Using the latest windshield washer fluid as opposed to plan water will provide superior cleaning power. Most manufacturers provide multiple formulas that are specifically designed for bug residue removal, winter or all year usage.
The best windshield washer fluid is the Prestone All Season, which provides superior cleaning power, freeze protection and bugs removal.
In order to produce the washer fluid, you may need to dissolve a tablet or mix a concentrated formula into plain water. Premixed solutions can be simply poured into the tank but you may have to pay a premium price tag for the ease of use.
Table of Contents
Windshield Washer Fluids Comparison
| Screen Wash Fluid | Type | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Prestone All Season | Premixed | All Round |
| 303 (230371) | Tablet | All Round |
| Nextzett 92100815 | Concentrated | All Round |
| Aqua Charge Ultra | Concentrated | Winter |
| Prestone AS657 | Premixed | Bugs |
| McKee's 37 Anti-Frost | Additive | Winter |
| Rain-X RX11806D | Additive | All Round |
Using a proper windshield washer fluid will break down all dirt, road film, grime and bugs. Simply relying on water isn’t going to provide effective cleaning qualities and can become frustrating because the dirt will buildup until properly cleaned.
Depending upon the temperature will determine the fluid best suited to cleaning your windshield. Many formulas are designed not to freeze whereas others are suitable for clearing stubborn bug residue. However, many people will simply stick to using an all-season formula for simplicity.
Below is a list of the best windshield washer fluids that can be used within all seasons and provide a streak-free finish.
The Best Windshield Washer Fluid
1. Prestone All Season Windshield Washer Fluid
Prestone are a highly reputable brand and they produce a wide range of windshield washer fluids for specific applications. The All Season 3-in-1 is their new and improved formula that provides the best performance for all-round usage.
Unlike other fluids that are only suitable for certain seasons, this formula performs in the freezing cold winter months and hot summer days.
Other features of the Prestone All Season 3-in-1 include:
- Freeze protection for a frost-free windshield
- Superior rain-beading technology that repels water
- Powerful bug, dirt and road grime cleaning properties
- Streak-free finish and glare free
- Safe for rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Low VOC formula
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
The Prestone All Season 3-in-1 is a new release by the brand that is designed for maximum performance. Although the formula is more expensive than some of the other fluids, it’s a worthwhile investment that doesn’t require changing dependent on the weather.
Check it Out2. 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets
The 303 (230371) is a unique windshield wash formula as its in a tablet form where each tablet mixes with a gallon of water. The brand state that the super concentrated formula will provide up to 3 times the cleaning power compared with a standard wash.
Unlike a regular windshield washer fluid, the tablets often offer additional washes, can be easily stored and have a much long shelf life.
Other features of the 303 (230371) include:
- 1 tablet makes one gallon of the washer fluid
- Provides up to 3 times the cleaning power
- Available as a 5 or 25 tablet pack
- Easily removes bugs, road film and tough dirt
- Super concentrated formula
- Non-toxic and safe on paint and rubber
The 303 (230371) is a unique windshield washer formula that provides a highly effective clean each and every time. It’s also good for the environment as it reduces the amount of plastics that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
Check it Out3. Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid
The Nextzett Kristall Klar is a highly rated windshield washer fluid that uses a concentrated formula to treat up to 12 gallons of water. Depending upon the type of dirt on your windshield, you can use a stronger ratio to provide additional cleaning power.
Another benefit of using this fluid is that it lubricates the windshield, which helps to prevent the dreaded skipping or shuddering of the wipers.
Other features of the Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid include:
- Each bottle treats 12 gallons of water
- Acts as a water softener to prevent hard water build up
- Added lubricants to prevent skipping or shuddering of the windshield wipers
- Glare and smear-free cleaning results
- Super strong yet safe on plastic headlights and sensors
- Desirable citrus scent
The Kristall Klar formula by Nextzett is an excellent windshield washer fluid that won’t disappoint. It provides excellent cleaning power, lubrication and is completely safe to use. The highly concentrated formula easily cleans the toughest of dirt and even brake dust or oil according to the brand.
The brand also produce a winter formula that is designed to prevent frosting over of the windshield and won’t freeze easily.
Check it Out4. Aqua Charge Ultra Concentrate Washer Fluid
The Aqua Charge is another highly concentrated windshield washer fluid for maximum cleaning power. The brand claim that each bottle of the formula will produce up to 55 gallons of fluid for washing your windshield.
If the winter season goes below freezing, this windshield washer fluid is fully compatible with methanol for sub zero protection.
Other features of the Aqua Charge Ultra Concentrate include:
- 55 gallons of washer fluid per bottle
- Leaves a streak-free finish
- Suitable for all types of dirt
- Compatible with methanol
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
In terms of making the formula last 55 gallons, you will need to add 0.5 ounces per 1 gallon of water that you use. For those that require sub zero protection, you will need to add 13 gallons per 55 gallons of the aqua charger.
Overall, it’s a highly effective formula that the brand state is similar to the fluids that are used at new in the factory. The use of methanol makes it even more versatile because as it will only freeze once it passes -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check it Out5. Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
Another windshield washer fluid by the Prestone brand is their Bug Wash. As the product suggests, it’s designed primarily to remove dried bugs and acts as a barrier. Although you could use a bug remover for cars, this would require you to stop the car. Therefore, this formula is designed to solve that issue for instant cleaning of bugs.
The patented windshield washer fluid provide a powerful clean but is safe to use on plastics and for rain sensing wipers.
Other features of the Prestone Bug Wash include:
- Removes bugs, grime, dirt, bird dropping and tree sap
- Breaks down up to 99.9% of bug residue
- Leaves a protective barrier
- Water repellent beading
- Streak-free finish
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
- Premixed and ready for use
For long summer drives that are prone to bug splatter, the Bug Wash by Prestone is the best windshield washer fluid for bugs. The brand claims it’s able to remove up to 99.9% of bug residue as well as providing a protective barrier against further splatter.
Check it Out6. McKee’s 37 Anti-Frost Windshield Washer Fluid
The McKee’s 37 Anti-Frost formula is a windshield washer fluid that has been designed specifically for winter usage. The advanced formula effortlessly remove dirt and road film without leaving any streaks or smears across the windshield.
As well as cleaning the windshield, the fluid will also provide a barrier against re-icing, which acts as a line of defense against snow, ice and sleet.
Other features of the McKee’s 37 Anti-Frost Washer include:
- Hyper concentrated solution
- Prevents the windshield from icing
- Doesn’t harm any surrounding trim
- Available in a 32 or 128 oz bottle
- Provides a streak-free finish
- Can be used all year round
For the best results, the brand recommend that you add this formula to an existing washer fluid present in the tank. The advanced formulation of this windshield washer provides excellent results and a protective coating that prevent re-icing.
Check it Out7. Rain-X Windshield Washer Fluid Additive
For the best results, it’s advised that you use this additive along with another washer fluid as it’s designed to work alongside it.
Other features of the Rain X Washer Additive include:
- Latest water beading technology
- Repels sleet, ice, bugs and road spray
- 4 ounces treats fluid tanks
- Improves the cleaning abilities
- 16.9 oz bottle capacity
It’s important to note that this is an additive that can is best used with plain water or another fluid for maximum cleaning power. It’s designed to improve cleaning but also repel further dirt and water for clearer vision on the road.
Check it OutWindshield Washer Fluid Buying Guide
An often overlooked service part for your car is windshield washer fluids. Not only does it remove dirt, tree sap, bugs and road grime from the windshield but it will also improve your driving with clearer vision.
Many washer are tailored towards certain aspects such as dead bug residue, freezing temperatures and all season usage. Rather than relying on plain water, a dedicated fluid will dissolve stubborn dirt and provide a streak-free clean each and every time.
Freeze Protection
A potential issue with certain windshield washer fluids is that they can freeze in cold weather. However, some manufacturers will offer formulas designed for the winter that won’t freeze and help form a barrier to prevent icing of your windshield.
You may also add methanol to the formula, which will further increase the freezing point of the fluid. For example, the Aqua Charge Ultra recommends that you add 13 gallons of methanol to 55 gallons of the fluid. However, you are only able to do this if the fluid is compatible as it may cause adverse effects.
Types of Cleaners
The three forms a windshield washer fluid is available as include a tablet, concentrate or premixed formula. The most common formula is premixed and it can be simply poured from the bottle and into the tank.
Both the tablet and concentrated formulas will require mixing with plain water before being poured into the tank. For the best results, you will want to follow the instruction upon the bottle. Using too strong of a formula may stain any surround trim near the windshield.
Conclusion
Windshield washing fluid is inexpensive and worth spending a little extra to get the best you can buy. Attempting to use plain water and constantly use your wiper blades can be time consuming, wear out the wipers and even scratch the windshield.
All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and available in multiple types. We highly advise that you choose a formula best suited to the climate for effortless cleaning. If you are subject to cold weather on a regular basis, the addition of methanol may be worth trying out, which ensures the windshield washer fluids you use don’t freeze.
