The Best Windshield Washer Fluids in 2020

Timothy

Windshield washer fluid comes in a variety of formulations for every season and driving situation. Choosing the best windshield washer fluid depends on where, when, and what you drive. We rounded up a variety of pre-mixed, ready-to-use gallons, plus concentrated liquids and dry-dissolving tablets, and put them to the test to help you make the best choice.

 

Checking and topping off your windshield washer fluid reservoir is a crucial part of a safe driving experience, and should be considered regular maintenance like checking your oil or tire pressure. But if you’re pouring water or even Windex in the reservoir, you’re making a mistake, and taking chances with a vital component to safe driving.

  • Best Overall

    Summary

    The one windshield washer fluid to rule them all. Four season formula powers off bugs, dirt, and road salt down to zero degrees.

    Pros

    Broad operational temperature range for year-round use. Versatile formulation is effective against summer bugs and mild winter freeze up.

    Cons

    More expensive than dedicated summer, bug, or winter blends. Hydrophobic polymer technology not for everybody.

  • Best Value

    Summary

    The concentrated liquid formula is easy to use, effective, and safe for all surfaces. One 8.5-ounce bottle makes six gallons of washer fluid.

    Pros

    Measuring chamber calibrated for the average size reservoir. Anti-lime agents help prevent tap water mineral scale.
    Lemon-lime fragrance.

    Cons

    Not rated for winter temperatures. Not as effective against bugs compared to other blends. Can remove silicone window treatment.

  • Honorable Mention

    Summary

    These tablets in compact, easy-mix packaging are easy to store. Each concentrated tablet makes one gallon of full-strength washer fluid.

    Pros

    Concentrated formula puts 25 gallons of washer fluid in a small tube. Tablets can be mixed with water directly in the washer fluid reservoir.

    Cons

    Must add methanol to prevent freeze-up in winter season use. One tablet to one-gallon ratio may not be ideal for small-capacity reservoirs.

  • Windshield Washer Fluid
    Mike Bumbeck

    Windshield washer fluid comes in a variety of formulations for every season and driving situation. Choosing the best windshield washer fluid depends on where, when, and what you drive. We rounded up a variety of pre-mixed, ready-to-use gallons, plus concentrated liquids and dry-dissolving tablets, and put them to the test to help you make the best choice.

     

    Checking and topping off your windshield washer fluid reservoir is a crucial part of a safe driving experience, and should be considered regular maintenance like checking your oil or tire pressure. But if you’re pouring water or even Windex in the reservoir, you’re making a mistake, and taking chances with a vital component to safe driving.

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Reviews & Recommendations 2020

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Overall

    With summer bug clearing power, water-beading hydrophobic treatment, and a zero degree temperature rating, Rain-X 2-in-1 All-Season is the one windshield washer fluid to rule them all. The four-season heavy hitter is a bit more expensive than other blends but packs unparalleled formulation and temperature range. 

    We blasted a gallon over the windshield and through the headlight washer out on the road with excellent results. The orange liquid powered through bugs and road grime with streak-free evaporation for a clear view of the road. Automatic Rain-X window treatment was a bonus. Hydrophobic treatment helps stop salty winter road spray from sticking to the windshield or headlight glass in the first place. 

    All-season convenience is the biggest advantage of the feature-packed formula. Even with all the electronic reminders and regular maintenance, it’s way too easy to forget there’s still summer washer fluid in the reservoir until it freezes up on the way to Thanksgiving dinner. Running with Rain-X 2-in-1 All Season takes unexpected freeze-ups out of the driving equation.

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Tablets

    It was a little hard to believe when we opened up the shipping box, but 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets packed 25 gallons into 25 tablets about the size of four stacked quarters. The plastic storage tube easily fits in most glove boxes, and each tablet makes one gallon of washer fluid. The tablets can be dropped into the washer fluid reservoir or mixed separately.

    We plunked a few tablets into the glass container here to show the instant washer fluid process. The tablets dissolved in about a minute and left no sediment. Road vibrations finished the mixing process in no time, and the instant blend performed as well as any of the pre-mixed or concentrated summer varieties. 

    Less the plastic packaging, and the fuel used to haul gallon jugs of washer fluid all over the continent, helps the dry tablets make a lot more sense from an ecological standpoint. Just keep the tablets dry until it’s time for effervescent action. 303 Instant Windshield Washer Fluid tablets are formulated for summer use. Add methyl alcohol to make a winter blend.

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate

    SONAX Clear View swept away the concentrated contenders with its combination of quality, effectiveness, and convenience. Choosing the best concentrated liquid washer fluid was a lot more difficult than we thought it was going to be, and SONAX Clear View took the win with its unique features and ease of use. 

    The phosphate-free formula delivered outstanding performance out on the road, and SONAX Clear View was the only concentrate with a pleasant lemon-lime fragrance. The springtime fresh scent is a welcome feature to anyone who got a good whiff of gas station windshield washer tanks full of bug guts on a hot summer night. 

    The concentrated washer fluid can be mixed with regular tap water thanks to an anti-lime-scaling ingredient and is safe for use on all paint and plastics, including xenon headlamps. Measuring the ideal ratio of concentrate to water was easy thanks to a one-way valve and clearly marked graduated milliliter scale. 20ml makes about a half a gallon, and the bottle yields 6 gallons in total.

    Best Value Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate

    If you have a fleet of vehicles or big plans for some long haul RV travel, then pick up a bottle of Sanco Industries Aqua Charge. One 32-ounce container of the concentrated formula yields 55 gallons of windshield washer fluid. The super concentrate pays off with the lowest price per gallon out of all our test products. One tablespoon was all it took to make a gallon of full-strength washer fluid with good performance.

    Aqua Charge concentrate packs a lot into a little, but with power comes responsibility. Use protective gloves and keep the concentrate off any surfaces. Wipe down the container before removing your gloves and be sure the cap is on tight. Aqua Charge is rated for summer use right out the bottle. Add methanol according to the manufacturer’s recommendations as the temperatures fall into the freezing ranges.

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid for the Deep Freeze

    Heavy-duty cold-weather formulas like Prestone De-Icer are the answer if you live close to the poles or own at least two pairs of thermal underpants. Winter washer fluid blends might get you through an average cold season but can fail when the temperature dips into the nope zone. Step up to a de-icer if the deep freeze is coming. We always tank up our front-mounted headlight washer system with De-Icer in the winter months.

    Unexpected icy windshield haze can be dangerous in already dicey winter road conditions. Sub-zero temperatures combined with the wind chill factor, and whatever chemical endothermic reaction that keeps salty slush liquid below 32-degrees all conspire for windshield freeze up with some winter blends. Don’t expect de-icers to melt away heavy snow and ice. You’ll still need an ice scraper or chisel. Tip: Look for springtime de-icer closeout deals and stock up on the cheap.

    Why Trust Us


    All of our reviews are based on market research, expert input, or practical experience with most products we include. This way, we offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

    Learn more

    How We Tested the Windshield Washer Fluids

    TheDrive Windshield Washer Fluid Review

    Mike Bumbeck

    Don’t forget to empty the rear windshield washer fluid reservoir of summer blend ahead of winter to avoid freeze ups. The glycols that prevent washer fluid from freezing also slow evaporation in warmer temperatures, so purge any leftover winter blend come springtime.

    We made our best windshield washer fluid selections based on a combination of performance, value, usability, availability, and the shipping experience. Summertime testing precluded any de-icer and winter mix blends, but we have four-season experience thanks to near-eternal Vermont winters and relentless road salt. New England without snow is a world full of bugs, and we cleared plenty of bug guts and dirt road dust in our road tests. All test products were purchased with a mix of online shopping and local store pickup. 

    Benefits of Windshield Washer Fluid 

    • Safety: The most crucial benefit of windshield washer fluid. A windshield full of smeared bugs, road grime, or road salt can impair visibility and cause an accident. 
    • Protection: Crud-covered dry windshield wiper blades can damage your windshield. Fluid lubricates the glass and helps prevent turning your wipers into sandpaper blades.
    • Convenience: A full reservoir and extra fluid can save the trouble of pulling off the road, losing time, and forking over premium prices. Plan ahead for trouble-free travel. 
    • Maintenance: Making a habit of checking your windshield wiper fluid reservoir, motor oil, tire pressure, and coolant level can help your vehicle perform better and last longer. 

    Types of Windshield Washer Fluid

    Premixed: 

    The most commonly available type of windshield washer fluid comes in ready to use plastic gallon jugs. They’re available in a wide variety of formulas from summer bug melting blends to deep freeze winter de-icers. 

    Liquid Concentrates:

    Liquid windshield washer concentrates pack a lot into a little. They’re great if you don’t like storing gallon jugs. Concentrates can be mixed with water directly in the washer fluid reservoir.

    Dry Tablet Concentrates:

    Dry tablets offer the convenience and economy of just-add-water concentrate compressed into a no-spill compact package. Quick-dissolving tablets are easy to store and can be dropped directly into a water-filled reservoir for instant washer fluid.

    TheDrive Windshield Washer Fluid Review

    Mike Bumbeck

    Our washer fluid product testing lineup on the rolling service cart for multi-vehicle fillups.

    Washer Fluid Formulations

    Summer:

    Summer washer fluids are formulated for use in above freezing temperatures only. All of our concentrated and tablet washer fluids were developed for summer use and require the addition of methanol for use below freezing. 

    Winter:

    Winter washer fluid formulas contain methanol or ethylene glycol to prevent freeze-up in the lines, nozzles, or on your windshield. Make sure to empty any leftover summer fluid before topping up the tank with a winter blend. 

    All-Season:

    All-season formulas promise it all with a year-round mix of ingredients for every situation. Year-round washer fluids are a great option for moderate winters, but keep an eye on operational temperature ranges as they vary between brand and blends.  

    Specialty:

    Specialty formulas fill in the gaps with bonus capability. Bug blends put some extra power in the tank to clear grasshopper guts, de-icers can cut through deep winter freezes, and water beading hydrophobic polymers can help your windshield repel rain and snow.

    Close up of a washer fluid reservoir.

    Mike Bumbeck

    If you are using concentrated washer fluid, make sure to mix the concentrate with water in the correct percentage. Look up your fluid reservoir capacity in the owner’s manual and check the product instructions for the optimal concentrate per gallon ratio.

    Top Brands

    Rain-X

    Rain-X is part of the giant ITW Global Brands company umbrella and specializes in windshield treatments, wipers, and car care products. Rain-X 2-in-1 All-Season washer fluid earned our best overall and the company offers a full range of products that meet the needs of budget-friendly and high-performance drivers alike. 

    Prestone

    Prestone was established in 1927, and the American company made the familiar yellow jug of anti-freeze coolant famous. Today, Prestone manufactures a full line of automotive products from antifreeze coolants, brake fluid, power steering fluid, stop leaks, and windshield washer fluids like our winter deep freeze minus-27 degrees Prestone De-Icer pick. 

    Sonax

    Sonax company history stretches back to 1905, and today the German company manufactures a comprehensive range of specialized car care products from polishing compounds and waxes to paint sealants and wheel cleaners. Sonax Clear View windshield washer fluid earned our best pick, and the company also offers a line of products for car care professionals. 

    303

    303 protectants, cleaners, and waxes have a reputation for quality and are just one of the brands in the mighty Gold Eagle car care and performance automotive products group. Gold Eagle grew from a small Chicago storefront in 1932 into the company behind trusted products like Sta-bil fuel stabilizer. Gold Eagle also sponsors the Stabil National Lawn Mower Racing Series. 

    SANCO Industries

    SANCO was founded in 1991 by two guys with two old cars and $300. Today’s 60,000 square foot factory in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is not far from the original storefront location, and the company now distributes its products to over 25,000 retail outlets. SANCO makes everything from mosquito abatement products to our value pick Aqua Charge concentrate for consumers and professionals alike. 

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Pricing

    • Under $5. Five bucks will get you one or more gallons of the highest quality pre-mixed washer fluid right off the shelf. Be wary of quality with under-a-dollar gallons. 
    • $5-10. Some specialized products might slot into this category, but you’re more likely to encounter washer fluid in this price range on thruways, turnpikes, or gas stations. 
    • Over $10. Concentrates, tablets, and OEM factory fluids can crest the sawbuck mark, but some online premixed gallons carried a premium over off-the-shelf prices.  

    Other Considerations

    • Factory Fill: If an automaker specifies their windshield wiper fluid, then use it. Pouring a dollar store gallon in the tank now could cost you a lot more later. 
    • Avoid Freeze-up: Check your windshield washer fluid reservoir somewhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving to avoid freeze up. 
    • Plan Ahead: Keep an eye out for closeout bargains on winter blends in the spring and summer formulas in the fall. Stock up for the future and save.
    • Use it: Your washer fluid system needs regular exercise to keep pumps, seals, lines, and nozzles in good condition. Run the washer occasionally even if you don’t need to. 

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Reviews & Recommendations 2020

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Overall

    Rain-X 2-in-1 All Season

    With summer bug clearing power, water-beading hydrophobic treatment, and a zero degree temperature rating, Rain-X 2-in-1 All-Season is the one windshield washer fluid to rule them all. The four-season heavy hitter is a bit more expensive than other blends but packs unparalleled formulation and temperature range. 

    We blasted a gallon over the windshield and through the headlight washer out on the road with excellent results. The orange liquid powered through bugs and road grime with streak-free evaporation for a clear view of the road. Automatic Rain-X window treatment was a bonus. Hydrophobic treatment helps stop salty winter road spray from sticking to the windshield or headlight glass in the first place. 

    All-season convenience is the biggest advantage of the feature-packed formula. Even with all the electronic reminders and regular maintenance, it’s way too easy to forget there’s still summer washer fluid in the reservoir until it freezes up on the way to Thanksgiving dinner. Running with Rain-X 2-in-1 All Season takes unexpected freeze-ups out of the driving equation.

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Tablets

    303 Instant Windshield Washer

    It was a little hard to believe when we opened up the shipping box, but 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets packed 25 gallons into 25 tablets about the size of four stacked quarters. The plastic storage tube easily fits in most glove boxes, and each tablet makes one gallon of washer fluid. The tablets can be dropped into the washer fluid reservoir or mixed separately.

    We plunked a few tablets into the glass container here to show the instant washer fluid process. The tablets dissolved in about a minute and left no sediment. Road vibrations finished the mixing process in no time, and the instant blend performed as well as any of the pre-mixed or concentrated summer varieties. 

    Less the plastic packaging, and the fuel used to haul gallon jugs of washer fluid all over the continent, helps the dry tablets make a lot more sense from an ecological standpoint. Just keep the tablets dry until it’s time for effervescent action. 303 Instant Windshield Washer Fluid tablets are formulated for summer use. Add methyl alcohol to make a winter blend.

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate

    SONAX Clear View

    SONAX Clear View swept away the concentrated contenders with its combination of quality, effectiveness, and convenience. Choosing the best concentrated liquid washer fluid was a lot more difficult than we thought it was going to be, and SONAX Clear View took the win with its unique features and ease of use. 

    The phosphate-free formula delivered outstanding performance out on the road, and SONAX Clear View was the only concentrate with a pleasant lemon-lime fragrance. The springtime fresh scent is a welcome feature to anyone who got a good whiff of gas station windshield washer tanks full of bug guts on a hot summer night. 

    The concentrated washer fluid can be mixed with regular tap water thanks to an anti-lime-scaling ingredient and is safe for use on all paint and plastics, including xenon headlamps. Measuring the ideal ratio of concentrate to water was easy thanks to a one-way valve and clearly marked graduated milliliter scale. 20ml makes about a half a gallon, and the bottle yields 6 gallons in total.

    A Few Words About Concentrates

    TheDrive Windshield Washer Fluid Review

    Mike Bumbeck

    The concentrated washer fluid contenders on the service cart. Built in measuring cups help get the concentrate to water mixing ratio right out on the road or in the home garage

    We bought all of our test washer fluids locally and online and discovered a few things about ordering windshield washer fluid online. Some pre-mixed gallons carried a significant premium over the same gallon off the local shelf, and availability was thin. Conversely, there was a large variety of concentrated and tablet washer fluid options we had never seen on any local shelf.

    After watching a few trucks pull up and drop off a giant box with a single pre-mixed gallon of windshield washer fluid wrapped in plastic bags inside, we came to the conclusion that concentrates are a better economic and packaging choice when buying washer fluid on the internet. This cart full of washer fluid concentrates were all ordered online.

    SONAX and 303 Instant Washer Fluid Tablets were our favorites of the bunch, but each concentrate offered a combination of performance and convenience. Formula 1 and Qwix featured measuring chambers for easy mixing on one bottle of GUNK made 1.5 gallons. Super concentrates like Aqua Charge are probably better for high-volume home mixing and offer tremendous value.

    We certainly don’t know everything and had no idea there were so many different concentrated products out there. The main drawback is that liquid and dry concentrates are great in the summer but require adding methanol for winter use. Check with your state or local laws concerning methanol and concentrated washer fluids before ice season starts.

    Best Value Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate

    Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate

    If you have a fleet of vehicles or big plans for some long haul RV travel, then pick up a bottle of Sanco Industries Aqua Charge. One 32-ounce container of the concentrated formula yields 55 gallons of windshield washer fluid. The super concentrate pays off with the lowest price per gallon out of all our test products. One tablespoon was all it took to make a gallon of full-strength washer fluid with good performance.

    Aqua Charge concentrate packs a lot into a little, but with power comes responsibility. Use protective gloves and keep the concentrate off any surfaces. Wipe down the container before removing your gloves and be sure the cap is on tight. Aqua Charge is rated for summer use right out the bottle. Add methanol according to the manufacturer’s recommendations as the temperatures fall into the freezing ranges.

    Best Windshield Washer Fluid for the Deep Freeze

    Prestone De-Icer

    Heavy-duty cold-weather formulas like Prestone De-Icer are the answer if you live close to the poles or own at least two pairs of thermal underpants. Winter washer fluid blends might get you through an average cold season but can fail when the temperature dips into the nope zone. Step up to a de-icer if the deep freeze is coming. We always tank up our front-mounted headlight washer system with De-Icer in the winter months.

    Unexpected icy windshield haze can be dangerous in already dicey winter road conditions. Sub-zero temperatures combined with the wind chill factor, and whatever chemical endothermic reaction that keeps salty slush liquid below 32-degrees all conspire for windshield freeze up with some winter blends. Don’t expect de-icers to melt away heavy snow and ice. You’ll still need an ice scraper or chisel. Tip: Look for springtime de-icer closeout deals and stock up on the cheap.

    TheDrive Windshield Washer Fluid Review

    Mike Bumbeck

    Washer fluid isn’t just for windshields. This headlight washer system uses an extra large reservoir and high-pressure pump to clear dirt, bugs, and road salt from the sealed beam glass lens.

    FAQs

    Q: Why can’t I use water?

    A: You can, but you shouldn’t. Water won’t clean as well as washer fluid and will freeze up as the temperature dips. Tap water minerals can leave paint streaks and spots. Long-term mineral scale can clog up the washer fluid pump, lines, and nozzles. 

    Q: What’s in windshield wiper fluid?

    A: It ain’t Windex. Manufacturers use proprietary ingredients depending on the product formulation. Summer blends might contain some ammonia or bug dissolving enzymes. Winter washer fluid often contains methanol and some ethylene glycol to prevent freezing. 

    Q: How do I add windshield fluid to my car?

    A: Consult your owner’s manual for the reservoir location or look for a tank away from the engine with windshield wipers on the cap. Grab a funnel and pour away. Concentrates can be mixed with water directly in the tank. If you’re not sure, don’t pour. 

    Q: What should I do if the washer fluid is frozen?

    A: Sprayer nozzles are usually the first thing to freeze up. Try pouring some winter-blend washer fluid over the nozzles. Household rubbing alcohol or methanol can also do the trick. Alcohol might help loosen up frozen reservoirs, but a thaw out is the safest bet. 

    Final Thoughts

    Choosing the best windshield washer fluid depends on where you live and drive. Dry and moderate temperate zone drivers can get by on a summer or all-season blend. Got summer bugs? Go for a specialty bug battling blend. Changing out to season-specific blends in spring and fall is a good plan for continental zone drivers, and de-icers are the answer for deep freeze driving.

    This article has been updated with new products and information.

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