Why does my MINI indicate a low windscreen washer fluid level even though the reservoir is full?

A low windscreen washer fluid level displayed despite a full reservoir is often due to the type of washer fluid used. The filling level in your MINI is not determined mechanically, but via the electrical conductivity of the fluid.

Certain fluids, such as pure distilled water or highly concentrated cleaning agents, have very low conductivity. In such cases, the actual filling level may not be detected correctly, resulting in a warning message appearing.

The solution is to use a balanced mixture of tap water and a suitable screenwash concentrate. Depending on the season, a suitable antifreeze additive should also be added. This ensures sufficient conductivity and the display will work reliably again.

To prevent further false alarms, it is advisable to avoid using pure distilled water and to refrain from using excessive amounts of cleaning agents.