Whatever drops, flops or plops onto your windscreen, you need washer fluid to clear it. Learn how to check you’ve always got enough.

Washer fluid helps keep your windscreen clear. So to help you stay safer when you’re driving, make sure you have enough.

• Always keep some washer fluid handy. 
• TOP TIP: High quality fluid won’t freeze. It’s better at cleaning, too. 
• Stop safely when you can, put the handbrake on then switch off the ignition.
• For your safety, wait around 10 minutes for the engine to cool. 
• Now you can open the bonnet.
• Reach down under the dash, pull the lever and the bonnet will pop open.
• Lift the bonnet slightly. Feel the release catch and slide it to the left.
• Lift the bonnet fully, then prop it up safely.
• TOP TIP: Don’t open your bonnet in a high wind.
• Look for the washer reservoir. Flip the lid open and carefully pour in the fluid. 
• Fill the reservoir until it reaches the top, then push the lid back on firmly.
• Time to put the bonnet down? 
• Hold it up with one hand, release the strut with the other. 
• Let the bonnet down, then about 30 cm from the body, drop it to lock it. 
• TOP TIP: Don’t push the bonnet down to lock it: you might dent your lovely car.
• Now test the washers. Press the end of the wiper stalk to check the front. 
• Then pull the stalk towards you to check the rear. 
• TOP TIP: The reservoir supplies front and rear washers. If it’s empty, don’t operate the system. 
• Are the nozzles spraying fluid in the right places?
• If not, they’re easy to adjust by hand: use a needle.
• TOP TIP: You can use a needle to clear a blockage, too. 

That’s how easy it is to check and refill your washer fluid.

But if there’s anything you’re not sure about, just ask your Ford Dealer. 

And if you find this video useful, check out the others in our ‘How to…’ series: it’s designed to help you keep your Ford in top condition and make best use of its many features.