The 8 Best Windshield Washer Fluid 2021: Product Reviews And Buying Guide

When it comes to driving, the most important thing for the person behind the wheels is road visibility. Otherwise, things can get really dangerous in a split second. This is why windshield wipers and water sprays are so important in keeping the windshield clean free from debris.

However, sometimes, these two things are not enough. After all, they just provide a temporary fix so you can see while you’re on the road. But to really maintain your windshield and bring it back to peak condition, you need a dedicated cleaning session.

And, plain water and soap won’t be enough. You’ll want the best windshield washer fluid that can do the job perfectly, and not only wash away stubborn dirt and residue, but even repel rainwater so you won’t have to worry about zero road visibility every time it’s pouring outside.

To help you out, here is a review of the best windshield washer fluids, and a comprehensive buying guide to help you make your pick on which is the right one for you and your car:

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The Best Windshield Washer Fluid Reviews

Take a look at these eight best windshield washer fluids that are guaranteed to keep your windshield looking perfectly clean and streak-free:

1.  Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid

My top pick is the Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid, which is a handy windshield cleaner that effectively cleans your windshields and keeps bugs and other annoying insects away, especially during the heat of the summer.

As such, you won’t have to worry about bugs showing up in front of you as you drive, and more importantly, there’s no need to be concerned with often hard to remove bug splatter and sticky residue. That’s because with this product, bugs won’t land on your windshield in the first place.

See, it actually makes use of unique bug stopper compounds that create a bug-repelling barrier on your windshield, and it even features water beading capabilities, so you also won’t have to worry about rainwater clouding your vision.

2.  Nextzett 92100815 Kristall Klar Washer Fluid

My next best favorite is the Nextzett 92100815 Kristall Klar Washer Fluid, a long lasting windshield washer that is made with environmentally friendly ingredients and formulations and can effectively remove various types of dirt, bug splatter, and more.

It’s a highly concentrated solution that performs excellently and guarantees you a clear and streak-free view by removing all forms of dirt and leaving a protective barrier to keep your windshield free from bugs, smears, and annoying residue.

Plus, it’s actually really cost effective too, since it’s a super-concentrated formula that you’ll only need a few drops of in order to clean your entire windshield. Therefore, one small bottle will last you for a really long time.

3.  Rain-X White RX11806D Washer Fluid Additive

Taking the third spot is the Rain-X White RX11806D Washer Fluid Additive, an effective washer that is easy to use, works well with water for a hassle-free cleaning, and is even compatible with various other compounds, so it can be used with antifreeze and other products.

Its main selling point is that it makes use of a unique water beading technology to protect your windshield from rain and snow, and since you can mix it with antifreeze, it works well even during the winter too.

Of course, you can just always opt to use it as it is, especially when you’re cleaning your windshield during the summer, as it will still effectively repel rainwater, bugs, and dirt, and most importantly, keep your windshield clean and crystal clear.

4.  Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate

Ranking fourth is a long lasting and heavy duty solution, the Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate. It’s one of the most suitable windshield washer fluids for tropical and fair weather temperatures that’s currently available on the market.

This fluid is made with a special formulation that not only gets rid of dirt, dust, and grime, but also effectively washes away bug splatter, bird droppings, tree sap, and other icky residue on your windshield, so you can have a clean and streak-free finish.

It’s also cost effective and gives you great value for your money since you only need a small concentration of the product to clean your entire windshield. Just be careful not to use it with your bare hands, as the fluid can leave a blue dye that may be hard to remove.

5.  303 (230371) Instant Windshield Washer

Another great product for windshield washing in warm climates is the 303 (230371) Instant Windshield Washer, which successfully targets dust, dirt, and bug splatter. It comes in a convenient tablet-type formulation that you can carry with you anywhere to clean your windshield as needed.

It’s also formulated with biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients, so it’s eco-friendly and safe to use on paintwork and rubber surfaces. And, it can be made to work for winter applications just by mixing the product with a bit of antifreeze solution.

What’s more, is that it’s also very user friendly and economical, comes in minimal packaging to lessen your carbon footprint and waste, and is generally long lasting, so you really can’t go wrong with this one.

6.  BMW Windshield Washer Concentrate

If you happen to own a BMW, I’ve got good news for you. I was able to find a high performing windshield washer that’s easy to use and made especially for BMW vehicles. I’m talking about the BMW Windshield Washer Concentrate, a premium and high quality windshield washer fluid that you definitely must try.

It’s a concentrated solution that comes in a pint-sized container and is easy to mix and apply in order to effectively clean your windshield, and it comes with clear and detailed instructions on how to correctly use the product depending on the weather conditions.

Plus, it’s also odorless, so if you’re not a fan of scented washers, then this should be right up your alley. All in all, it’s high quality and well-performing product that cleans your windshields and keeps it that way for a long time to come.

7.  Sonax (386141) Clear View Windshield Washer

Next up is a multipurpose cleaner that works not only for windshields but for headlamps and diffusers as well, so you don’t have to spend on various cleaning solutions just to make your car look great and new.

The Sonax (386141) Clear View Windshield Washer is compatible with plastic and Xenon, since it’s free from phosphates and comes with anti-limescale ingredients that allow for using tap water when cleaning your windshield and more.

It’s also a highly suitable product for those who experience a lot of varying weather conditions since it comes as a highly concentrated solution that’s easy to dilute depending on your needs. All things considered, this is a great product that washes away dirt, grime, and insect splatter.

8.  Prestone Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid

You might also want to try the Prestone Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid, which is a multipurpose all-in-one washer that is easy and simple to use and is proven effective against dirt, dust, grime, grease, bugs, and even rainwater.

It’s manufactured by Prestone, a leading and premium brand when it comes to car cleaners, and it surely stays true to its name, since not only does it work great, you can also use it all throughout the year.

This fluid is a full solution that doesn’t require any diluting, so you can use it right out of the bottle. And, it’s equipped with exceptional deep freeze properties for the winter, as well as water-repelling capabilities for the rainy days, not to mention bug repellants during the summer.

Windshield Washer Fluid Buying Guide

Looking for the perfect windshield washer fluid, but don’t know where to start? After all, there are hundreds of different products out there, all offering the best features and performance, but not all staying true to their promise.

Don’t you worry. I’m here to help you out. Here is a complete guide of all the important things to look for when buying a windshield washer fluid so you can find the most helpful product that works perfectly for your needs.

What is a windshield washer fluid?

First things first- let’s talk about exactly what a windshield washer fluid is, and how it works.

As the term suggests, a windshield washer fluid is a chemical formulation that serves the purpose of cleaning your windshield, so you get clear visibility at all times while you’re on the road.

With a windshield washer, you won’t have to worry about things like dirt, grime, and grease buildup, as well as animal and plant droppings and fluids leaving a sticky residue on your windshield, all of which reduce your visibility and even cause glare when you drive at night.

Windshield washer fluid vs water and windshield wipers

But, why can’t you just use water? Maybe even some soap to clean your windshield? Or why not just turn on your wipers to wipe down these substances?

Well, when it comes to wipers, these are primarily designed to try and wipe away rainwater so they don’t bead on the windshield and blur your vision. As for other substances, oftentimes windshield wipers just make things worse by spreading around these icky and dirty things.

And as for water and soap, water is often not enough to remove stubborn dirt and sticky fluids, and soap almost always leaves streaks that can cause glare and generally just look unpleasant. Plus, windshield washer fluids are the only ones that come with various added features to keep your windshield clean and free from debris for longer.

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Type of windshield washer fluid

Now, one of the first things you need to decide on is what type of windshield washer fluid you want to use for your car. Below are the four different types of windshield washers and how they differ from one another:

Concentrate

As you can probably guess from the term, concentrates are concentrated liquid solutions that need to be diluted in order to have a usable mixture of washer fluid.

These are cost effective and long lasting solutions, since just a few droplets can be used to clean your entire windshield already, so a full bottle will last you for a long time.

Stand alone product

On the other hand, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of mixing your own solution and risk incorrectly measuring the required ratio of water and washer fluid, then you might want to opt with stand alone washers, which are already pre-mixed and ready to use right out of the bottle.

The only catch is, they are generally more expensive, especially considering they are already diluted with water or other solutions.

Additive

There is also the additive type, which is quite literally just that- an additive. You add this to whatever generic windshield washer fluid you already have in order to increase its cleaning and protection properties without having to buy a new solution altogether.

Common capabilities and features of additives include more quickly dissolving dirt and grime, completely washing off bug splatter, or adding water beading properties to the washer fluid.

Tablet

Finally, you’ve also got tablets, which are the most convenient and portable windshield washers, since they come in small candy sized packages that you just dissolve in water to clean your entire windshield any time you like.

So, if you want to be able to clean your windshield on the go, especially if you’re planning on taking long road trips, going camping, or driving somewhere you might encounter adverse weather conditions or lots of insects, then tablets are a good idea.

Container size

In relation to portability, the size of the product you’re buying should also be factored in. For one thing, you definitely wouldn’t want something that will only last you a few washes.

But, you might also not want something that’s too big that the only realistic place you can keep it is in your garage- although you can always just pour a bit of the solution in a smaller container to take with you on the go.

Let me be honest with you- size doesn’t always matter. It really has to do with how concentrated the product is. For example, if it’s ultra concentrated, you might be able to get a year’s worth of washes from a small bottle, as compared with a gallon of diluted solution.

Residue and streak free

The most important thing when it comes to any cleaning product, especially those that are made for windshields, is that they don’t leave any residue or streaks, so that your road visibility doesn’t get negatively impacted, or worse, be the cause of accidents on the road.

It’s not like other products for your car exterior that you want to be streak free for appearance purposes. When it comes to your windshield, streak and residue free is the key to safety.

You’d also want it to stay that way for a long time, so it’s wise to look for a washer fluid that has water beading and bug repelling properties. For these things, alcohol based fluids and additives may be your best bet.

Climate

Where do you live, and where do you often drive? What’s the usual weather condition there? These are also important questions to answer, because these will determine the necessary properties that your windshield washer fluid should have.

For example, in more tropical areas with hotter temperatures, you might have to deal with a lot of bugs, insects, birds, and even plant saps, so you’d want some form of protective barrier. Or if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain, then you need water beading capabilities.

Meanwhile, those in the colder parts of the world or those needing to clean their windshields during the winter will need antifreeze properties for their windshield washer fluids.

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Overview

It’s crystal clear that windshield washer fluids are an important cleaning solution that all car owners should have in order to keep their windshields, well, crystal clear. Aside from cleaning your windshield, a washer fluid also offers lots of different capabilities that will keep your windshield in peak condition for longer.

When it comes to the question of which is the best windshield washer fluid, the answer really depends on your requirements and personal preferences, but I highly recommend the Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid.

It’s a handy and easy to use pre-mixed solution that works great in cleaning your windshield, offering protection against bugs and saps, and adds water beading properties to your windshield, making it the perfect and easiest to use product during the summer season.