Your privacy is as important to us as your safety on the road
To provide you with the best online experience, Kwik Fit and our partners use technologies such as cookies to store local information on your device. Consenting to our recommended technologies allows us and our partners to process data such as your browsing behaviour or individual identifiers on this website.
Click the green button below to consent with our recommended settings or you may switch the performance and targeting categories on or off individually, then save your settings. You can freely update your choices at any time and view the full list of cookies that may be placed by clicking the Cookies link in the footer of every page of our website.
A 7-step guide to topping up your vehicles screenwash.
Make sure to park on a level surface, and open the bonnet.
Find the windscreen washer fluid tank.
Twist or flip open the fluid cap.
Check the screenwash level (if you can see in the tank).
Pour in the screenwash to the desired level on the tank.
Secure the cap back on your tank.
Test your wipers to ensure they are cleaning your windscreen.
Topping up your vehicle's screenwash is quick and easy. It may come as a huge surprise to many people, but having an empty windscreen washer fluid tank can actually fail an MOT test. After all, a dirty and obstructed windscreen – especially when driving at speed – is one of the most dangerous things to happen on the road. Considering the surprise about screenwash being on MOT tests, we thought we’d answer some more questions around screenwash.
What is the purpose of screenwash?
As it says on the tin, screenwash is the fluid sprayed onto the windscreen and back window of cars to help the wipers clear any obstructions. It might seem minor, but something as simple as a bird doing its business on your windscreen or a thoughtless driver throwing something out of their window can reduce visibility and make it harder to stop in a safe place.
Is antifreeze a screenwash?
While screenwash tends to include some additives to prevent freezing, it’s completely different from antifreeze. Antifreeze, otherwise known as glycol, is used to help cool engines and is usually made from ethylene or propylene mixtures.
Screenwash often contains ethanol or methanol in order to help stop freezing, and, more importantly, to help dissolve any grease on the windscreen. These are usually called “non-residual de-greasers”, and come in handy in a number of mechanical applications too!
Imagine spilling milkshake on a mirror. If you spray water on it and try to wipe it off, you’re likely to smear it around rather than get it off. Screenwash acts as the detergent that lets you wipe it off.
Can you use water as screenwash?
No, using water alone may help remove some forms of debris from your windscreen, but you need actual screenwash to effectively remove grime. Water on its own is not sufficient to clean the screen, because it doesn’t get rid of any oils or grease. Additionally, using water in colder temperatures could freeze, potentially causing damage to the washer system or leaving you with no way to clear your windscreen in icy conditions.
Should you dilute screenwash?
Some screenwashes come as concentrated solutions, so you should only ever dilute these to the right ratios specified by each manufacturer. Many windscreen washer fluid bottles you’d find in petrol stations will already be at the right dilution levels – so you can just pour them straight into the tank.
In the colder months, ensure your screenwash has antifreeze properties or choose one formulated for winter, as this will prevent freezing in the washer system.
Where do you put screenwash?
The screenwash reservoir cap is usually in the engine bay and tends to have a brightly coloured cap so that it’s easier to spot in low visibility conditions. It will almost always have a symbol embossed on it that looks like some water being sprayed onto a windscreen. It is essential to regularly check and top up your screen wash, especially before long journeys or during winter, when your windscreen will likely need more frequent cleaning. Be sure to avoid overfilling the tank.
Can you mix windscreen washer fluid?
Mixing windscreen washer fluid with different brands is not usually a problem. The only problem is that it may become less effective if one brand has a particular additive for a particular application or benefit.
Keep your view clear with Kwik Fit
At Kwik Fit, we’re committed to helping you maintain a clear view of the road with expert advice on screenwash and windscreen care. If you have any questions about topping up your screenwash, maintaining your windscreen wipers, or any windscreen-related concerns, we’re here to assist. You can visit any of our centres for expert guidance and support.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
Filter Your Results
You have selected:
To continue with your booking, please select your appointment time from the list below.
Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
Appointment time:
This is the only appointment time available on this day. To continue with your booking, please select "Reserve Your Appointment" below.
Please note:
Centres do not open until 10:00 on bank holidays. If choosing an earlier appointment time on a bank holiday, please bring your vehicle to centre at 10:00 rather than the time shown.