Looking for the best windshield washer fluid? You have come to the right place.
Windshield washer fluid is a liquid with a lower freezing point than water that’s designed to keep your windshield clean. The fluid sprays out from nozzles underneath your windshield and it’s stored in a reservoir under the hood. Windshield washer fluid cleans common stains and obstructions to your vision like ice, frost, bug guts, grime, dirt, and sand.
You can refill windshield washer fluid manually and we recommend doing so when your vehicle stops spraying the fluid when you go to clean your windshield. That said, finding the best windshield washer fluid is easier said than done. Our guide is designed to help you find the best windshield washer fluids for your needs.
We’re going to take you through 10 of the best windshield washer fluids and help you narrow down your options.
Read on to learn more!
- Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
- DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets
- Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid
- Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
- Qwix Mix Windshield Washer Fluid
- Prestone AS250-6PK De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid
- Rain-x 2 Pack 2 in 1 All Season (-25) Washer Fluid
- Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
- 303 Automotive Instant Windshield Washer
- Rain-X White RX11806D Washer Fluid Additive
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Things to Consider When Shopping for Windshield Washer Fluids
Before we dive right into the products, it’s important to go through the factors to consider when shopping for washer fluids. While it’s a simple and easy product to work with, different types of washer fluids are made for different purposes.
Amount
First and foremost, we’ll begin with the amount. Windshield washer fluid is typically measured in gallons because most cars can hold almost a gallon in the reservoir. Therefore, each product we list will have the amount in gallons features so you know how much you’re getting.
Still, some products are different than others, especially with measurements. For example, you might only get 1 gallon of a windshield washer concentrate but when mixed with water the concentrate can create 50 gallons of water.
Purpose
Windshield washer fluids come with unique purposes. While there are one-size-fits-all products, most washer fluids are made with a specific task in mind.
De-Icer
De-ice windshield washer fluids have a low freezing point, mostly below 0° Fahrenheit. These products are designed for the winter months and can help you remove frost and ice from your windshield. Moreover, these products won’t freeze in your reservoir or nozzles.
Bug Cleaner
Bug cleaners are unique fluids designed to be powerful. These products can clean the toughest stains off of your windshield including bug guts, dirt, grime, and even tree sap.
General
General windshield cleaners are commonly marketed as 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 products. While being the most expensive, these windshield washer fluids are the best. They can handle winter conditions, summer conditions, and manage ice without freezing.
When shopping for windshield washer fluid make sure you consider the type you need based on where you live.
Type
There are a few types of windshield washer fluids. Each type serves a similar purpose but the way they’re created and used differently. For example, some washer fluids need to be prepared in a gallon jug before you pour it into your vehicle.
Pre-Mixed
Pre-mixed washer fluids are ready to be used right out of the bottle. While these predicts are easy to use, they’re more expensive than concentrate and tablet products. Plus, pre-mixed products give you the least amount of washer fluid.
Concentrate
Washer fluid concentrates are liquids that need to be mixed with water before use. The common ratio tends to be 70% water and 30% concentrate. Concentrates give you a lot of washer fluid for a good price but not as much as tablets. You can also customize concentrates by adding chemicals like methanol to lower the freezing temperature.
Tablets
Tablets dissolve in water mixtures to create washer fluid. These tablets give you the most washer fluid for your money but they’re the least effective. That said, they last for a long time and you can strengthen the solution by adding in chemicals like methanol.
You can benefit from each type of washer fluid but you need to make sure you shop based on your needs. If you want bulk, go with tablets, and if you want performance look for concentrated or pre-mixed products.
Price
Windshield washer fluid doesn’t have much price variation. In most cases, you’ll spend less than $30 for a gallon of washer fluid. That said, there are some differences in price between the products we list.
We differentiate prices based on these factors:
$: Between $5 and $10
$$: Between $11-$19
$$$: Around $20
Now that you know what to look for in windshield washer fluid, read on to learn about the 10 best products.
The Best 10 Best Windshield Washer Fluids
1. Best Overall: Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
Why We Like It: We love the Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid because it functions during all seasons, manages bugs, and helps your windshield bead when it rains (instead of putting all of the pressure on your windshield wipers).
Editor’s Rating: 5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Amount: 1 gallon
- Purpose: De-icer, bug wash
- Type: Pre-mixed
Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a ready-to-use product that works for all seasons. The fluid contains chemicals that protect your windshield from ice, salt, sand, bugs, and grime. The fluid is also rated to handle ice and frost temperatures of -27° Fahrenheit. With Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid you don’t have to worry about using different Washer fluids during different seasons. Plus, you get water beading technology to help with rainy conditions.
What Sets It Apart
Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is unique because of its 3-in-1 technology. Most windshield washer fluids are designed to work for a specific season and the needs of that season. For example, one product might help with bug grime, whereas another product might help with de-icing. Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is unique because it works for all seasons and situations.
Things to Consider
Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a reliable windshield fluid but it’s not perfect. The biggest drawback to the product is that it doesn’t come with as much windshield washer fluid as some of the concentrate-based products. Concentrate-based products like Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate can give you more than a gallon of windshield washer fluid for a more affordable price.
Who It’s For
If you’re someone who wants to get windshield washer fluid and not worry about changing it for each season, Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is the best choice. It makes washer fluid simple and easy to work with. Plus, it’s more affordable than some other premium brands.
Pros
- Beads water, controls bugs and melts frost
- Prestone has been around since 1927 and continues to create innovative products
- Easy to work with and hassle-free
Cons
- Less washer fluid than tablet and concentrate products
2. Best Budget: DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets
Why We Like It: DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets is one of the best products for quantity. It comes with 100 tablets that make 1.05 gallons of windshield washer fluid. In total, that’s over 100 gallons!
Editor’s Rating: 5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Amount: 105 gallons
- Purpose: Lubrication, bug grime
- Type: Tablets
DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets are simple and easy to use. The tablets are dropped in a gallon of water, which turns the water and tablet combination into windshield washer fluid that can be used in most vehicles. The tablets are well-rounded and can be used in most seasons, as long as the winters in your area aren’t too cold. DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets are great for cleaning dirt, sand, dust, and bug grime. Plus, they can lubricate your windshield wipers for better performance.
What Sets It Apart
DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets are unique because of how much windshield washer fluid you get. While they’re not the best at cleaning windshields, you can’t go wrong with 105 gallons of washer fluid for less than the average price of a gallon of windshield washer fluid. This makes DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets the best budget option and it’s not even close.
Things to Consider
DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets are the best budget choice but that doesn’t make them the right choice. When shopping for windshield washer fluid you need to shop based on your needs, so sometimes you’ll need a product that performs better. Unfortunately, DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets come up short in the winter and they don’t clean windshields that well. If you’re looking for an alternative, Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a great choice.
Who It’s For
DOKIKO Windshield Washer Tablets are perfect for shoppers who are shopping on a budget. You get the most gallons for your buck and the solution isn’t terrible. While it won’t handle tough stains on your windshield, it can handle minor bug grime, minor ice situations, and more. Therefore, it’s the best budget choice for shoppers who don’t want to purchase windshield washer fluid for a long time.
Pros
- Gives you 105 gallons of fluid
- Performs better than other tablet products
- Easy to use
- Very affordable
- Lubricates wiper blades
Cons
- Not suitable for cold winters
- Only good for cleaning minor windshield messes
3. Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid
Why We Like It: We’re fans of Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid because it’s a premium washer fluid. It can handle most conditions, leaves your windshield stain-free, and even works on other areas of your vehicle.
Editor’s Rating: 5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Amount: 12 gallons
- Purpose: General
- Type: Concentrate
Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid is a premium product. It can handle the toughest messes, the harshest weather conditions, and it’s super concentrated. When using this product you’ll notice it’s a premium blend by how spotless it leaves the windshield. There are no stains, streaks, or marks left behind after using this windshield washer fluid.
What Sets It Apart
Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid is unique for many reasons but it comes down to clarity. While other washer fluids can perform the same tasks as this product, the outcome is different. Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid leaves your windshield streak-free and spotless, while other products leave behind small stains. Furthermore, Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid is safe to use on other parts of your car like the headlights, taillights, and side windows. Still, one of our favorite features is the sweet scent that it sends through your vents.
Things to Consider
Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid is a premium product but it’s not perfect. It doesn’t handle winter conditions well and the scent it pushes through the vents in the cabin is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a more winter-friendly option that doesn’t have a smell, Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a great choice.
Who It’s For
Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid is perfect for shoppers who want a product that does more than one task. If you’re looking for a washer fluid that can handle cleaning headlights and other car components, Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid is a great choice. It’s also a great choice for shoppers who like sweet smells because it sends one through the vents.
Pros
- Comes with a sweet scent
- Handles most conditions well
- Affordable
- Streak-free, glare-free, and smooth
- Works on other parts of the car
- Ammonia-free
Cons
- Not the best for freezing conditions
4. Best for Bugs: Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
Why We Like It: Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid is one of our favorite products because it’s perfect for dealing with bug guts. If you live in a region that has a ton of bugs all year round, you’ll love this washer fluid.
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Amount: 1 gallon
- Purpose: Bug wash
- Type: Pre-Mixed
Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid is designed to keep your windshield clean during the summer. The product comes with bug washing capabilities that clean sticky messes from some of the biggest bugs. This washer fluid is also made by Prestone, which is a company that’s been specializing in car accessories for almost 100 years. Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid also features water-beading technology.
What Sets It Apart
Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid is unique because of its bug-wiping abilities. The washer fluid can clean messes faster than most washer fluids and you don’t have to worry about any bug guts being left behind. When it comes to removing bug stains, Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid is your best choice.
Things to Consider
Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid is not a well-rounded product. While it handles bug problems well, it struggles to perform in the winter and struggles against stains from tree sap. That said, it’s one of the best summer options if you live in warm climates. If you’re looking for a winter-friendly alternative, Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a great choice. It’s made by the same manufacturer but designed for all seasons.
Who It’s For
If you live in the Southern parts of the United States (or other humid regions), Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid is a great choice. For areas with high bug densities and humid climates, this washer fluid performs well all year round. That said, if you live in colder climates it’s best to find an alternative.
Pros
- Handles all types of bugs, even the big ones
- Made by one of the best washer fluid companies around
- Includes water-beading technology
Cons
- Not suitable for climates with cold winters
5. Best Concentrate: Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate
Why We Like It: We love Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate because it’s one of the few products that are biodegradable. Plus, it doesn’t stain your hands!
Editor’s Rating: 5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Amount: 32 gallons
- Purpose: General
- Type: Concentrate
Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate is a simple concentrate that uses 70% water and 30% concentrate blend to create windshield washer fluid. While it’s not the easiest product to use, you get more washer fluid than brands like Prestone for around the same price. Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate is great for cleaning bug guts, mild frost, dirt, and grime. You can also add methanol to the solution to make it a more winter-friendly product.
What Sets It Apart
Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate is unique because it’s one of the few products that are biodegradable. You don’t have to worry about disposing of it because it won’t damage the wildlife or ground around you. It’s also a unique product because it doesn’t leave stains on your hands. That’s not a functional benefit but it makes cleaning up easy.
Things to Consider
Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate is great but it doesn’t perform well in the winter if you don’t add methanol. Moreover, there are tablet products that are easier to use and provide more washer fluid that’s similar in quality. If you’re not interested in biodegradable benefits or staining your hands, you might want to use a tablet-based alternative like 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets instead.
Who It’s For
Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate is a great choice for people who are concerned about the environment and the damage that chemicals can cause. While it’s not the perfect windshield washer fluid, it performs well for the price and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up.
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Doesn’t stain your hands
- Gives you 32 gallons of washer fluid
Cons
- Not suitable for winter
6. Best for De-Icing: Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid
Why We Like It: Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid is one of our favorite products because it’s perfect for removing ice and frost during cold mornings.
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Amount: 1 gallon
- Purpose: De-icer
- Type: Pre-Mixed
Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid is great washer fluid for de-icing. If you live in cold climates there is a chance that snow or ice has been on your windshield. Simply letting the car defrost can take a lot of time, so a product like Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid can make an impact on your morning commute. Moreover, this washer fluid also acts as a beading agent for water, so you don’t have to worry about intense rain.
What Sets It Apart
Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid is a special washer fluid because of its de-icing capabilities. It has a lower freezing rate than most liquid products and concentrates, so it’s hard to find a better de-icer. It’s also produced by Prestone, which is one of the more reliable companies around for windshield washer fluid and other vehicle accessories.
Things to Consider
Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid is a great product. While we love this washer fluid for de-icing, it doesn’t perform as well during the summer months. This is because it fails to remove tough stains caused by tree sap and bug guts. That said, Prestone makes a great summer alternative, which is the Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid.
Who It’s For
If you’re shopping for a de-icing windshield washer fluid Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid is your best option. It comes with everything you need to tackle winter conditions and will improve your visibility during the winter months. Plus, it can help you remove ice off your windshield without damaging the wiper blades.
Pros
- Excellent for de-icing
- Works well in cold winter conditions
- Prestone has maintained one of the best reputations since 1927
- Water-beading technology
Cons
- Not suitable for the summer months
- Doesn’t handle tough stains from dirt and grime well
7. Best for Water-Beading Rain-X Windshield Washer Fluid
Why We Like It: Rain-X is one of the best in the industry when it comes to window treatments and the company’s washer fluid doesn’t disappoint. We love how it offers all-season performance and water beading technology.
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Amount: 1 gallon
- Purpose: De-icer, bug grime, streak-free
- Type: Pre-Mixed
Rain-X Windshield Washer Fluid is one of Rain-X’s best products. The blend of washer fluid provides users with all-season windshield protection, bug cleanup, grime resistance, and de-icing. Rain-X also combines the formula with its Rain-X blend of water-beading technology that prevents rain from altering your visibility. Overall, it’s an affordable and simple washer fluid that performs better than some of the top washer fluid brands in the industry.
What Sets It Apart
Rain-X Windshield Washer Fluid is unique because it combines washer fluid with its Rain-X water-beading technology. While other products add water-beading capabilities, they’re more expensive than Rain-X and don’t have a significant bump in performance. Therefore, Rain-X is the best for water-beading.
Things to Consider
Rain-X Windshield Washer Fluid is a great product but it’s not perfect. The biggest drawback to the product is that it doesn’t have a good freezing point. While it can handle cold winter conditions, once winters reach under 0° Fahrenheit it becomes less effective. If you’re looking for an alternative with a lower freezing point, Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is your best choice.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a simple all-in-one windshield washer fluid, Rain-X Windshield Washer Fluid is the best option. It’s a jack-of-all-trades but a master at none, which is what most shoppers benefit from with washer fluid. That said, it doesn’t handle cold winters well and there are more premium options out there.
Pros
- De-icing capabilities
- Handles all types of grime, including bugs
- Water-beading technology
- Doesn’t freeze until 0° Fahrenheit
Cons
- Higher freezing point than other de-icers
8. Best for Tree Sap: Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
Why We Like It: We’re fans of Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate because it gives you a solid quantity of washer fluid per quart. Plus, it doesn’t sacrifice quality to boast better performance than most tablet-based and concentrate products.
Editor’s Rating: 4/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Amount: 55 gallons
- Purpose: Tree sap, bug grime
- Type: Concentrate
Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate is a well-rounded concentrate product. It gives you plenty of washer fluid, it’s easy to work with, and you don’t have to worry about buying more for a long time. Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate can handle tough stains from tree sap, dirt, grime, bug grime, and sand. The washer fluid is also good for windshield wiper lubrication and you can add methanol to raise the freezing point in the winter.
What Sets It Apart
Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate is unique because of how well it handles tree sap. Tree sap is one of the hardest substances to remove from your vehicle, especially if it’s on the windshield. Most windshield washer fluids will simply move the stain around or make it worse but Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate gets the job done.
Things to Consider
Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate is a great washer fluid but it’s far from perfect. While it’s nice to see a product without methanol, the lack of methanol makes it more likely to freeze at low temperatures. Adding methanol into the solution is a simple fix but most people don’t want to go through the extra hassle. If you’re looking for a winter-ready alternative, Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a great choice.
Who It’s For
If you’re someone who lives around a lot of trees and has to deal with changing seasons, Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate is a great choice. While it won’t help you during the winter months, it’s a great autumn washer fluid that can help you manage things like bird droppings, tree sap, and other messes.
Pros
- Great for getting rid of tree sap
- Gives you a lot of washer fluid per quart (55 gallons per quart)
- Good price for the amount of solution is creates
Cons
- Not suitable for cold winters unless methanol is added
- No de-icing properties
9. Best Tablets: 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets
Why We Like It: We love 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets because each tablet produces one gallon of windshield washer fluid. With 25 tablets, you get 25 gallons of windshield washer, which is 25 times more than most products at a better price.
Editor’s Rating: 3.5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Amount: 25 gallons
- Purpose: Windshield cleaner
- Type: Tablets
303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets are simple tablets that produce 1 gallon of water per tablet. The product just needs to be placed in a gallon of water and it’s ready to be used. It’s a basic washer fluid that uses the quantity over quality approach. The 25 tablets provide you with 25 gallons of washer fluid, so you don’t have to worry about shopping for these products for months or years after getting these tablets.
What Sets It Apart
303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets doesn’t have the best performance for de-icing and bug grime removal, it gives you the most windshield washer fluid for your dollar. With 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets, you’re paying less than a dollar per gallon. For this reason, 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets is a great budget option.
Things to Consider
303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets give you a lot of washer fluid but it’s not the best washer fluid. The drawback to getting all that fluid is the lack of the fluid’s efficiency. While it will clean your windshield it won’t help with bug grime, ice, and other dirty problems. If you’re looking for a more potent alternative, Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a great choice.
Who It’s For
303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets are perfect for shoppers who favor quantity over quality. With a product like these tablets, you get a ton of Washer fluid for a fraction of the price. That said, it will only remove minor dirt and grime from your windshield, which is the trade-off. Still, it’s a well-rounded tablet that works well for people who want to fill up their fluid reservoir and forget about it.
Pros
- Gives you 1 gallon of fluid per tablet (25 gallons)
- Very affordable
- More washer fluid than most brands, even other tablet-based products
Cons
- Doesn’t work for de-icing
- Doesn’t work for bug grime
- Not all-season
10. Best Additive: Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive
Why We Like It: Rain-X is well-known in the industry for creating great water-beading products. We love this washer fluid additive because you simply add it to your washer fluid and don’t have to worry about reapplying.
Editor’s Rating: 3.5/5
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Amount: 16.9 fluid ounces
- Purpose: Beading water
- Type: Additive
Rain-X is one of the industry leaders in water-repellent windshield technology. The Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive is the culmination of years of innovation. It’s a simple additive that you can mix with water or your windshield washer fluid to make water bead on the windshield. Making water bead on the windshield improves visibility, makes it easier to get water off of the windshield, and improves the overall safety of your vehicle in hazardous conditions.
What Sets It Apart
Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive is unique because you only need to use 4 ounces of it per 1 gallon of water or washer fluid. You can protect your car from the rain for months at a time with a small bottle. When you combine that with the extremely low price you’re left with a cheap and efficient additive that can help you with most of your water beading needs.
Things to Consider
Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive is a great product, there is no disputing that. That said, it’s not a washer fluid you can rely on to remove stains and frost. It’s only made to be used as an additive to treat your windows, not as a pure windshield washer fluid. The good news is that you can combine this product with any of the windshield washer fluids on our list.
Who It’s For
If you want to have water beading on your windshield without applying treatments all of the time, Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive is a great choice. You don’t need to use any towels or apply the formula religiously. Simply allow the washer fluid and Rain-X combination to apply a layer of treatment whenever you clean the windows.
Pros
- Makes the water bead
- Can be used with other products on the list
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- Not a windshield washer fluid –doesn’t perform well on its own
- Not suitable for the winter
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Everything You Need to Know About Windshield Washer Fluids
Having a list of the best windshield washer fluids is a great start. Still, there’s more to it than looking at 10 of the best windshield washer fluids. If you’re not sure what your needs are, or if you need to narrow down your options, we’re here to help. We’re going to recommend some products based on common consumer needs and show you how to use windshield washer fluid
Let’s get started.
Getting Started With Each Type of Windshield Washer Fluid
If you’ve never used windshield washer fluid before you’re in the right place. We’re going to help you choose between pre-mixes, concentrates, and tablets.
Windshield Washer Pre-Mixes
Windshield washer pre-mixes are excellent for people who don’t want to put much time or effort into washer fluid. These products are simple, efficient, and ready to use right out of the box. All you have to do is pour the washer fluid into your vehicle’s reservoir and store it properly.
Our favorite pre-mixed product is Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid. It’s one of the best pre-mixed products on the market and keeps your windshield clean during every season.
Windshield Washer Concentrates
Windshield washer concentrates give you more flexibility but you have to put some work in. With concentrates, you can end up with gallons of washer fluid tailored to your needs. Plus, when you add chemicals like anti-frost concentrates you can use them for every season. Windshield Washer concentrates are for people who want to customize their experience and products. Our favorite choice for concentrates is Quick Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate.
Windshield Washer Tablets
Windshield washer tablets are easier to use than most concentrates and give you the most washer fluid for your buck. The drawback is that they’re not as strong as concentrated or pre-mixed formulas. If you’re looking for a budget option, though, tablets are the way to go. Our favorite choice for tablets is 303 Windshield Washer Tablets.
Regardless of the washer fluid type you choose, each one is a viable option.
Getting Rid of Ice
If your mission is to get rid of ice, or if you live in a climate with cold winters, you want a washer fluid that can remove ice from your windshield. Moreover, you want the washer fluid to not freeze in your reservoir, nozzles, or on the windshield. For de-icing, we recommend a pre-mixed product like Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid. It has a low freezing point and won’t freeze under the hood.
The last thing you want is a frozen sheet of washer fluid on your windshield.
Getting Rid of Bug Stains
If you don’t have good washer fluid bug guts and grime will remain on your windshield and obstruct your vision. The good news is that tough windshield washer fluids like Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid can remove bug stains, dirt, grime, and more.
Who wants to drive with bug guts in their face, right?
How to Use Windshield Washer Fluid
If you’ve never used windshield washer fluid before, don’t panic, we have you covered. In this part of our guide, we’re going to take you through 8 simple steps to use windshield washer fluid.
- Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding washer fluid types.
- Order a washer fluid (we recommend Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid) because it’s the easiest to use.
- Open and secure the hood of your vehicle.
- Look for a brightly covered plastic cap with an image of the windshield on it. Most caps are yellow or blue.
- Remove the lid.
- Grab a funnel and pour the washer fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the fill line. If your vehicle doesn’t have a fill line, leave a few inches of space.
- Put the cap back on.
- Use your windshield washer lever in your vehicle to make sure it works. You might want to hold it for a second if you were completely out of fluid.
If you’re more of a visual learner, you can follow along with the video below.
Windshield Washer Fluids FAQ
We’re sure you have questions, so we have answers for some of the most frequently asked questions down below.
Can I Make My Own Windshield Washer Fluid?
Yes, you can make your own windshield washer fluid. You can use ¾ gallon of distilled water (soft water is better), and 4 cups of vinegar (white is preferred) in a 2-gallon container. That said, we always recommend using a professional solution to prevent freezing.
Can You Use Water Instead of Windshield Washer Fluid?
Yes, you can use water instead of windshield washer fluid but only if you’re certain your vehicle won’t be in freezing temperatures. If you’re using water it should also be distilled water.
Is All Washer Fluid the Same?
Windshield washer fluid is similar but not the same. Each solution is designed to serve a different purpose, so it’s important to use a washer fluid that fits your seasonal needs.
Keep that Windshield Fresh!
Having a clean windshield is the difference between being able to see and having your visibility compromised. With poor visibility, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. In fact, poor visibility can lead to accidents. So, make sure you use windshield washer fluid to keep your windshield clean, fresh, and not frozen!
Jed Lehman
Jed Lehman is a born gearhead who has been working on cars since he could crawl. He inherited his love for auto from his grandfather who owned a maintenance shop in Carlsbad, California. Jed is the driver behind Gearshift, and started this site to provide straightforward, helpful automobile information. From maintenance tips to product reviews, you can find it all here.
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