Clean Screen Machine
This activity’s part of a series of short activities in the Scouts Mechanic Activity Badge.
You’ll only be able to look where you’re going if you can check and refill the windscreen wash bottle of a car.
Task
Check and refill the windscreen wash bottle of a car.
Resources
- Access to water
- Windscreen wash
- Funnel
- Access to a car (with the correct manual)
Instructions
These guidelines are generic guidelines for modern vehicles. Always check the handbook for the vehicle you’re using or get advice from a qualified or experienced mechanic: we don’t want any broken cars on our hands. This activity must always be supervised and guided by someone competent.
- Open the bonnet by releasing it from inside the car, then finding the second release catch underneath the bonnet. Once it’s open, make sure it’s locked in the open position – secure it with the bonnet strut if the vehicle has one.
- Find the filler cap for the windscreen wash fluid. Check the vehicle manual if you’re not sure where it is.
- Check the level of the screen wash. You may need to look at the markings on the screen wash tank or use a dipstick – other vehicles may have a different method, so, again, check the manual. If the tank’s full, you’re good to go and you can skip steps four and five.
- If the screen wash needs topping up, check the screen wash packaging. Depending on the type, it may be pre-mixed or you may need to mix it with water. Make sure to follow the instructions exactly.
- Use a funnel to full the screen wash tank to the right level. Be careful not to spill any screen wash into the engine bay – now’s the time for a steady hand and a level head.
- Secure the caps on the screen wash bottle and tank. Wipe up any overspill.
- Close and secure the bonnet. Check the washer jets are working from inside the car.
