Washer jets: the unsung heroes of the road

Here’s a question for you. What travels with you whenever you’re out in your car but never knows where you’re heading? In fact, they always face in the opposite direction to the way you’re going and yet will always be one step ahead of you. Each one has a face, but some have one eye, some have two and some have even more.

As quizzes go, this is pretty rubbish as if you’ve read the title you’ll already know what this is about. I’m talking about the humble washer jets. The unsung heroes of the motoring world. There they are, proudly perched on the bonnet or front bumper of your car, always ready to deliver a helpful squirt should they be called into action. Occasionally they need a little prick to get them working again, but in the main they go about their business without fuss or drama.

And yet they never receive the recognition they deserve. When was the last time you heard anyone say, “cor, nice washer jets mate”? Exactly, it has never happened.

But PetrolBlog wants to change this. It’s about time the humble washer jet was celebrated and given its fifteen minutes of fame. Tyres, brakes, lights, seat belts and airbags may get all the glory, but do they help shift salt from your windscreen in winter months? No. Do they leap into action when your screen is covered in a layer of deceased flies? Of course they don’t. Do they stare back at you from the bonnet like a little companion on your daily travels? Not a bit of it.

It is time to celebrate the washer jet. They’ve allegedly been around since 1931 and come in all shapes and sizes. Some are plastic, some are chrome. Some are mounted on the bonnet, others can be found on the wiper arms. Some are even perched on the bumper. Heck, some live on mechanical arms and jump out from the bumper at a flick of a switch. Sadly, I’m afraid to say that some car manufacturers have chosen to hide the washer jets from view. Shame on them.

But big or small, old or new, PetrolBlog salutes the washer jet. It’s time to recognise them for what they are and the tireless work they do for the motorist.

And where better place to start than the PetrolBlog Fleet? Check out these four unlikely heroes.

1997 Honda Accord 2.2i VTEC

There are two of these perched on the bonnet of the Accord. Each one has a bemused look on its face.

1989 Citroën AX GT

Just the one on the AX, which is about as much weight as the bonnet will take.

1996 Audi S6 Avant

A much flatter appearance than the Accord or AX, with almost frog-like features. A quattro frog that is.

1989 Land Rover 110

This little chap spends his entire time gazing up into the heavens, which probably explains the rather simple expression on his face.

Quite a line-up isn’t it? Each one doing exactly the same job and yet with a completely different appearance to the others. But there are more out there, so why not grab a camera and take a photo of yours? PetrolBlog wants to create the world’s first gallery of washer jet heroes. And your car can be a part of it. Make sure it doesn’t miss out.

Put it on twitter using the #WasherJetLove hashtag or post it on PetrolBlog’s wall on Facebook. Alternatively email the photo directly to me at washerjets[at]petrolblog.com. Come on, share the love.

Update 16th June – Mini Cooper S – submitted by @GreatestDriving

Taken during the PetrolBlog Big Night Out. The Mini Cooper’s washer jets have a ‘Darth Vader wearing ski goggles’ thing going on.

Update 27th June – BMW E36 convertible – submitted by @jonbradbury

Superb all action shot. Washer Jet porn?!

Porsche Cayman – @jonbradbury

Peugeot 407 SW – Ton Dumans

Keep ’em coming…