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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to adjust windshield washer jets?
Where can I get my car's windshield wipers adjusted?
How will a mechanic adjust my windshield washer jets?
What happens if I don’t adjust my windshield washer jets?
What are windshield washer jets?
Can I adjust my windshield washer jets myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to adjust windshield washer jets?

To adjust windshield washer jets, you can expect to pay an average of $100 to $150 for a mechanic to do the work. How much it costs will depend on your specific vehicle.

How much time does it take to adjust windshield washer jets? A certified mechanic will typically complete the job in around one hour. Your mechanic will conduct a preliminary inspection to determine whether an adjustment is required, then proceed with the full adjustment.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need to adjust windshield washer jets? How much do those parts cost?

Luckily, you won’t need any replacement parts to adjust your windshield washer jets.

The only costs associated with windshield washer jet parts would occur if you end up having to replace them entirely. If you just have to replace the windshield washer nozzles, those parts should only set you back between $45-$55. Replacing the windshield washers themselves will cost you less, with parts averaging around $25-$35.

Some popular windshield washer nozzle brands include Dorman, ACDelco and Trico, which you can purchase from local auto part stores such as Autozone or NAPA Auto Parts, or online retailers such as Amazon or RockAuto.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to windshield washers, OEM parts may be a better choice than aftermarket washers. OEM wiper blades are designed to stick to your windshield, ensuring an effective wipe for a long time. Because they were not designed specifically for your windshield, aftermarket wiper blades can leave streaks on your windshield after only a few uses.

Where can I buy parts for my windshield washer jets?

Windshield washer jets are available from car body shops and auto parts stores like AutoZone. Some popular windshield washer nozzle brands include Dorman, ACDelco and Trico, which you can purchase from local auto part stores such as Autozone or NAPA Auto Parts, or online retailers such as Amazon or RockAuto. The measurements for your windshield washers will be listed in your vehicle's owner manual, which you can use to purchase the correct replacement parts.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my car's windshield wipers adjusted?

Finding a reputable shop to adjust your windshield washer jets might be difficult, especially if you don't have a trusted mechanic. Fortunately, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you compare prices from over 2,500 approved repair shops in the United States.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares each shop's fair price estimates* based on their hourly labor rate. Through Jerry's GarageGuard™, you can find out if you'll need to budget for diagnostic expenses (or if they're part of the service cost), and you'll get real customer reviews to assist you choose the finest service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below, and then download the app to compare auto repair prices in your neighbourhood!

187 Reviews

106 St Tire & Wheel

106-01 Northern Blvd, Manhattan, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$25

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 718) 446-6769

120 Reviews

Tisdell's Mobile Mechanic Services

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$75

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (346) 779-3305

147 Reviews

Uptown Automotive

1089 San Mateo Ave, San Francisco, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$200

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (650) 871-8602

113 Reviews

Honda of Fort Myers

3550 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$119.75

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (239) 288-0637

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic adjust my windshield washer jets?

Adjusting the jets that spray water on the windshield is a simple job that a mechanic can do. Here's how they'll probably adjust your windshield washer jets:

Test the spray pattern: The mechanic will turn on the washer fluid system and examine the spray pattern of the windshield jets. They will look to see if the spray reaches the desired area and if any areas are left uncovered or receive an excessive amount of fluid.

Locate the jets: Then, the mechanic will determine the location of your vehicle's windshield washer jets. They are typically found on the hood, near the bottom of the windshield, or on the wiper arms.

Adjust the jets: The majority of windshield washer jets can be manually adjusted. The mechanic can adjust the jets with a small tool, like a needle or a pin, and they will adjust the spray direction by gently turning or tilting them.

Double-check their adjustment: The mechanic will reactivate the washer fluid system after making the necessary modifications to test the spray pattern. They may repeat these steps a few times to ensure they get the appropriate coverage and spray pattern.

It's good to know that adjusting windshield washer jets is usually a quick job that can be done in just a few minutes. But if you're having more problems with your washer fluid system, it's important to have a professional mechanic check the whole system for problems, such as problems with the pump, hoses, or reservoir.

What happens if I don’t adjust my windshield washer jets?

Several issues can arise if you do not adjust your windshield washer jets, compromising your visibility and the performance of your washer system. Here are some of the effects of failing to adjust your windshield washer jets:

Reduced visibility

Poor windshield coverage

Inefficient wipers

Wasting washer fluid

Damaging your washer system

What are windshield washer jets?

Windshield washer jets, also known as washer nozzles, are small components of the windshield washer system of a car. They spray

washer fluid

onto the glass in a thin, fan-like pattern when mounted on the hood or wiper arms near the windshield's base. When engaged, washer fluid pours from the reservoir through hoses and into the jets, clearing dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the wiper blades and ensuring a clear view for the driver.

Regular maintenance, including jet adjustment and cleaning, is critical to ensuring proper coverage and effective functioning, lowering the risk of reduced visibility and enhancing overall driving safety.

When should I adjust the windshield washer jets on my car?

If you observe any of the following problems, you should consider adjusting your car's windshield washer jets:

Uneven spray pattern: If the washer fluid is not dispersed uniformly across the windshield, certain areas may receive excessive fluid while others remain dirty. This can limit visibility, particularly in rainy or dirty situations.

Inadequate coverage: If there are spots on the windshield that don't get cleaned by the washer fluid, it can make it hard to see the road clearly. You might notice streaks or spots on the glass after using your washers.

Over- or under-spraying: If the washer fluid is sprayed too high or too low, it may end up on surfaces other than the windshield, such as the roof or the hood—or it may fall short of actually reaching the glass.

Clogged nozzles: If the washer jets get clogged with dirt or debris, the spray pattern may be affected, leading to insufficient cleaning.

If you've just

replaced your windshield

, the washer jets might need to be adjusted to fit the shape and position of the new glass. It's usually a good idea to have your windshield washer system, including the jets, checked during

routine maintenance

to verify everything is working properly.

How often should windshield washer jets be adjusted?

There is no set number of years or miles that windshield washer jets are supposed to work, so just keep an eye out for any strange spray patterns, if the jets are missing your windshield, or if they stop working altogether.

Can I adjust my windshield washer jets myself?

It’s possible to adjust windshield washer jets at home—but if you aren’t confident in your DIY skills, you should definitely take your vehicle to the professionals to make sure the job is done right.

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FAQs

Where do I aim my windshield washer jets?

If your windshield washer jets shoot water upward or over the roof of the vehicle, you will need to point the tip down. If the water hits your windshield too low, you should raise them.

Where should washer jets hit the windshield?

Most of the time, the water from the jets should hit the windshield about 2 inches (50 mm) from the top of the sweep of the wiper blades. This number might be a little different for your car, based on the dimensions of your windshield.

How do you clear a clogged windshield washer jet?

If you think your windshield washer jet is clogged, you can try carefully inserting a fine pin or needle into the washer jet's nozzle opening. Move the pin or needle around gently to remove any dirt or mineral layers that might be causing the blockage. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the tip, because you don't want to break it.

If the blockage still doesn't go away, you can try to clear the windshield washer jet with compressed air or warm water. Use compressed air with a narrow nozzle to push the obstruction out, or soak the jets in warm water for a few minutes to break up the debris. Recheck the system, and if the blockage is still there, you should call a mechanic for a more thorough examination.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.