can help thaw any frozen fluid lines. You could also try moving your car into a warmer space, such as a heated garage, to help melt the frozen washer fluid.
Extra tip: To avoid future issues, always use a screen wash with antifreeze. This type of screen wash is specially formulated for low winter temperatures and helps prevent frozen washer systems.
4. windscreen Washer Pump is faulty
If you’ve already cleaned the nozzles and hoses but your windscreen washer still isn’t working, the issue might lie with the washer pump itself. To check this, get someone to activate the windscreen washers while you listen closely near the washer fluid reservoir. You can also place your hand on the reservoir — if you don’t hear the pump whirring or feel any vibration, the pump might not be working.
The Fix:
Turn off the car and check the pump’s electrical connections at the base of the reservoir. Dirt can block the current — a quick clean might solve it. If that doesn’t help, it could be a blown fuse or a faulty pump. In that case, it’s best to see a trusted mechanic for repair or replacement.
Other Reasons Your Windscreen Washer Isn’t Working
Empty Washer Fluid Reservoir
It might seem obvious, but sometimes it’s just a matter of running out of screen wash. If the system was working fine yesterday and suddenly stops, this should be your first check.
Kinked or Disconnected Pipes
Hoses can sometimes get kinked or come loose, especially after engine work. Check under the bonnet for leaks or disconnected lines.
Faulty Windscreen Washer controls
If your windscreen washer still isn’t spraying after checking everything else, the issue might lie with the control switch on your dashboard. This could be due to faulty wiring. In this case, it’s best to contact a qualified car mechanic.
Final Thoughts: Windscreen Washer Not Working? It's a Legal and Safety Concern
If your windscreen washer isn't working, it's not just an inconvenience—it can be a legal issue. Under UK’s Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, all vehicles equipped with a windscreen must have a functioning washer system that is maintained in efficient working order.
A non-working windscreen washer can quickly become a serious safety hazard, but most of the time, the fix is simple. Start with the basics: check your windscreen wash level, clean the nozzles, and inspect the hoses. If the problem runs deeper, like a faulty pump, it's advisable to consult a professional mechanic.
To make your life easier and reduce the chances of ending up with a non-working washer system, consider switching to screen wash tablets with antifreeze. They contain natural antifreeze salts that help prevent your windscreen wash from freezing. Plus, their tablet form ensures they're always fresh and effective, unlike traditional liquid solutions