Windshield washers are among the things we usually care less about when it comes to car maintenance. After all, there’s an abundance of water we can use to keep the nitty-gritty out of the driver’s line of sight. However, if you live in the frigid cold of the North where the temperature always stays around the freezing point, you’ll soon realize that water is insufficient enough in keeping your windshield clear of impairments during bad weather.
It’s always a wise choice to use a windshield-washing fluid at all times, even in areas where the outside temperature never goes down to freezing. When hardened dirt, bird droppings, bugs, or road grimes get in the way of your sight, the windshield washer fluid has a better cleaning power to wipe away those impairments which plain water could not do.
Also, water quickly freezes during the frigid cold, impairing its functions and ability to clean your windshield. On the other hand, the wiper fluid has a better resistance against freezing, giving you the visibility you need when driving during extremely low temperatures. So, if you’re ready to give your car the washer fluid it deserves to keep you safe, there are a few things you need to learn. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
Contents
- Types of Windshield Washers
- Top 10 Best Windshield Washer Fluids
- 1. Prestone All-Season 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
- 2. Prestone De-icer Windshield Washer Fluid
- 3. Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
- 4. Rain-X 2 Pack 2-in-1 All Season (-25F) Washer Fluid
- 5. Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid
- 6. Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
- 7. CAF Outdoor Cleaning SEMPER Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner Mix
- 8. GUNK Concentrated Windshield Washer Solvent
- 9. Wemk Windshield Washer Tablets
- 10. McKee’s 37 Anti-Frost Windshield Washer Fluid
- How to Pick the Best Windshield Washer Fluid for Your Car
- Best Selling Windshield Washer Fluid
Types of Windshield Washers
Shopping for windshield washer fluid is not as hard as shopping for windshield wiper motor, window regulator, or window tint. You can quickly grab one at the nearest gas station around you. However, when you’re in front of the store shelves for wiper fluids, you’ll be overwhelmed by the vast variety of choices. There are different brands and several types.
What’s the best windshield washer fluid you should get? The best way to get the answer is to understand the major types of wiper fluids.
Blue Jug
It’s called a blue jug simply because it is generally a blue liquid mixture of several ingredients to keep it from freezing during winter. In general, it is a combined mix of methanol, water, and other types of alcohol, such as ethylene glycol. Different brands have different formulations. Others have different colors but with the same function of providing a better cleaning performance than water. The best thing about blue jug windshield washers is that they are premixed and ready to use, unlike other types that require mixing prior to the refill.
Concentrates
Blue jug washers are usually available in gallons or liters, sometimes posing storage problems for the bulky containers. Although there are single-use bottles, there’s an inconvenience of buying as often as needed. Concentrates solve the problem by letting you mix the ingredients when the time comes to refill the washer reservoir, without the storage issue. This can also save you time and money from the expensive trips to the store. Some concentrates can make more than 50 gallons of washer fluids. With a single purchase, you won’t have to make another purchase for the life of the car.
Winter Mix
If you live in the winter zones, you should consider buying a winter mix as the season changes. The winter mixture has a higher alcohol or methanol concentration than the standard blue jug blend to lower the liquid’s freezing temperature. This gives the winter mix a better performance during the snow.
Deicer
Winter mix and deicer work differently. While both have a higher alcohol content, deicer has more alcohol than the winter mix. A quick spray of deicer on the windshield will easily melt the frost and light ice. However, deicers should only be used during the winter since they are not good at cleaning the windshield. Sometimes, they leave behind fog on the glass, further obstructing your visibility.
Top 10 Best Windshield Washer Fluids
Below is my choice for the best windshield washer fluids, along with some thoughts on why I have picked it. You don’t need to buy one, though. Did you know that you can also make one yourself? Here is how.
1. Prestone All-Season 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
Prestone All Season Washer Fluid promises year-round cleaning actions with 3-in-1 functions. It will not only clean your windshield from bugs and dirt, but it also repels the water during heavy rains using advanced beading technology. Plus, it has an antifreeze property to prevent the liquid from freezing during winter. Refilling the windshield washer reservoir with Prestone All-Season 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid eliminates the need to change washer fluids every seasonal change, giving you utmost convenience. Moreover, it is a premixed liquid, so no need to mix ingredients prior to use. You can also use it to melt the snow buildup on the headlights. The superior cleaning performance with water beading actions, plus the winter protection, makes the Prestone All-Season Washer our top choice for the best all season windshield washer fluid.
- Powerful against bugs and dirt that repels rainwater.
- Good performance during winter with a freeze point of 0°F.
- Melts frost and ice.
- Environment-friendly – contains less than 23.5% volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than AS658.
- More expensive than the concentrates
- With soapy smell during use
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Prestone De-icer Windshield Washer Fluid
If you’re situated in the frigid cold zones, you need a winter specialist for washer fluids with a deicer feature. Prestone De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid easily fits into that role because it has a special formulation that improves visibility during winter driving, even if the temperatures are down to -27°F. It also works as a deicer at the same time, easily melting frost and ice while preventing refreeze. Plus, it has an advanced formula to provide glare and streak-free performance. The powerful deicing actions of the Prestone De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid led us to conclude that it is the best de-icer windshield washer fluid and the best winter windshield washer fluid.
- It also works as a deicer, and it can quickly melt light ice and frost.
- Provides streak-free and glare-free actions.
- Best for freezing areas, down to -27°F.
- It is designed for winter with high methanol content.
- Need to change fluid during summer.
- Package Dimensions: 7.5 L x 11.63 H x 4.3 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 8.18 pounds
- Country of Origin : United States
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
Not all windshield washing products can get rid of the bugs away from your visibility. When those pesky bugs get in the way, you need a bug specialist, and the Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid is among the preferred choices around. The powerful cleaning actions of Prestone Bug Washer fluid can remove and break down up to 99.99% of all bugs and residues, including bird dropping, tree saps, and road grime. Plus, it creates a bug-stopper barrier so that dirt, bugs, and grime will not stick to the windshield. It also comes with a repelling feature for a streak-free performance. With the Prestone Bug Washer fluid, you will not encounter any soapy smell issue because of its citrusy scent. It’s the best windshield washer fluid for summer, and it also the best windshield washer fluid for bugs.
- Removes 99.99% of bugs and hardened dirt.
- Creates a barrier to stop dirt and bugs from sticking to the windshield glass.
- With citrus fragrance for a relaxing drive.
- Lacks the antifreeze feature.
- Not ideal for areas with freezing temperatures.
- Advanced windshield washer fluid removes bug residue, road grime, bird droppings, and tree sap from windshields
- Power Cleaner penetrates the toughest residues, breaking down and removing up to 99.99 percent of all bugs
- Bug Stopper forms a barrier to help stop bugs, road grime, and other residues from sticking to your windshield
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Rain-X 2 Pack 2-in-1 All Season (-25F) Washer Fluid
Rain-X is a popular brand, known as a rain specialist in the automotive windshield market. The Rain-X 2 Pack 2-in-1 All Season Washer Fluid is also good for the winter since it is an all-season fluid with antifreeze properties up to -25°F. The special formulation powers through bugs, hard grime, and dirt, while quickly evaporating to provide optimum performance without streaks. Since it’s made by Rain-X, it applies the Rain-X technology in creating hydrophobic protection to bead water away.
- You can use it during any season.
- Clearer visibility during rain due to the hydrophobic coating.
- Best for snow and for winter driving with temperature up to -25°F.
- Expensive price for a 2-in-1 action washer fluid.
- It lacks the deicer feature for areas with heavy snow.
- This item can no be shipped to the state in California, Техаs, Arizona please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support...
- Removes light snow, ice, grime, and bugs
- Applies water-beading technology to help keep windshield clear. For use in cold weather
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid
You don’t need gallons of washer fluid to last for years. All you need is a few ounces of washer fluid concentrates, and you have years of supply for the windshield washing fluid of your car. If you have storage issues, then concentrates are the best solution. The Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid may contain only 8.5 fluid ounces per bottle, but the 1:200 concentration is equivalent to more than 12 gallons of washer fluid. So, it’s like having 12 bottles of the standard 1-gallon fluid, but you’re only paying for one. The only downside is you have to do the manual mixing prior to the refill. However, that should not be a problem at all if it means huge savings on your part. Kristall Klar is also a complete maintenance and cleaning washer fluid that comes with a water softener to prevent the buildup of water minerals, which usually causes the clogging of the spray jet. It also contains lubricants to minimize windshield wipe shuddering and skipping.
- With lubricating formulation to reduce skipping and shuddering.
- Comes with a water softener to reduce mineral buildup.
- Cost-effective investment.
- Lacks the antifreeze ingredient to perform well during winter.
- Requires mixing with the right amount of water for the best results.
- For over 30 years, Kristall Klar has been the choice for those who want a crystal clear view of the road ahead without the streaks and smears...
- With just a few sprays, Kristall Klar easily cuts through road film, cleans bug splatter and sap while leaving a glare-free and streak-free...
- More than just a concentrated windshield washer fluid, Kristall Klar contains lubricants that reduces wiper skipping and shuddering that helps...
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
If you are going to buy the Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate, you won’t have to buy another washer fluid again, ever, for the life of the car. Each quart (946.3ml) of the Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate can make up to 55 gallons, enough to last for years until it’s time to sell your vehicle for a new one. Additionally, it is formulated with proprietary ingredients that easily get rid of bird droppings, road filth, tree saps, bugs, and bug residues. Although it will freeze at 32°F, if you add 13 gallons of methanol per 55 gallons of Aqua Charge, it can perform well down to -20°F freezing point.
- Cost-effective for a 1-quart bottle that can make up to 55 gallons of washing fluid.
- The proprietary ingredients easily get rid of bugs, road grime, and bird droppings.
- Can work during winter with low temperatures down to -20°F, if mixed with the right amount of methanol.
- Needs methanol to make it work down to -20°F.
- Demands the correct mixture of ingredients for the best result.
- One bottle of aqua charge makes 55 gallons of premium washer fluid
- Cost effective, only pennies per gallon
- Make it like the factory does, consistent quality and color, wipes to a streak-free shine
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. CAF Outdoor Cleaning SEMPER Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner Mix
Concentrates can be messy during accidental spills. If you are not extra careful during the mixing process, you’ll end up spilling precious concentrates equivalent to gallons of washer fluids. If you hate the liquid concentrate mess, then the CAF Outdoor Cleaning SEMPER Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner Mix is the right one for you. This option eliminates the use of plastic containers, saving about 1.25 gallons of crude oil. Storage is also far from your concern. You can easily slip a single pack of CAF Windshield Cleaner Mix into the glove compartment of your car. It’s like having 5 gallons of washing fluid inside the glove box, the equivalent of each 0.25-ounce pouch.
- Easy to store.
- Can make up to 5 gallons per pouch.
- Environment-friendly by getting rid of the use of plastic containers.
- Not recommended for areas below freezing.
- Mixing ingredients is convenient for others.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. GUNK Concentrated Windshield Washer Solvent
Every bottle of GUNK Concentrated Windshield Washer Solvent can make up to 1.5 gallons of washer fluid. The ammonia formulation of GUNK Concentrated Washer Solvent can easily wipe off bugs and smears while preventing streaks for optimum visibility during rain. Since it comes in a small, 6-ounce bottle, there’s no issue with storage.
- Cheaper alternative compared to premix and ready-to-use washer fluids.
- Every pouch is equivalent to 1.5 gallons of washing fluid.
- Cleans off bugs and smears with streak-free performance.
- Not advisable for winter.
- Not environment-friendly with ammonia formula.
- 6 FL Oz Bottle
- Makes up to 1. 5 gallons
- Does not contain antifreeze
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Wemk Windshield Washer Tablets
The ultimate storage solution for windshield washer fluids is the Wemk Windshield Washer Tablets. The effervescent tablet form gets rid of the storage problems of bulky premix products while eliminating the inconvenience of mixing concentrates. In this case, just drop a tablet into the windshield washer reservoir filled with water, and you have an instant washing fluid ready to use. It’s very economical and efficient. Every tablet added with about a gallon of water is equivalent to a gallon of windshield washing fluid. It is sold in pellets of 30 tablets. Thus, with every pellet of Wemk Windshield Washer Tablets, you have a supply of 30 gallons of washing fluid. You can also use the table for other purposes, such as cleaning the mirror, kitchen, tiles, windows, and more.
- Easy to use and without mixing required.
- It has multiple uses for home cleaning aside from cleaning windshields.
- Easy to store, and you can carry it around anytime.
- Not ideal for winter use.
- Not environment-friendly with ammonia formula.
- [Economical & Efficient] - This car windshield glass clean washer tablets will help you to save large amount compared to the purchase of...
- [Advanced Quality] - No measuring, no spills, no mess or plastic bottles to dispose of and no storage. Dissolve thoroughly. Note: Please be aware...
- [Space-Saving] - The car cleaning tablet is small, portable. Compared to the traditional washer fluid, this washer tablet can be stock more...
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. McKee’s 37 Anti-Frost Windshield Washer Fluid
When it comes to winter car care, McKee’s 37 Anti-Frost Windshield Washer Fluid should be a part of your list. The anti-frost feature will make your driving easier during the winter by clearing your windshield of snow while preventing re-icing at the same time. When the windshield of your car becomes caked with road grime, dirt, snow, and salt, a few sprays of the fluid will quickly wash away those contaminants. Its special formulation prevents smearing and streaking, and it’s compatible with other fluids. So there’s no need to worry if you have to mix it with the other brands.
- Every quart can fill a full reservoir of windshield washer fluid.
- Compatible with other washing fluids.
- Best windshield washer fluid for cold weather that works against frost and ice buildup.
- Not ideal for other seasons.
- Concentrate formulation requires mixing of ingredients.
- Prevents windshield from icing over
- Hyper concentrated solution creates over a gallon of washer fluid
- Mix with existing washer fluid or mix with water to create a powerful windshield washer fluid
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Pick the Best Windshield Washer Fluid for Your Car
Choosing the right wiper washer fluid requires due consideration of a few important factors to arrive at a wiser choice. Price will always remain a factor. When it comes to cost, sometimes you’ll need to properly balance the cheaper price against convenience. The ready-to-use premixed fluids are very convenient, but they are also more expensive. There are cheaper alternatives like concentrates, cleaner mix, and tablets, but they also require proper mixing prior to the refill.
If you prefer the most convenient to use regardless of the price, you’re better off with blue jug products like the Prestone All-Season 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid. However, if you live in extremely low-temperature zones, it is best to go for the best cold weather windshield washer fluid like the Prestone De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid that also works as a deicer. So, the climate is another variable to consider. On the other hand, if you want to buy the best windshield washer fluid and not have to worry anymore about the next purchase, you can go for the concentrates that could last for the life of the car.
Best Selling Windshield Washer Fluid
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API