Windscreen washer reservoir for your car

Always have clear sight thanks to the washer fluid reservoir The washer fluid reservoir is a component that is very important for cleaning the windshield or rear window. This small tank stores the water-detergent mixture used to wipe a dirty windshield or rear window clean. Where is the wiper fluid reservoir? The wiper fluid reservoir is a tank made of clear plastic. Unlike the coolant reservoir, it doesn't usually have a fill level scale.
For reasons of simple accessibility, the wiper fluid reservoir is usually located in the engine compartment. It can be identified by looking for thin lines running from it to the nozzles of the windshield cleaning system. On most vehicles, these nozzles are located on the hood. In station wagons, vans and compact vehicles, another hose line runs to the vehicle's rear. Some vehicles have a separate washer fluid tank for the rear window cleaning.
A small electric pump is attached to the washer fluid reservoir. From there, two cables lead into the engine compartment. They end up at the switch used to actuate the windshield cleaning system. Washer fluid reservoir defects Defects on the wiper fluid tank can be electrical or mechanical. Thus, the typical signs of a defective wiper fluid tank are:

-No audible pumping function -Constantly empty container

Generally, moisture and electrical contacts do not get along very well. Thus, the electrical pump at the washer fluid tank can suffer from corrosion or even short circuits. Since it is a water tank, the wiper fluid reservoir is an effective dew point, in particular when the weather is cold and wet. Especially in the morning, moisture deposits on the entire tank and can also penetrate into the pump's electronic system. The tank itself is made of plastic, which can deteriorate over time. The extreme temperature changes that occur in an engine compartment are particularly detrimental for the wiper fluid reservoir's lifetime. Plastic that has become brittle can suddenly break off.
Yet, the most common washer fluid reservoir defect is a result of incorrect use. During winter, it is very important to only use cleaning agents that protect the wiper fluid reservoir from frost. When water freezes, its volume expands by 10%. A full wiper fluid reservoir may burst due to this expansion.
Yet, if the tank is full and a pumping noise can be heard when operating the windshield washer, a defect is due to some other cause. Usually this means that the hose line is clogged or torn. Leaks in the washer fluid line can be found easily. Yet, be careful: One reason for defective washer fluid lines are marten bites. A bite can easily be identified, for there will be a double perforation (bite and counter bite). In this case, all other lines in the engine room should also be examined for bite marks! Repairing the wiper fluid reservoir On most vehicles, the wiper fluid reservoir is easily accessible. On some vehicles it is somewhat hidden away and dismounting it requires prior removal of trim panels. On the 1991 Fiat Cinquecento, for example, the wiper fluid tank is located in the left fender, which somewhat complicates its replacement. Repairing the actual tank is not sensible. Attempts to reseal the reservoir using epoxy resin or adhesive tape is merely a temporary solution.
The only meaningful means of repair that can be performed on the washer fluid tank pertains to the electrical pump. The pump's plug contacts may be corroded. In this case, a thorough cleaning with brake cleaner, sandpaper and contact spray can help. Furthermore, the power supply can be checked with a multimeter. This helps determine whether a failing wiper fluid tank is actually due to a broken wire or rather due to a defective fuse. Purchase a new wiper fluid reservoir The wiper fluid tank is a surprisingly inexpensive spare part. Despite featuring electrical components, prices for new wiper fluid tanks range between 30 and 80 euro. Of course, it strongly depends on the type of vehicle and also the the quality of the spare part. Yet, in most cases a wiper water tank can be purchased at a reasonable price. The most important aspect in replacing the wiper fluid tank, however, is ensuring that it is always filled with a frost-safe cleaning agent.