Windscreen washers not working in winter? What to check

No spray from your windscreen washers on a cold morning? Check for low fluid, freezing or a fault, and find out what the MOT requires.

If the wipers move but no screenwash comes out on a freezing morning, check the fluid level and allow the car to thaw before testing again. If the spray is still missing or weak once the car has warmed up, arrange a check before relying on the washers. Park somewhere safe before investigating.

Check the washer fluid first

Use the vehicle handbook to identify the washer filler and the fluid specification. If you use a concentrate, follow the mixing instructions for the temperatures you expect. Ford’s owner’s manual guidance on washer fluid explains why freeze protection matters for visibility. Choose screenwash suitable for your own vehicle.

What the spray can tell you

• No spray from either jet in freezing weather. Once the car has thawed, test the washers briefly while parked. If they work again, check the fluid’s cold-weather protection before the next frost.
• One jet works and the other barely sprays. Note which side is affected when arranging a check. A technician can inspect the jet and its feed.
• No spray even after thawing and topping up. Tell the technician whether you hear the pump, whether the rear washer works if fitted, and whether the fluid level drops. Those details help narrow the checks.

Clear the glass before setting off and make sure you can keep it clear on the journey. Read the Highway Code guidance on adverse weather and our guide to de-icing your car safely.

Can faulty windscreen washers fail an MOT?

Yes. In Great Britain, the DVSA visibility inspection manual grades washers that fail to work or supply enough fluid to clear the screen as a major defect where the inspection applies. Test the spray and wipers together before your appointment.

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Image: AI-generated illustration of screenwash being topped up.