Not only is it bothersome to look out a dirty windshield but it can also be dangerous. That’s why we’ve scoured the web to find you the best windshield washer fluids on the market today. Luckily, purchasing the best windshield washer fluids is a quick solution to the problem of a dirty windshield. Sure, washer fluid may not feel as exciting or important of a purchase as a fancy ceramic coating or car leather cleaner. But, being able to clearly see out your windshield is vitally important to an enjoyable and safe diving experience.
How Do I Pick The Best Windshield Washer Fluids?
While your previous method of buying washer fluid may have been to grab the cheapest one at your local gas station, you should not overlook spending a bit more on one of the top brands of windshield washer fluid. To find the best windshield washer fluids, the important components to look for include streak-free finish, anti-freeze capabilities, water-repelling features, and scent.
Also, consider the factors that are unique to your area. This includes your geographic location. If you live in a rural area where you encounter many dirt roads, you may want a different windshield washer than if you live in the suburbs. Along with that, consider your climate. If you live in a cold, snowy climate, you will need washer fluid with anti-freeze capabilities.
Finally, some washer fluids are sold as concentrates which require dilution. It’s important to know if you are purchasing a concentrate so that you can plan accordingly when refilling your washer fluid reservoir.
In addition to the best windshield washer fluids, we have highlighted a couple of the best windshield washer fluid additives. It is important to note that these are highly concentrated and only work in addition to regular washer fluid. Commonly, fluid additives work as a rain repellant and are great products to use in conjunction with regular washer fluid.
Coming in at the top of our list of the best windshield washer fluids, the Prestone All Season 3-in-1 windshield washer fluid is the best all-around option. You can purchase it by the single gallon, as a two-pack, or as a six-pack. Whether you’re dealing with summer bugs, intense snow, or spring showers, this washer fluid will give you the best visibility through it all. This washer fluid is capable of melting snow before it freezes on your windshield in temperatures as low as -27F.
In addition to the de-icer, it also has a bug wash and water-repellant so water will bead up instead of running across the entire windshield. It is streak-free and glare-free. This wiper fluid is reasonably priced and, with a whole gallon of liquid, should last you a long time. This is not a concentrate, so you can simply pour it into your windshield washer fluid reservoir as needed.
It is important to note that this product is not for sale in the states of Texas and California.
This windshield kit is for the people who when given the chance to go big or go home, go big. In addition to getting one of the best windshield washer fluids, this set also comes with so much more good stuff to prep and treat your glass. Made by McKee’s 37, this Anti-Frost Windshield Coating Kit has all you need, and then some. Included in the seven-piece kit, you will get glass coating, glass cleaner, anti-frost windshield washer fluid, glass restorer, a microfiber applicator, a coating applicator, and a glass cleaning towel.
Give your car’s windshield an intense cleaning and seal with the glass coating and glass restorer. Then, to keep up the clean, use the glass cleaner and windshield washer fluid whenever needed. While the windshield washer fluid is specifically advertised for cold-weather use, it is great year-round for all your glass protection needs. The washer fluid in this kit will prevent frost and does not have an odor.
First and foremost, this windshield washer fluid is a concentrate. When you add it to your washer fluid reservoir, you add 1/4 ounces to one gallon of water to make one gallon of washer fluid. With that, this single bottle makes 32 gallons of washer fluid. Qwix Mix recommends adding methanol to the fluid concentrate during the winter months. You can find a user-friendly chart on the back of the label for measurements of how much to add.
Qwix Mix has a money-back, no questions asked guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied, they will refund your money. Reviewers were overall extremely satisfied with this product. If you don’t want to have to worry about ordering washer fluid by the gallon, this concentrate is a great option to last a while.
This windshield washer fluid from Nextzett is a concentrate that makes over 12 gallons of washer fluid. This is one of the best windshield washer fluids you can buy in a small container as it comes in an eight-ounce bottle, making for easy storage. The fluid contains a water softener which reduces mineral build-up. This build-up is the main reason for clogged fluid reservoirs.
The Nextzett Kristall Klar washer fluid is smear-free, can remove bugs and dirt, and reduces wiper skipping. All that to say, your entire windshield will reap the benefits from this little bottle. In addition, this fluid will not leave any strange residue on your car’s exterior. And it is safe for use on plastic headlights.
5. Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
With this Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate, you can make 55 gallons of windshield washer fluid. That means that each gallon, in the long run, will only cost you a few cents. Additionally, the formula is designed to help remove tree sap, bird droppings, dirt, and bug residue.
If you are entering the cold winter months, be sure to add methanol to the mixture because it will freeze below 32F. With the added methanol, however, it will stay liquid until -20F. To make this mixture, add 0.5 ounces to one gallon of water. While it’s tempting to just “eye” the measurements, it is very important to use the right measurements to prevent damage to your car.
Summer days mean beautiful drives on winding roads with the windows down. Summer days also mean a lot of bugs. This washer fluid from Prestone is a bug wash specifically meant for use during the summer months. The liquid has a barrier that prevents bugs from sticking onto the glass and advanced beading technology that repels water.
This fluid wil give your car’s windshield a streak-free shine isntead of a messy, bug-covered blur. You can pick up an entire gallon of washer fluid at a very affordable price and be set for the warm months. The icing on the cake is that this washer fluid has a pleasant citrus scent, a wonderful pairing for a warm summer breeze.
Concentrated washer fluid is where it’s at these days. And even more unique than concentrate are these washer fluid tablets from Frylr. You get 60 concentrated tablets for a great value. The tablets clean glass and also reduce friction, allowing your windshield wipes to work better and improving the life of your windshield.
Just simply add one tablet and four liters of water to your windshield washer fluid reservoir. With 60 tablets, you get a total of 240 liters of windshield washer fluid. The tablet design is environmentally friendly as it is phosphate-free, biodegradable, and has no chemical bleach. And you can conveniently store these concentrated tablets in your vehicle for whenever you need them.
8. Mercedes Benz Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate
If you have a Mercedez Benz, there is no question that this is the washer fluid for you. This is a concentrated liquid, and it is advised that you dilute it with one part cleaner to two parts water. Some reviewers recommend using distilled water.
While this washer fluid is pricier than its competitors, it is very high-quality — which matches the quality of your Benz! This Winter Fit Washer Fluid is sure to keep your windshield in top condition while promoting streak-free visibility.
We can’t talk about the best windshield washer fluids without mentioning fluid additives. If you’re already stocked up on washer fluid and want to add extra rain protection, Rain-X Washer Fluid Additive is the product for you. This additive will add water-beading technology to any washer fluid mixture. This not only prevents snow, sleet, and ice from sticking to the glass, but it will also prevent bugs and other road contaminants from latching onto your windshield.
This 16.9-ounce container will treat up to four gallons of washer fluid. Most washer fluid comes by the gallon, so you can simply pour the gallon of washer fluid into your reservoir and then add four ounces of the Rain-X Fluid Additive. This product will greatly improve your driving visibility. Plus, there’s no need to manually apply the product to your windshield, so it also saves you a lot of time.
If you live in an area with frequent heavy rainfall, this washer fluid additive is a great option. Simply add four ounces of Invisible Glass Washer Fluid Additive to every gallon of washer fluid for vastly improved visibility in the rain.
Because this product is so concentrated, use caution when handling it. Use gloves and pour carefully to avoid any spills. If you use this additive, the rain will easily bead up and roll off your windshield so you have no need to worry the next time you get caught in an unplanned thunderstorm while on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water instead of windshield washer fluid?
Using water is not recommended. Keeping your windshield clean is vital for optimal visibility when driving. Water does not have any of the cleaning properties needed to remove the dirt and grime that gets onto windshields. And if it ever gets below freezing in your area, water will freeze in the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Can I make my own windshield washer fluid?
Yes, you can. Though we always recommend purchasing windshield washer fluid made by professionals, if you are in a bind, you can use several common household items.
For any of these homemade solutions, you can add one cup of rubbing alcohol to the mixture to prevent freezing.
The first option is a regular window cleaner, such as Windex. For every gallon of water, add one cup of window cleaner. Once the window cleaner is added, mix well.
The second option is white vinegar. For every 3/4 gallon of water, add four cups of white vinegar. Then, mix it together.
The third option is dish soap and ammonia. When dealing with ammonia, be sure you are in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Add a gallon of water, a tablespoon of dish soap, and 1/2 cup of ammonia. Securely close the container and shake to mix well.
How do I refill my windshield washer fluid?
To refill your windshield washer fluid, turn off your car and open the hood. Once you open the hood, locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. While its location varies from car to car, the cap should have a windshield symbol on it. If you cannot find it, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Check to see if the liquid is low by checking the low and full lines in the translucent tube on the reservoir. If the level is low, unscrew the cap. Keep the cap in a clean and safe place
Pour the windshield washer fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the full line on the side of the reservoir. Remember, it is better to underfill than overfill. Once you have refilled the reservoir, screw the cap back on. Now, your car should be ready for the road ahead.
Joybeth Sullivan is an accomplished content creator. She does it all as a writer, photographer, and videographer. Her work has been published in local and international outlets. She graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2020 with a dual-degree in English & Film. Today, she is based out of Denver, CO. When she isn't writing, you can find her on long drives in the mountains with her husky, Newman, riding shotgun.
