Melanie Reiff
Updated on Nov 16, 2022
If your car’s windshield washers aren’t performing as intended, you may need a mechanic to perform a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection to see what’s causing the issue.
Your car’s windshield washer system is simple, and a good starting place for those looking to learn a bit more about car maintenance. But most drivers will want to take their cars to a professional to make sure this gets fixed correctly, without potentially damaging their cars.
In this guide, brought to you by the car insurance super app Jerry, we’ll explain how your mechanic will go about completing a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection and how much this service should cost.
The exact cost varies between different Best models. For example, newer vehicle models are usually made with more expensive materials, so recent or high-end models will cost more, especially if your service requires a part replacement. Use the table below to estimate the cost for your own vehicle.
CarTotal Cost EstimateParts CostLabor CostAverage Dealer PriceEstimated Service Duration
2019
$141.39$23.39$118$148.41h
2016
$141.39$23.39$118$148.41h

What is a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection?

During a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection, a mechanic will examine the windshield washer fluid level, washer jet angles, washer fluid tubes, and the washer fluid pump.
You should first check to see if this repair is as simple as cleaning muck and debris off your washer jets, but if that doesn’t help, a mechanic might need to perform a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection to see what the problem is.
Your car’s windshield washer system is fairly simple as car systems go. You have a reservoir that you fill with windshield washer fluid, which connects to an electric washer fluid pump. This pump sends washer fluid through washer tubes and out of the washer jets, where it gets sprayed onto your windshield.
If your windshield washer jets, or the tubes that feed them, are obstructed by dirt, grime, or debris, they won’t be able to spray the washer fluid you need to clean your car’s windshield with.
Cleaning your windshield washer jets is a simple process, as is cleaning the windshield washer tubes.

How a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection is performed

Here’s what your mechanic will do to identify why your windshield washers aren’t working, and how they’ll fix the problem:
  • Inspect the windshield washers to see if the washer fluid is spraying. They’ll check windshield washer fluid level, washer jet angles, and washer fluid tubes, plus the washer fluid pump.
  • Check the windshield washer jets, which are the culprit 99 percent of the time and are located on the hood of your car. If wiping them clean doesn’t work, the mechanic will use a small pin or compressed air to provide them with a deep cleaning.
  • Check the windshield washer tubes, to see if they’re obstructed or damaged, and clear them out or replace them as necessary.
  • Replace the windshield washer pump. This isn’t common, but these pumps can fail over time and might need to be replaced.
NOTE: If your windshield washer jets aren’t spraying at the right angle, you can easily adjust these at home using a pin or paperclip, gently nudging them in the direction you need them to spray.

Do I need a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection?

It’s important to perform a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection as soon as you suspect an issue with your windshield washer system and you’re sure you’re out of washer fluid. Your windshield washers play an important role in driving safely by clearing your windshield of dirt, mud, muck, and debris.
If you don’t feel safe doing this inspection on your own, take your car to a repair shop and ask them to do it for you. They’ll most likely charge for labor, but it shouldn’t take too long to diagnose and repair the problem.
If you need repairs, the washer pump will be the most expensive component, typically costing $20 or less, though some might cost as much as $50.

How to find cheap car insurance

Having a clean windshield washer tubes and jets inspection performed is usually very cheap as far as car maintenance goes. But it’s small potatoes compared to the hundreds of dollars per year or more you could be saving on car insurance with Jerry!
Jerry shows more than 50 quotes from trusted insurance companies, so you’re seeing the cheapest insurance available to you. And Jerry’s a registered broker too, so the entire signup process is made easier. No phone calls, paperwork, or canceling your old policy. Jerry does all of that for you.
Jerry’s growing list of users are saving an average of $879 per year on car insurance, reviewing dozens of quotes in minutes!
Keep in mind that your location is another factor that determines the final cost of repairs. Areas with higher cost of living will usually have more expensive car repair services, especially if there’s less local competition. Check out the table below for an estimate of what Best drivers pay in different cities.
CityCarTotal Cost EstimateParts CostLabor CostAverage Dealer PriceEstimated Service Duration
2016
$138.39$23.39$115$145.41h
2019
$130.05$23.39$106.66$137.061h
2016
$154.39$23.39$131$161.41h
2019
$145.26$23.39$121.87$152.271h
2016
$133.42$23.39$110.03$140.431h
2019
$144.89$23.39$121.5$151.91h
2016
$133.94$23.39$110.55$140.951h
2019
$140.89$23.39$117.5$147.91h
2016
$142.14$23.39$118.75$149.151h
2019
$140.89$23.39$117.5$147.91h
Jerry doesn’t just offer fair price repair estimates for Best drivers! Our team of writers has collected everything you need to know for every car. Here’s how much the repair costs for some popular cars:
CarTotal Cost EstimateParts CostLabor CostAverage Dealer PriceEstimated Service Duration
2002
$142.77$24.77$118$150.21h
1968
$140.66$22.66$118$147.451h
1974
$140.66$22.66$118$147.451h
2016
$140.66$22.66$118$147.451h
1984
$145.78$27.78$118$154.111h
1973
$140.66$22.66$118$147.451h
The cost of repairs might vary depending on which Best you drive, but there’s an easy way to save money for the services you need! Just download the Jerry app for help lowering your insurance premiums. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
With an average annual savings of $887, Jerry can help you free up funds for the repairs your Best’s needs.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.