7 Best Windshield Washer Fluids of 2023: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs

by Joshua Thomas

A washer fluid is an essential component for keeping your windshield cleaner for better visibility and safer driving.

Hence, given the important of this product, you should never settle for nothing short of the best windshield washer fluids.

Windshield washer fluids are formulated with special ingredients that not only clean the windshield but will also prevent and remove other things like snow, sleet and bugs while also ensuring road spray does not stain the glass.

But here we are all about helping you choose a good all round windshield washer fluid, and we do this with review of top 7 products and a comprehensive buying guide.

Summary of 7 Best Windshield Washer Fluids

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
Rain-X RX11806D Windshield Washer Fluid

1. Rain-X RX11806D (Best Overall)

  • Quantity - 16.9 fluid ounces
  • Great all-round product
  • Uses water-beading technology
  • Prevents and removes snow, bugs and road spray
303 Products 230371 Instant Windshield Washer

2. 303 Products 230371 (Best Tablet Type)

  • Quantity - 25 tablets
  • High-quality and super concentrated tablets
  • Safe on pain and rubber
  • Quick and easy to use
Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid

3. Prestone AS250 (Best Windshield De-Ice)

  • Quantity - 128 fluid ounces
  • Great for removing frost and snow
  • Great value for money
  • Safe for rain-sensing wipers
Nextzett 92100815 Kristall Windshield Washer Fluid

4. Nextzett 92100815 (Best for Removing Bugs)

  • Quantity - 8.5 fluid ounces
  • Removes bugs and dirt fast
  • Prevents mineral build-up
  • Reduces wider shuddering and skidding
Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid

5. Prestone AS657 (Best for Summer Use)

  • Quantity - 128 fluid ounces
  • Perfect for summer use
  • Has a special bug stopper
  • Water-beading technology
BMW Windshield Washer Fluid

6. BMW 83-19-2-221-702 (Fast & Streakless)

  • Quantity -16 fluid ounces
  • Cleans fast and streakless
  • Inexpensive cleaning agent
  • Easy to use
Genuine Mercedes Benz SummerFit Windshield Washer Fluid

7. Mercedes Benz 000-986-20-00-09 (Top Notch Cleaner by Mercedes)

  • Quantity - 1.4 fluid ounces
  • Top notch product from a highly reputable brand
  • Provides stainless steel like shine
  • One bottle goes a long way

Top 7 Best Windshield Washer Fluids

Editors' Picks: Top Windshield Washer Fluids of 2023
Editors' Picks: Top Windshield Washer Fluids of 2023

1. Rain-X RX11806D - Best Overall

Rain-X RX11806D Windshield Washer Fluid
Rain-X RX11806D Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Type: Additive
  • Size: 16.9 fluid ounces

Rain-X RX11806D is the best overall windshield washer fluid made with a special formula to repel water.

Make yourself prepared for whatever comes your way as this fluid works wonders while removing road spray, snow ice, sleet and bugs.

Moreover, it features water beading technology to make sure the water beads up and rolls away. The rain water will simply fly off the glass while on the go no matter how harsh the rain is.

Plus, this washer fluid improves driving visibility making it easy to reach the destination safely even in extreme weather conditions.

This windshield fluid seems to leave a few streaks and smudges, but they are hardly noticeable and will not affect visibility and should not be a big concern.

Pros

  • Enhances driving visibility
  • Features water beading technology
  • Removes bugs, snow ice, sleet and road spray
  • A little quantity goes a long way

Cons

  • Leaves few streaks and smudges

2. 303 Products 230371 - Best Windshield Washer Tablets

303 Products 230371 Instant Windshield Washer
303 Products 230371 Instant Windshield Washer
  • Type: Tablet
  • Size: 25 tablets

303 Product makes these products for those that are looking for something easy to use and carry around.

They are far superior to the regular solution cleaners and you only need to pull out the tablet and put it in the reservoir.

Moreover, the tablets performs 3 times better than an ordinary wash and each tablet can be mixed with 1 gallon of water which means the 25 tablets will last a long time.

This product is effective in removing dirt, grime and road film from the windshield which decreases the visibility while driving. The tablets are non-toxic, biodegradable and safe to use for paint and rubber.

This windshield washer does not seem very effective in bug splatter, but it should still get rid of most of it if you spray a little more of the fluid.

Pros

  • 3 times better cleaning power
  • Removes grime, dirt and road film effectively
  • Made of non-toxic and biodegradable formula
  • Safe for paint and rubber

Cons

  • Not very effective on bug splatter

3. Prestone AS250 - Best Windshield De-Icer

Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid
Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Type: De-Icer
  • Size: 128 fluid ounces

If you want something to help keep your windshield clear in winter, Prestone AS250 is a fantastic choice.

This de-icer is manufactured for the extreme foggy and snowy weather conditions to make sure the car glass offers clear outside view.

It quickly removes frost and light ice accumulated on the windshield. And the process is quite fast to ensure you have a clear glass in just a few minutes.

Plus, not only does it help removing ice and frost, it also works well on wiping off dirt and dust too. Other than that, it melts surface fast and offers extreme winter protection.

This is a safe product to use with the rain sensing wipers, and it will never leave streaks on the glass.

This windshield cleaner seems a little too thin and will smear instead of going smooth, but it still cleans well and dries fast enough.

Pros

  • Removes ice and frost fast and easily
  • Safe for rain-sensing wipers
  • Offers extreme winter protection
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • It is a little too thin
  • Smears a little

4. Nextzett 92100815 - Best for Removing Bugs

Nextzett 92100815 Kristall Windshield Washer Fluid
Nextzett 92100815 Kristall Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Type: Additive
  • Size: 8.5 fluid ounces

The house of Nextzett brings you this concentrated windshield washer made for leading German car makers. This washer fluid delivers high performance while removing dirt, road grime and bugs.

This automotive glass cleaner reduces spray jet clogging and being ammonia free it will be safe both for the user and vehicle. It also removes glare off the glass to offer enhanced visibility while driving.

Also, it makes sure not to leave any white residue on paint and prevents mineral build-up and it dissolves completely in the washer system to provide optimum results.

Not only does this fluid prevents hard water minerals but also keeps the washer pump smooth. And it is free from toxic methanol, is biodegradable and phosphate free.

For cold weather, this windshield fluid might not be very ideal, but for regular and hot weather, it will be great.

Pros

  • Prevents hard water minerals from clogging the washer system
  • Removes bugs and dirt easily
  • Biodegradable and phosphate-free formula
  • Reduces wiper shuddering and skidding
  • Minimal spray jet clogging

Cons

  • Not very good for cold weather

5. Prestone AS657 - Best Summer Windshield Washer Fluid

Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Type: Full solution
  • Size: 128 fluid ounces

Prestone AS657 is a fantastic windshield cleaner that will be highly effective at removing bugs and for use in the summer. And it is made with advanced formulation to provide effective cleaning.

Moreover, it is known to break down and remove road grime, tree sap, bird droppings and all other sorts of residue.

This fluid ensures no residue sticks on the windshield so that you can always have a clear and sparkling glass.

Also, it is equipped with water beading technology to repel rain on the windshield to offer streak free glass. As a result, you get enhanced driving visibility.

The product has a fresh citrusy scent that leaves the environment and surroundings a nice aroma for you to feel energetic. And while some user might find this smell a little too strong, it only takes some getting used to.

Pros

  • Features bug stopper forms a barrier to stop bugs
  • Perfect for summer use
  • Gives streak free shine
  • Equipped with water repellent beading technology

Cons

  • Quite a strong smell

6. BMW 83-19-2-221-702 - Fast and Streakless Windshield Cleaning

BMW Windshield Washer Fluid
BMW Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Type: Additive
  • Size: 16 fluid ounces

BMW brings you this windshield washer fluid to take care of your car glass cleaning needs. This top-rated windshield washer fluid will never disappoint given that it is from a high reputable brand.

Plus, when this fluid is pumped on the windshield, it removes the dirt, debris and dust fast and easily to give you a streak free surface.

This is also generally an inexpensive product, and this is more so given that it is a top brand windshield cleaner.

Although the bottle is small as compared to other products, it is a good concentrated washer fluid. One bottle can make several gallons to deliver effective results.

This windshield cleaner does not seem to work very well in colder months, but it should still be able to clean the glass effectively if you use enough of it.

Pros

  • Gives streak free windshield
  • Removes dirt and dust effectively when pumped
  • More affordable cleaner
  • Fast and easy to use

Cons

  • Doesn't work very well in colder months
  • Smaller bottle with little product

7. Mercedes Benz 000-986-20-00-09 - Top Notch Cleaner by Mercedes

Genuine Mercedes Benz SummerFit Windshield Washer Fluid
Genuine Mercedes Benz SummerFit Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Type: Additive
  • Size: 1.4 fluid ounces

Get your hands on this SummerFit windshield washer fluid if you drive a Mercedes and you can be sure the glass will always end up sparkling for excellent visibility.

This is a highly concentrated so you can be sure that despite the smaller bottle size you will always end up with more than enough windshield cleaner.

Moreover, it is a good washer fluid that provides enough moisture to the windshield while cleansing dirt and dust.

If you want to use this windshield washer fluid, it is recommended to mix it in distilled water because distilled water offers better cleaning. Also, it is more effective this way and gives stainless steel type shine to the surface.

For such a small bottle, this windscreen cleaner is a little pricier but for a genuine Mercedes product it is worth it.

Pros

  • Gives stainless steel shine
  • Lends moisture to the windshield
  • Perfect for use in summers
  • One bottle goes a long way

Cons

  • It is expensive given the small quantity

How to Buy the Best Windshield Washer Fluid

How To Buy The Best Windshield Washer Fluid
How To Buy The Best Windshield Washer Fluid

1. Concentrated or Diluted Liquid

When choosing a windshield washer fluid, you will need to decide whether to go for something concentrated or diluted.

Concentrated washer fluid allows you to control the potency of the washer fluid by adding more or less water while diluted ones do not offer this advantage.

However, diluted ones are also ready to use straight from the box and will not have to waste time diluting or trying to figure out the ratios.

2. Types of Windshield Washer Fluid

Windshield washer fluids are also available in different types and so you will need to decide what works best for you. The 3 most common types are tablet, additive and full solution.

Tablet: These windshield washers come in tablet form and so you need to add the tablets to water for create the washer fluid. They are great for those that want something easy to carry around and convenient to store as they are quite small.

Additive: The additive washer fluid is a concentrated type mixed with or added to water to make the solution. A small quantity of additive fluid is added to a large quantity of water, which is put in the system to remove grime, dirt, dust and frost etc. from the windshield.

Full Solution: Last type is the full solution windshield cleaning solution itself that comes ready for immediate use without requiring any water addition. You simply pour the solution in the car system to start cleaning the windshield.

3. Weather condition

As every place has different weather conditions, make sure to buy a fluid which suits the weather in your area. There are windshield washer fluids made for summers, winters and foggy areas.

If you live in cold areas or want something for use in winter, go for De-icer washer fluids. On the other hand, if you reside in hot places or want something for summer use go for an additive washer specially formulated for hot conditions.

4. Water Repellent

At some point your windshield has to deal with water, and so when choosing a windshield washer fluid, you need to take this into account and make sure you buy something water repellent.

This will even be more important if you live in areas with heavy rainfall as it becomes difficult to drive your vehicle in rainy conditions.

Water-repellent washer fluids prevent water from pooling on the windshield thus enhancing your vision. Also, this fluid rolls the water beads up and clears the windshield instantly.

5. Ease of use

The windshield washer you choose must be easy and quick to use. As you need to wash the glass frequently, the washer should give you an easy time so that you can easily clear your windscreen when driving.

There are different factors that determine the ease of use but the consistency bis on of the key ones as it will determine the ease of spraying the fluid onto the windscreen.

How to Add Windshield Washer Fluid to your Vehicle

Before you invest in any of these washer fluids, you need to know how to use them. Here are the simple steps:

  • Look for the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
  • Now identify the low and high fill lines.
  • Next, open the cap of the reservoir to add washer fluid in it. And make sure not to put any dirt or debris inside accidentally as it will clog the windshield washer lines.
  • Now take a funnel and add washer fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the maximum fill line.
  • Once you are done with the filling, screw the cap of the reservoir back and wipe off any spilled out fluid to ensure no dirt sticks to it.

Buy on Walmart

Qwix Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate, 1 Bottle Makes 32 Gallons, 1/4 oz. Makes 1 - Walmart Link

Gunk M506 Concentrated Windshield Washer Solvent with Ammonia - 6 fl. oz, Blue - Walmart Link

Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate, 1 quart makes 55 gallons finished product - Walmart Link

Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid - 1 Gallon - Walmart Link

Prestone AS658P All Season 3-in-1 Year Round Windshield Washer Fluid - Walmart Link

Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid, 128 Ounces (1 Gallon) - Walmart Link

Rain-x 2 Pack 2 in 1 All Season (-25) Washer Fluid Net Wt 255.63 Fl Oz, 255.63 Fluid Ounce - Walmart Link

nextzett 92100815 Kristall Klar Washer Fluid 1:200 Concentrate - 8.5 fl. oz., Green - Walmart Link

CAF Outdoor Cleaning SEMPER Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner Mix - 5 Pack - Walmart Link

Wemk 30 Pcs Car Windshield Glass Concentrated Clean Washer Tablets, Multifunctional - Walmart Link

McKee's 37 MK37-541 Anti-Frost Windshield Washer Fluid, 128 fl. oz - Walmart Link

Prestone AS658 Deluxe 2-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gallon - Walmart Link

HS 29.606 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gal (3.78 Liters) - Walmart Link

Rain-X 5061320 Windshield Washer Fluid 1 Gallon - 6 PACK - Walmart Link

303 instant windshield washer - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Qwix Mix Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate, 1 Bottle Makes 32 Gallons, 1/4 oz. Makes 1 - eBay Link

Gunk M506 Concentrated Windshield Washer Solvent with Ammonia - 6 fl. oz, Blue - eBay Link

Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate, 1 quart makes 55 gallons finished product - eBay Link

Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid - 1 Gallon - eBay Link

Prestone AS658P All Season 3-in-1 Year Round Windshield Washer Fluid - eBay Link

Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid, 128 Ounces (1 Gallon) - eBay Link

Rain-x 2 Pack 2 in 1 All Season (-25) Washer Fluid Net Wt 255.63 Fl Oz, 255.63 Fluid Ounce - eBay Link

nextzett 92100815 Kristall Klar Washer Fluid 1:200 Concentrate - 8.5 fl. oz., Green - eBay Link

CAF Outdoor Cleaning SEMPER Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner Mix - 5 Pack - eBay Link

Wemk 30 Pcs Car Windshield Glass Concentrated Clean Washer Tablets, Multifunctional - eBay Link

McKee's 37 MK37-541 Anti-Frost Windshield Washer Fluid, 128 fl. oz - eBay Link

Prestone AS658 Deluxe 2-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gallon - eBay Link

HS 29.606 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gal (3.78 Liters) - eBay Link

Rain-X 5061320 Windshield Washer Fluid 1 Gallon - 6 PACK - eBay Link

303 instant windshield washer - eBay Link

Conclusion for Windshield Washer Fluid Buyers

A windshield washer fluid is vital for ensuring better visibility for safer driving. And with this piece to guide you choosing the best windshield washer fluid should now be super easy.

From our guide above, you will only need to consider factors like type, weather condition and ease of use to ensure you make an informed decision.

And while each of the product on our review is top notch quality, if you want a fluid for summer use, the Prestone A657 is an excellent choice

For winters, Prestone A250 would be the more ideal choice as it works excellently to remove ice snow and frost. If you prefer the tablet windshield types, 303 instant windshield washer is our recommendation..

Windshield Washer Fluid Sources

  1. How to Add Windshield Washer Fluid - Ford
  2. How to Add Windshield Washer Fluid to Your Vehicle - WikiHow

About Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.

He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.

His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.

Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.

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