What is a Windshield Washer Nozzle?
A windshield washer nozzle is the part of the windshield wiper and washer system that squirts the washer solvent on the windshield. There are usually two washer nozzles on a vehicle, one for the driver's side of the windshield, and one for the passenger's side. The windshield washer nozzles are usually mounted on top of the hood close to the windshield. On some vehicles they may be positioned underneath the rear edge of the hood, on the cowl/vent panel below the windshield, or even on the wiper arms.
How do Windshield Washer Nozzles work?
When the driver engages the windshield washer, usually with a lever on the steering column, a small pump, called the washer motor, forces solvent through narrow rubber hoses to the washer nozzles. The nozzles diffuse, or spray, the solvent as it comes out of their tiny holes. Most washer nozzles can be adjusted for proper aim at the windshield. The washer nozzles on some vehicles are heated to prevent ice buildup during winter months.
What are the symptoms of a bad Windshield Washer Nozzle?
Washer nozzles are fairly simple. If the washers do not work, the problem is often with the washer motor or some other component. If the nozzles are faulty, it is usually due to debris that is clogging the tiny orifices or, more likely, to a broken connection where the hose attaches. In some cases, the heating element on a heated washer nozzle may go bad. If the nozzles are spraying in the wrong spots on the windshield, they could be clogged. They may also be misaligned. In this case, a simple adjustment of the jets on the nozzle might correct the problem.
Can I drive with a bad Windshield Washer Nozzle?
A car, truck, or SUV will drive just fine without a working windshield washer nozzle. How urgent a repair it might be depends entirely on driving conditions. A vehicle driven on warm, sunny days will not likely need assistance from the washer nozzles. But one driven in rainy, foggy, snowy, or muddy conditions will not travel far without working windshield wipers and washer nozzles. Even when the road is only slightly damp, the washers are needed to clean dirt and debris slung onto the windshield by other vehicles. And travelling in the cold might require the washers to rid the windshield of frost that builds up. Driving without operating washer nozzles can be hazardous in any of these conditions.