Two essential skills that every young driver should master are how to put screenwash and coolant in your car. They’re vital for your car to run efficiently and ensure you stay safe whilst on the road. Whilst the summer months are particularly risky times if you don’t maintain these properly, neglecting them can be dangerous throughout the year.
Despite how complicated car maintenance can feel, these two tasks are very straightforward to learn. All you need to do is remember to check the levels regularly and top them up as required. We’re here to give you the quick and easy steps for both jobs, and we’ll explain why they’re so important.
What is the Point of Screenwash?
Screenwash is designed to improve your view of the road and maximise visibility so that you have a clear view of everything happening in front of you. It removes dirt and grime that builds up on the glass, and when combined with the windscreen wipers, it also removes smears. The screenwash actually acts as lubrication for the wipers, helping them work more effectively.
Pro Tip: Always keep a bottle of screenwash in the boot of your car so you can top it up at any time – especially during the summer months.
How to Put Screenwash in Your Car
First things first, never replace screenwash with washing-up liquid. It can actually damage your car, and it doesn’t do a good job. Only use proper screenwash – even plain water can cause issues over time. With that out of the way, here are the steps you should follow:
- Pop the bonnet for your car and open it safely
- Find the fluid reservoir for the screenwash and remove the cap
- Fill it with screenwash until you see it reach the maximum line
- Put the cap back on the reservoir and ensure it’s sealed properly
- Close the bonnet and give the screenwash a test with the car running
If you’re unsure where the screenwash reservoir is, always check the owner’s manual for your car. Usually, it’s clearly marked with a windscreen symbol, but getting it wrong could result in some very costly repairs. There’s no shame in getting confirmation.
Can No Screenwash Cause an MOT Failure?
Yes, having no screenwash can cause you to fail your MOT. Under UK MOT guidelines, every vehicle must have a fully working windscreen washer system that sprays fluid effectively. If it doesn’t work properly or there’s no fluid at all, the examiner is required to fail the vehicle.
A lack of screenwash often results in a very cloudy windscreen that leads to poor visibility on the road. If you can’t see clearly in front of you, how are you supposed to stay safe and avoid hazards or accidents? As soon as glare from the sun hits an unwashed windscreen, it can actually dazzle and temporarily blind you.
What is the Point of Coolant?
Coolant is always important, but its role during hot weather is absolutely essential. It keeps the engine at the correct operating temperature so that it doesn’t overheat, and allowing your coolant levels to run low or run out completely can cause serious and permanent damage. It can get so severe that parts of the engine can seize together from the heat.
Pro Tip: The exhaust gases from your engine can reach temperatures of 1,000°C, which can be disastrous when there’s insufficient coolant to regulate temperature.
How to Put Coolant in Your Car
Important: Before we explain the steps, it should be noted that you should never mix different types of coolant, as this can cause engine damage. Different coolants contain different additives and mixing them can lead to chemical reactions that damage your cooling system. Always use the same type and brand that’s already in your system, or consult your owner’s manual for the correct specification.
If you’re unsure what type is currently in your car, it’s best to have a professional check before adding anything. Here are the steps to safely add coolant:
- Park the car on level ground and wait for the engine to go completely cold (at least 30 minutes after driving)
- Pop the bonnet and locate it safely
- Find the coolant reservoir (use your owner’s manual if needed – it’s usually marked with a temperature symbol)
- Remove the cap carefully – never open when the engine is hot as pressurised coolant can cause severe burns
- Fill the reservoir with the correct coolant until it reaches the maximum line
- Leave the cap off and run the engine for a minute to remove air bubbles
- Check the levels again to ensure they’re between the minimum and maximum lines
- Replace the cap securely and close the bonnet
Safety Warning: Never add cold coolant to a hot engine as this can cause serious damage. Always wait for the engine to cool down completely.
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