Clear clogged washer nozzles — not the wipers

Weak spray, one-sided dribble, or a frozen tip is usually a nozzle or line problem — not a reason to run the wipers dry on salted glass. Clear the spray path first; the blades only wipe what the washers wet.

Clear the nozzles separately

1. Confirm the reservoir has winter-rated washer fluid and you can hear the pump when you pull the stalk.
2. Gently probe each nozzle opening with a thin pin or sewing needle. Wiggle lightly to break grit or wax — do not force the pin deep into plastic.
3. If spray is still weak, disconnect the hose at the nozzle (when you can reach it safely) and test whether fluid reaches that joint. Flow at the hose with none at the tip points to the nozzle; no flow at the hose is a line, freeze, or pump issue.
4. After a clear tip, aim a short spray, then wipe once. Never grind blades across dry, salty glass.

For ice sheets stuck to the rubber, free the blades first with Clear ice before you run the wipers.

Honest stop

If the pump is silent, fluid never reaches the hose, or a nozzle is cracked and will not hold aim, stop poking and get a parts or shop check. Do not pour hot water on a frozen reservoir or force metal tools into the spray tip.

More help

• Same niche: Windshield wiper blades — check the rubber after summer heat · Windshield wipers squeaking — clean the film off the glass · Clear ice before you run the wipers · Find your windshield wiper blade size · Match wiper blade adapter before you buy · Windshield wiper blades — discard extra adapters · New wipers still streak or chatter · Windshield wiper blades — park wipers upright before a winter blade swap · Windshield wiper blades — passenger flat vs driver spoiler mismatch · Windshield wiper blades — rear hatch curvature vs beam chatter · Windshield wiper blades — rear hatch adapter is not a front blade · Replace the driver windshield wiper blade first · Windshield wiper blades — rubber refill vs full blade adapter · Windshield wiper blades — spoiler driver-side blades on trucks · Windshield wiper blades — support the arm spring during a blade swap · Windshield wiper blades — mist washer fluid before the first wipe · Windshield wiper blades — wet the glass before the first wipe · Windshield wiper blades — winter beam vs summer conventional · Windshield wipers — switch to winter washer fluid before a freeze · Windshield wiper blades — wipe the rubber edge with a damp cloth · Windshield wiper blades — wipe the arm tip channel before a new blade · All windshield wiper guides
• Related fixes elsewhere: Test key fob battery range after a swap · Garage remote short range after an LED bulb change