The Best Windshield Washer Fluids to Wipe Away Dirt

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu
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You're probably thinking most windshield washer fluids are all the same, but that's hardly the case.
Photo Credit: Aleksandrs Tituskins via Shutterstock

A clean windshield is an integral part of having a safe driving experience. Along with high-quality windshield wipers, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a proper windshield washer fluid to keep your front windshield clean in between car washes. You’re probably thinking most windshield washer fluids are all the same, but that’s hardly the case. Some formulas are so ineffective that they’re basically like water. Proper windshield washer fluids will break down dirt, dust, debris, and even bugs on your windshield for a proper wipe. For this reason, you also want to avoid refilling your reservoir with water when you run out unless you have absolutely no other option. Think of wiper fluid as a liquid detergent for your windshield.

There are a couple of things to consider when shopping for the best windshield washer fluid. First, you’ll want to choose a product that works for your climate. If you experience cold winters packed with ice and snow, you’ll want a washer fluid that won’t freeze or even a de-icer solution. If you enjoy fair and sunny weather throughout the year or never have to worry about snow or ice, general all-season washer fluid will work.

Second, pay close attention to whether you’re purchasing a pre-mixed solution or a concentrate that needs to be mixed with water. There are even tablets you can simply drop into water to create a solution. Here are the best windshield wiper fluids we found. We picked ones that are both bestsellers or have high user ratings.

1. Editor's Pick: Prestone All Season 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid

Prestone offers a variety of high-quality windshield washer fluids, and we'll take a look at three of the company's products. The first is an all-season 3-in-1 solution specially engineered to keep your windshield clean and clear all year long. It's protected against freezing in temperatures down to -27°F (-32°C) and is a de-icer to help melt ice quickly. The solution features a bug wash that penetrates even the toughest residue, breaking down and removing bugs from your windshield. Helping make sure your glass is streak and glare-free is water repellent advanced beading technology.

This solution is ideal in most weather conditions, especially if you live in an area with snow or ice. It's a pre-mixed fluid, so you don't have to do anything but fill up your reservoir with it. It is, however, a bit on the pricier side for a single gallon of solution when compared to concentrated solutions that you have to mix yourself.

Pros

Pre-mixed solution, works in all weather conditions, de-icer, bug wash, repels water

Cons

A bit expensive when compared to the volume you get from concentrated solutions

2. Best Concentrate: Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid

One of the highest-rated and most popular windshield washer fluids on Amazon is the Kristall Klar washer fluid from Nextzett. It's a 1:200 concentration, so each bottle makes over 12 gallons of washer fluid when mixed with water. The product is reasonably priced and promises to deliver glare and smear-free cleaning. Its formula quickly removes bugs and dirt from your windshield when used, while lubricants help reduce water skipping and shuddering. To top it all off, the Kristall Klar washer fluid features water softeners that prevent hard water mineral buildup, which could cause jets to clog.

It's also ammonia-free, so it won't harm chrome, paintwork, rubber, or plastic. Nextzett says it leaves a fresh citrus scent and does not contain toxic methanol.

This product, however, isn't recommended for areas with freezing climates. Nextzett does offer an Anti-Frost Concentrate for winter and year-round protection in colder environments.

Pros

Ammonia-free, does not contain toxic methanol, reasonably priced, water softeners

Cons

It's a concentrate, so you'll have to mix it, doesn't work in cold weather

3. Best for Winter: Prestone De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid

While Prestone's all-season washer fluid is capable of winter protection, you may live in an area with harsh winter conditions. That's where the company's De-Icer windshield washer fluid comes in, designed specifically for winter use. It freezes at the same -27°F (-32°C) temperature as the 3-in-1 solution, but it is engineered to quickly remove ice and frost from your windshield.

The solution has high methanol content, along with ethylene glycol, to prevent dangerous re-freeze. Like other Prestone windshield washer fluids, the De-Icer leaves a durable, hydrophobic shield on the glass, helping prevent road spray from sticking.

Pros

Affordable, great for harsh winter conditions

Cons

High methanol content, designed only for winter use

4. Dokiko Windshield Washer Fluid Tablets

While purchasing actual windshield washer fluid is convenient—you just pour it into your reservoir—there is the more cost-effective option of using tablets. With these, you simply drop them into your reservoir filled with water, producing windshield washer fluid. Each tablet can be mixed with four liters of water, so this option gives you a total of 120 liters of windshield washer fluid.

This recommendation is effective at removing splatter, tree sap, and normal road grime from your windshield. It is, however, a summer formulation, so it should not be used in cold weather conditions. If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures and snow, you'll want to check out our recommendations for winter windshield washer fluid. Another benefit to these tablets is that you can drop one of these into a spray bottle filled with water, using it as a basic glass cleaning solution on your car windows and mirrors.

There are a number of very similar concentrated tablets available. Our experience suggests they are probably identical and likely made in the same factory, so choosing one comes down to price and satisfaction with the seller. We chose the Dokiko brand because it has over 400 reviews and a very good 88% positive rating, and the reviews are high quality with no evidence of deceptive practices.

Pros

Cost-effective, simply mix with water, effective at removing splatter, tree sap, and road grime

Cons

Should only be used during the summer, not effective in cold weather conditions

5. Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid

If bugs are a bigger concern than snow and ice, you may want to take a closer look at the Prestone Bug Wash windshield washer fluid. This advanced washer fluid is designed to remove bug residue, road grime, bird droppings, and tree sap from windshields. The cleaning solution claims to penetrate the toughest residues, breaking down and removing up to 99.99 percent of all bugs. It also leaves a barrier to help stop bugs, grime, and other residues from sticking to your windshield. And like Prestone's all-season solution, its Bug Wash fluid has water-repellent advanced beading to help repel water.

If smell matters to you, this solution leaves behind a fresh citrus scent.

Pros

Designed to remove bug residue, leaves a barrier to protect windshield, repels water

Cons

Doesn't work in cold weather conditions, expensive compared to concentrated solutions

6. Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate

A popular concentrate on Amazon comes from Aqua Charge. One quart of the solution makes 55 gallons of finished washer fluid, making it one of the most cost-effective options available. It wipes to a streak-free shine thanks to proprietary ingredients that remove bug residue, road filth, bird droppings, and tree sap. The solution is methanol-free, but if you want it to work in the cold, you'll have to add methanol for a freezing point of -20°F (-29°C). The normal freezing point of Aqua Charge's fluid is 32°F (0°C).

Just keep in mind this is a concentrated solution, so it's not ready to be used straight out of the bottle. If you don't mind having to take the time to properly mix the solution and you aren't looking for anything fancy with your windshield washer fluid, Aqua Charge is great on your wallet.

Pros

Affordable, efficient, one bottle could last you years

Cons

Must be properly diluted or it could leave blue stains on your paint, must be mixed with methanol for cold weather

7. Rain-X All Season 2-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid

Rain-X is a well-known brand for its water repellent, and the company offers its own windshield washer fluid. The 2-in-1 all-season formula works against light snow and ice, effective to -25°F (-31°C) while powering off bugs, road grime, and salt. Along with melting precipitation, this windshield washer fluid also applies Rain-X technology to the windshield, giving it a hydrophobic protectant to help bead water. It is formulated with de-ionized water for improved visibility and streak-free cleaning.

The Rain-X solution is a pre-mixed solution, so you'll simply have to pour it into your reservoir. It's a bit on the more expensive side when you compare it to concentrated solutions that you mix yourself, but it's comparable to other one-gallon solutions.

This product is ideal for car owners who live in an area that experiences rain and snow. Since it applies Rain-X technology to the windshield, it offers protection against rain as well. Like Prestone, Rain-X has a full lineup of washer fluids, including an all-season option, de-icer, and bug remover.

Pros

Works against snow and ice, adds Rain-X hydrophobic coating

Cons

More expensive than concentrated solutions

Recent Updates

November 28, 2022: Updated product links; removed Gunk and McKee cleaners.

January 31, 2022: Updated existing product links.

January 28, 2022: Removed discontinued Sonax Clear View Windshield Washer Concentrate. Updated product link for Prestone AS658P All Season 3-in-1 Year Round Windshield Washer Fluid. Replaced Wemk Windshield Washer Tablets with Dokiko brand.

December 2, 2020: Updated with new product recommendations.


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Photo credit: Aleksandrs Tituskins / Shutterstock.com

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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