What To Do If Your Car’s Washer Fluid Indicator Light Is On

If your washer fluid indicator light comes on, it means you need to top off your windshield washer fluid. This is a cheap and simple procedure we’ll explain here.
Written by Matt Terzi
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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The washer fluid indicator tells you simply that your windshield washer fluid is low and needs to be topped off soon. And thankfully, this is something you can easily fix yourself without involving a mechanic.
Windshield washer fluid may not be the most complex system in your car, but it’s incredibly important all the same. After all, you can’t drive safely if you can’t see the road, and we all know that mud, bugs, snow, and other debris can suddenly reduce your visibility without warning.
Here’s a quick guide from
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, the
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that saves drivers money on
car insurance
, explains the windshield washer fluid indicator light and how to make it go away with minimal fuss.
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What is the washer fluid indicator on my dashboard?

This light tells you it’s time to top off your windshield washer fluid
Some dashboard indicators have multiple meanings behind them (if you look up the word “vague” in the dictionary you’ll probably see a picture of a “check engine” light). But this one is as straightforward as it gets. If it comes on, you simply need more windshield washer fluid.

What does the washer fluid indicator light look like? 

The washer fluid indicator light is almost always yellow, and it looks like a windshield with water at the base and a squirt of water spraying upward. It usually comes on 

What does the washer fluid indicator light mean?

This light comes on when your washer fluid is running low. But that’s only if the light stays illuminated after you start the car up.
When you first start your car, all of your dash lights will do a quick bulb check to make sure everything is working. You can safely ignore all of these warnings; it’s the warning lights that stay illuminated after the bulb check you should concern yourself with!

How to turn off your washer fluid indicator light

When you see your washer fluid indicator come on, it’s time to top off the washer fluid. This is super simple and doesn’t require a visit with a mechanic. Simply visit any auto parts store or gas station and buy a gallon of windshield washer fluid to get started.
Once you have some washer fluid, pop the hood on your car and find the washer fluid reservoir, which should be a white or yellow plastic tank with blue liquid inside. They often have a picture on them that looks just like the washer fluid indicator light on your dashboard. 
Now, simply remove the cap, fill the reservoir to the fill line (if there’s no fill line, leave an inch or two of space), then screw the cap back on. When you start up your car, the washer fluid indicator light should already be gone.
If the washer fluid indicator is still on, check the cap and make sure it’s closed properly. If it is, you may want to visit a mechanic and make sure you don’t need a washer fluid level switch replacement. It’s also possible the washer fluid reservoir is simply dirty and needs to be cleaned out with distilled water.

How to find affordable car insurance

Without windshield washer fluid, you can’t be certain you’ll always be able to see the road ahead of you. Sort of like how without
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FAQ

Any washer fluid should work in any car, though you’ll want to find one suitable for the climate you live in. De-icer is great for breaking through snow and ice buildup. Rain-X makes water roll off your windshield. And if you live further north, all-season washer fluid is usually ideal.
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