The best windshield washer fluids promise to provide the enhanced visibility you desire and deserve. Keeping your windshield clean can create a safe driving experience for you and your passengers.
While choosing an effective windshield washer fluid might feel overwhelming, this post will set you on the right path.
Continue reading to discover everything you need to understand regarding windshield wiper fluids and reach our lineup of the top five windshield wiper fluids.
What Are Windshield Washer Fluids?
Windshield washer fluids are a mixture of water, solvents, detergents, and alcohol that dissolve road grime and clean the dust, dirt, and bugs from your screen.
Using the fluid usually involves pouring the solution into your windshield washer fluid reservoir. After, simply activate your washer and let the pressurized fluid do the rest.
What’s The Best Windshield Washer Fluid To use?
Now that you know what to look for in an ideal washer fluid, here is our list of the five best windshield washer fluids.
1. Prestone AS658 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
The Prestone AS658 is a pre-mixed washer fluid, meaning all you have to do is add it to your reservoir.
This 3-in-1 washer fluid is ideal for most weather conditions, helping you keep your windshield clean all year long.
For instance, it contains a bug wash that quickly breaks down and removes bugs from your car’s windshield. It also features advanced water repellent technology that helps ensure your glass remains glare- and streak-free.
If that wasn’t enough, its antifreeze compounds allow it to withstand temperatures as low as -27°F. It also has a de-icer that helps it melt ice quickly.
2. Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid
The Nextzett Kristall Klar washer fluid is a high-performance solution that promises to leave you with a crystal clear view. This product contains a super concentrated formula that removes all road grime and bug splatter effectively.
It is also biodegradable, ammonia-free, and free of phosphates, which means it will not damage plastics, chrome, rubber, or paintwork.
One of its highlights is its ability to eliminate the shuddering and skipping of your wipers. Doing so helps reduce your blades’ wear and tear.
Unfortunately, its lack of ethanol makes it unsuitable for use in freezing climates.
3. Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
Bugs can be a frustrating nuisance, especially in warm seasons, by creating a sticky residue that is challenging to remove. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help you resolve this issue effectively.
Prestone Bug Wash is an ideal summer windshield washer fluid that promises to tackle bugs and all types of grime, thanks to its bug-stopper compounds that create a barrier on your windshield that repels bugs. If bugs land on your windshield glass, Prestone can clear up to 99.99% of the bug residue.
If that wasn’t enough, the Prestone Bug Wash also contains water beading compounds. This feature ensures clear visibility, even when driving in the rain.
Although this item is good at preventing bugs and water damage, it is not suitable for cold weather. You must include antifreeze to keep it from freezing.
4. Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive
Do you have a washer fluid already but would like to enhance its water-repelling capabilities? Then Rain-X is the best solution for you.
The highlight of this washer fluid is its water beading technology, which helps prevent water from pooling on your windscreen. It is perfect if you live in an area that experiences plenty of rain or snow.
Besides repelling water, the thin protective coating the fluid creates can also repel bugs and dust. If low temperatures are a concern, you can mix the fluid with antifreeze for optimum results and a superior driving experience.
5. Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
Are you searching for an ultra-concentrated washer fluid? Then Aqua Charge is perfect for you.
This product promises to offer consistent cleaning, effectively removing dirt, dust, bug splatter, bird droppings, and any other kind of grime. The best part is that the solution leaves you with a streak-free finish.
Unfortunately, Aqua Charge can be tricky to use due to its concentration. You will need to be extremely careful when mixing your solution.
Types Of Windshield Washer Fluids
Washer fluids come in various types, including:
- Tablets: These are tablets that you add to water to make your washer fluid solution. They are easy to use since you don’t have to worry about dilution measurements.
- Additives: These are highly concentrated fluids that you mix with water to create the solution. While they are cost-effective and long-lasting, incorrect dilution can create streaks or foam on your windshield.
- Full solution: This type of washer fluid comes as a ready-to-use product that you simply pour into the reservoir, requiring no mixing
What About Winter And Summer Washer Fluids?
Winter washer fluids contain high concentrations of alcohol that protect them from freezing, making them ideal for use in low temperatures.
However, one downside of winter washer fluids is the irritation they can cause to your respiratory tract due to their high alcohol content. In extreme cases, you might even experience gagging.
On the other hand, summer fluids contain more detergents, making them ideal for removing the insect and dirt buildup synonymous with warm weather.
Why Not Use Water?
Using water to clean your windshield is one of the most common mistakes drivers make.
For instance, water is relatively ineffective during cold weather, sometimes freezing inside your lines and reservoir. When this happens, you could damage your car’s wash delivery system, wipers, and even windshield.
Benefits Of Windshield Washer Fluids
Windshield washer fluids offer several benefits, such as:
- Enhanced efficiency: When you compare them to water, washer fluids are more efficient at cleaning your windshield.
- Improved safety: They will leave you with a clean, streak-free windshield, significantly improving visibility and safety.
- Less cleaning: You no longer have to scrub your windshield frequently—your washer fluid will do all the work for you.
- Healthy windshield: Did you know using water on your windshield exposes you to risks of contracting diseases such as Legionnaires?
- Cost-effective: A clean window enables you to detect chips and cracks early, allowing for prompt repairs that will help you avoid expensive replacements.
What To Look For When Shopping For The Best Windshield Washer Fluids
Picking the correct washer fluid is essential to enjoying the above benefits and more. Though the numerous options might make choosing challenging, certain factors can help streamline the process.
Here are some factors to consider when searching for the best washer fluid.
Water Repellent
Driving in the rain can significantly hinder your visibility. As such, it is always best to pick a product with water-repellent features. Doing so will help prevent rainwater from pooling on your car’s windshield.
Antifreeze Compounds
Washer fluids with antifreeze compounds will prevent snow or water from freezing on the windshield. These products melt any ice forming on the glass, helping you maintain visibility in low temperatures.
Bug Repellent
Experts also recommend picking a washer fluid with compounds that help prevent bugs from sticking to your windshield.
Streak-Free Finish
Few things are more frustrating than having streaks on a “clean” windshield. The best windshield washer fluid should leave you with a sleek clean that enhances your visibility and the car’s aesthetics as well.
Super Concentrated Formula
While ready-to-use products are more convenient, always opt for products with super concentrated formulas. These products come in small bottles that you can dilute to your preferred concentration level. Besides making them customizable, this also makes them economical.
Environmentally Friendly
More and more people are becoming aware of the damaging impact certain chemicals have on the environment. As such, manufacturers are providing drivers with alternative, environmentally-friendly, biodegradable solutions.
Conclusion
Washer fluids are vital for keeping your car’s windshield clean and clear. Most importantly, they play a crucial role in ensuring your safety. After all, good visibility will help you prevent accidents, especially during snowy or rainy seasons.
While there is no shortage of washer fluid options, the five this post has listed are some of the best windshield washer fluids on the market. They combine everything you need to attain clear visibility free of dirt, dust, bug splatter, and grime. Choosing any one of the options above will keep you safe while on the road.
Garry is the happy owner of a funky 2018 Nissan Juke Ti-S AWD. After growing up around his family’s mechanics shop, he is passionate about bringing budget-friendly car care to every driver. Garry has a business degree and is a car enthusiast.
