Best Windshield Washer Fluids of 2023 — Ratings & Reviews (2024)

If you asked most people what the most important part of their car is, the windshield will rarely be their answer.

Most people tend to overlook the windshield, until something happens and they can’t see through it. It’s only at that point they realize how essential visibility is when driving.

The windshield serves several functions, which includes protecting you from the wind and elements. And it offers you a clear view of where you are going, while keeping the bugs, dust, pollen, and dirt out of your face.

Unfortunately, given all these elements, it never stays clean for long. Driving would be an impossibility without wipers, but wipers alone are not enough, as they can’t do much cleaning when the windshield is dry. You need some form of liquid.

This is where the best windshield washer fluids come into play. With a windscreen washer fluid, you just need a couple of squirts to wet the window enough for the wipers to clean it effectively.

In this article, we’re going to detail for you the benefits of windshield washer fluids, how to use them correctly, and take a good look at all the different types available for you to choose from.

In addition to that, we list our top recommendations for best windshield washer, their pros and cons, and the reasons why we think they are the best.

Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for Best Windshield Washer Fluid

• nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid 1:200 Concentrate
• 303 Instant Windshield Washer, 25 Tablet
• Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive
• Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid
• Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
• CAF Outdoor Cleaning SEMPER Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner Mix
• BMW Windshield Washer Concentrate
• Sonax Clear View Windshield Washer Concentrate
• Prestone Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gallon

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.

What is a Windshield Washer Fluid?

It is a mixture of water, alcohol, solvents, and detergents. It’s formulated to dissolve road grime and clean away the dirt, dust, and dead bugs from your screen. Typically, the fluid is poured into the windshield washer fluid reservoir, located under the hood of your car.

Once you activate your washer from a button or lever in your car, pressurized washing fluid pumps from that reservoir to your windshield. With that liquid, it becomes easier for your wipers to clean away the grime.

The Benefits of Using a Windshield Washer Fluid

• Improved safety – Many weather-related accidents are linked to reduced visibility, especially during rainy or snowy conditions. The ideal product will improve your visibility during these conditions.
• Ease of use – Washer fluids are easier to use when compared to plain water or a DIY solution. You don’t have to worry about freezing or efficiency, as long as you have a well-formulated product.
• Healthy windshield – Did you know that you can contract a serious disease from using plain water on windshields? If not, more on that below. Apart from this, a clean window allows you to detect cracks or chips early enough for repairs to stop them spreading, avoiding the higher cost of replacement. You can easily put a windshield repair kit to use for this task.
• Better detailing – If you’re like most people, you prefer your car to look clean and sleek. Washer fluid will take good care of cleaning your windshield and keep it looking great.
• Less cleaning for you – With the right washer fluid, you don’t have to scrub now and then. It’ll do all the dirty work for you.
• Antifreeze and de-icing properties– These properties are highly effective during winter, as they help keep the windshield free from ice build-up.

Why Use a Windshield Washer Fluid? Why Not Just Water?

Using just plain old water is one of the most common mistakes people make. Water is actually your enemy on several levels. Remember that dangerous illness we mentioned? It’s known as Legionnaires’ disease and is caused by bacteria.

The thing is, sitting water tends to breed microbes, like the Legionella bacteria, which causes this disease. The minute you splash the stale liquid in the air, there is a risk of contracting the disease. Any liquid that lingers in the washer needs to contain some alcohol, to prevent bacteria from breeding.

Apart from that, water might work in hot seasons, it definitely won’t during very cold weather. It will freeze inside your reservoir and lines. This could lead to potential damage to your wash delivery system, wipers, and windshield. A frozen windshield will also leave you blind on the highway. Risky, right?

Why Not Use a Normal Household Detergent?

The problem with detergent is you need to mix it with water. You probably think that you could mix that with isopropyl alcohol to prevent freezing. While that sounds like a solution to saving a few dollars, detergent could clog your reservoir and damage your wash delivery system.

Household detergents might also produce too much foam. The foam will hugely affect your visibility, should you have to clean your windshield while driving. Chances are, it will also leave a residue.

Types of Windshield Washer Fluids

Before you go shopping, it helps to know exactly what you’re looking for.

This section of the article discusses the various types of washer fluids, during which we’ll narrow down your choices to help you arrive at the most suitable one for you.

Basically, there are three alternatives, these are tablets, additives, and full solutions. These are then subcategorized into various forms, which we will look at below.

Tablets

As the name suggests, these come in the form of tablets instead of liquid. You just need to add a tablet into the water to make a solution. Washer tablets are easier to store, and you don’t have to think about different dilution measurements.

The major benefit of using tablets is you just put one in a gallon of water and it’s ready to use. However, you need high-quality tablets to avoid having a residue in your reservoir. A residue might clog your wash delivery system.

Additives

Additive washer fluids are mixed with water to form a solution. These are highly concentrated, and a little goes a long way. All you have to do is mix with the required amount of water, then add to your washer reservoir.

Concentrated windshield washer fluid solutions are cost-effective, as they can last a long time. However, if not diluted correctly, you risk having foam or streaks on your windshield.

Full Solution

These are ready-to-use fluids that you pour directly into the reservoir straight from the bottle. No mixing required whatsoever. It is watery, unlike additives that are thick in consistency.

Pre-diluted full solutions tend to be in larger containers that take up more space, and they run out much faster, so may be less economical.

There many different types of full solution, let’s look at the most common ones available:

• All season fluids – Formulated to handle different seasons and needs.
• Antifreeze fluids – Best suited for people who live in low-temperature areas.
• De-icer fluids – Most effective for melting ice.
• Water repellent fluids – Coats the windshield, so water beads and rolls off.
• Bug repellent – Cleans bugs and repels them. Good for bird droppings too.
• 2-in-1 fluids – Combines two features, such as antifreeze and bug repellent.
• 3-in-1 fluids – Contains three ingredients, e.g., antifreeze, bug repellent, and water repellent.

Features to Look for in the Best Windshield Washer Fluid

Bug Repellent

The ideal product needs to be bug repellent. That is, made with compounds that prevent bugs from sticking to your windows.

Bugs splatter on the windshield all the time. The amount, of course, depends on where you live, or where (and sometimes when) you’re traveling.

The thing is, wiping away bugs can become a sticky situation, if you know what I mean. Keeping bugs away from the windshield in the first place is the ultimate goal. This is possible when you have a bug repellent solution.

Water Repellent

Water repellent fluids are best suited for areas prone to frequent rainfall. However, it’s nice to have it because it’s bound to rain in your area at some point. Driving in the rain with limited visibility can be extremely dangerous. That is the last thing you need on a wet and slippery road.

A product with water repellent will prevent water from pooling on your windshield. The water beads and rolls off the screen instantaneously.

Antifreeze Compounds

An antifreeze ingredient will prevent water or snow from freezing on your windshield in low temperatures. If you’re in an area prone to snowfall, or temperatures that regularly drop below 37 degrees—water freezing point—this will be a great help.

The solution melts any ice forming on the glass, restoring visibility and preventing mishaps or accidents.

Note: There are some antifreeze additives you can add to your existing washer fluid, but you must check compatibility first to make sure they can be safely mixed!

Concentrated Formula

Concentrated formulas are preferred to ready-to-use products, even though the latter is more convenient. They simply offer more benefits. Solutions with highly concentrated compounds are formulated to be diluted with water to suit your needs.

They come in smaller bottles that are easier to store, and you can dilute them to different concentration levels. There can be an upside to this, as you may be able to use a smaller amount in temperate weather.

It’s easy to make a stronger solution in harsher conditions, to stop the liquid from freezing and causing possible damage to your reservoir nozzles. This can make a concentrated formula more economical in the long run.

If you choose to use a concentrated fluid, be sure to check the dilution ratio is correct, depending on your climate. If you make it too thick, the solution may end up sticking on the screen. If it’s too thin, it may render your screen hazy, hindering your visibility

Streak-Free Finish

Having streaks on your screen right after washing often defeats the purpose of having a washer. Those whirls and swirls will look pretty bad on a “clean” windshield.

(Speaking about that, check this guide out where we talk about how to remove swirl marks from vehicles).

A quality product should give you a nice, sleek clean-up that will not only enhance your visibility but your car aesthetics as well.

Environmentally Friendly

When it comes to eco-friendly windshield washer fluids, unfortunately, it doesn’t apply to many products. However, as we’re becoming more aware of the damaging impact some chemicals have, manufacturers are finding alternative, biodegradable and environmentally-friendly solutions, some of which feature in our product reviews below.

What to Avoid?

Most windshield washer fluids contain either methanol or ethanol. Methanol is a highly effective antifreeze component. However, it is also highly toxic. If your home is in an area where temperatures don’t reach freezing point, look for a product with minimal to zero methanol content. Methanol also has an irritating odor.

Ethanol is a methanol alternative that doesn’t carry the smell but usually includes ethylene glycol (EG). Ethylene glycol features a polishing formula that makes it excellent at removing stuck dirt, grime, and bugs. Unfortunately, ethanol is almost as toxic as methanol. Both of these products are a significant threat to our environment, polluting the air and soil.

Best Windshield Washer Fluid – Our Top Recommendations for 2023

Now we know what’s available, different types of washer fluid, how they work and the features and benefits they bring, it’s time to look at some of the top products available on the market today.

Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid 1:200 Concentrate – 8.5 Fluid Ounces

Nextzett is a high-performance solution that will leave you with a crystal clear view. It is a highly concentrated formula that will combat all types of road grime. Bug splatter is no match either.

This formula, according to the manufacturer, is 200 times more concentrated than regular pre-mixed fluids. This 8.5-ounce bottle will make over 10 gallons, which could provide you with a full year’s supply.

Smear and glare is something you don’t have to worry about either. Even better, it eliminates the skipping and shuddering of your wipers, reducing blade wear and tear. You will have zero residue to deal with on your paintwork as well.

It is ammonia-free, biodegradable, and free from phosphates, meaning it won’t harm plastics, rubber, chrome or paintwork and is kind to the environment. Blockages will also be a thing of the past as it dissolves completely into the water when diluted, and contains lubricants to ease movement.

What we liked most is that it has no methanol. However, this means it’s not meant for freezing climates. It also features a fresh citrus scent and water softeners, making it safe to use with tap water. You needn’t worry about hard water minerals clogging your wash delivery system.

For optimum effect, mix one ounce with 1.5 gallons of water. However, you can adjust the ratio if you’re using hard water. Use less fluid with distilled water, to avoid foaming or smearing.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• 5 fluid ounces.
• 1:200 super concentrated formula.
• Water softeners that prevent mineral build-up.
• Glare and smear-free cleaning.
• Reduces wiper shuddering and skipping.
• Biodegradable, phosphate free and ammonia free..

What We Liked

• High concentration, providing gallons of solution for long-term use.
• Zero smearing and glare.
• Water softeners make it possible to use with tap water.
• Deals with all kinds of grime, including bug residue.
• Safe for your plastic headlights.
• Doesn’t contain ammonia or phosphates and is biodegradable.
• Methanol-free, making it eco-friendly.
• Lubricants to prevent clogging.
• Won’t harm the washer fluid sensors.
• Doesn’t leave residue on paintwork.
• A lovely citrus scent leaves your windshield smelling fresh.

What We Didn’t Like

• Not suitable for freezing climates.
• No water-repelling properties.

Summary

If you’re looking for a washer that will last a long time, this Nextzett fluid is ideal. Different types of grime, from dirt to bug splatter and everything in between, will be well taken care of. It is also ideal if you need an environmentally-friendly cleaner.

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303 Instant Windshield Washer – 25 Tablets

Unlike the previous product that comes in a liquid state, these are super concentrated tablets. According to the manufacturer, these tablets come with three times more power than regular screen wash.

This is a user-friendly product. With one tablet and one gallon of water, you will have a highly effective solution. You can just drop one tablet in your reservoir and allow it to dissolve.

An upside of using these tablets is you have no residue to contend with. It also comes in minimal packaging, reducing plastics in the environment.

These tablets are formulated to provide you with a sparkling clean windshield at all times. They easily clear dirt, dust, road film, and are excellent at removing bugs. The solution is also effective in clearing tree sap and bird droppings.

You will appreciate its non-toxic and biodegradable properties, which makes it safe to use on rubber and paintwork. With 25 tablets, you will have 25 gallons of fluid, making it an economical long-term solution.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• Super concentrated.
• 25 tablet pack.
• One tablet equals one gallon of super effective cleaner.
• Dissolves completely.
• Easy to use.
• An economical and eco-friendly solution.

What We Like

• It’s extremely easy to use.
• Super concentrated and hence highly effective.
• Non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
• Long-term use, hence it’s cost-effective.
• No flaky residue left in the tank.
• No possibilities of clogging the lines.
• Easy to store in your vehicle.

What We Don’t Like

• No antifreeze properties.
• No water-repellent properties.

Summary

If you live in a warm climate and all you have to deal with is dust, dirt, and bugs, then this product will be a wise choice. Those living in cold areas who still want to use it for its convenience, can add an antifreeze solution to the reservoir.

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Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive – 16.9 Fluid Ounces

What we like the most about this product is it features water beading technology. It embeds a water-repelling effect on your windshield progressively. The 16.9-fluid ounce bottle (just over a pint) makes four gallons of washer fluid, so it’s a pretty good deal.

It creates a thin protective film coating on the windshield that not only repels water but dust and bugs as well. Ideal for people who live in areas prone to rainfall or snow, water will no longer pool on your screen. This translates to a superior driving experience.

It is exceptionally helpful in dealing with snow, bugs, sleet and road spray. Your wipers will have an easier job when tackling any crud you encounter while driving. A standout feature of this product is the ability to mix it with other washer fluids. You can use it with antifreeze for optimum results during low temperatures if needed.

If you already have a washer in the reservoir, you don’t need to drain it or wait till its all gone. This offers you the convenience of using it immediately. With one gallon of water or washer fluid in your reservoir, add four ounces of the Rain-X liquid.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• 9 fluid ounces.
• Water beading technology.
• Enhanced driving visibility.
• Improved cleaning capability.

What We Like

• A highly effective water beading tech.
• Cost-effective solution.
• Can be added to existing washers.
• Concentrated formula, allowing different mixture ratios.
• Renders the windshield bug-proof.

What We Don’t Like

• No antifreeze, therefore it’s not resistant to low temperature.

Summary

If you already have an effective washer that doesn’t feature water-repelling compounds, Rain-X is an ideal solution. If your biggest concern is rain and not necessarily cold temperatures, you can use this product with just water.

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Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid – One Gallon

If an effective summer washer fluid is what you’re after, then this will fit right in. Not only will this bug wash tackle all sorts of grime, but it will also prevent more from sticking to it.

Road trips are incredible fun during summer, and if that’s what you are about, you will be all too familiar with bug splatter. Bugs can create a rather sticky residue once squashed on the screen, making them hard to remove.

The best trick to use for bugs is to keep them off the windshield in the first place. This bug wash features bug stopper compounds that form a barrier on the windshield to repel them. It’s not suitable for low temperatures though. If you must, add antifreeze to prevent it from freezing.

Prestone claims it clears 99.99 percent of bug residue, which is pretty impressive. It also features water beading compounds, which will come in handy during the rainy season. You’ll have a streak-free cleaning solution, leaving you with clear visibility for the road ahead.

It also features a citrus scent, which will leave your car smelling fresh. It‘s not just a powerful cleaner that penetrates tough residue. It’s also a bug stopper, and water repeller. What’s not to like about it?

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• Full premixed solution.
• Advanced bug washer compounds.
• Formulated with water repelling capabilities.
• Offers a streak-free finish.
• Creates a bug stopper barrier.

What We Like

• Excellent bug splatter washing capabilities.
• Water-repelling capability.
• Diluting not required.
• Eliminates tree sap and bird droppings.
• It does not cling to the wipers.

What We Don’t Like

• Not formulated for low temperatures.
• The scent might be too strong for some people.

Summary

If you travel extensively during hot weather, this washer fluid will come in handy. Bugs can be a constant nuisance as they thrive in warm seasons. It’s best to get rid of them before they get stuck, and this Prestone offering will do a good job of that.

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Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate – One Quart

If you are in search of an ultra-concentrated formula, Aqua Charge has you covered. Just one quart of this stuff will make you up to 55 gallons of highly effective washer fluid. Pretty cool right?

It’s formulated to remove dirt, bird droppings, tree sap, bug splatter, dust, and dirt. Any kind of grime will dissolve under this washer fluid. You will get consistent cleaning with a streak-free finish.

Even though this isn’t the easiest formula to use, it offers great value for money. According to some users, you need to be very careful when mixing, as the blue dye will simply stick on everything you use, including your hands.

Just add half an ounce of the concentrate slowly and carefully to a gallon of water, to prevent foam formation, then pour the solution into your washer bottle.

It is simply a mixture of dye and a cleaning solution. This means no methanol or alcohol. If you regularly suffer from low-temperature conditions, the solution will be prone to freezing. In this case, the manufacturer recommends mixing approximately one part methanol to 4 parts of diluted washer fluid. This will work for temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• 1 quart makes 55 gallons of ready washer fluid.
• Ultra concentrated.
• Cost-effective.
• Streak-free finish.

What We Like

• One bottle can last a very long time.
• Come with no methanol.
• Works on most dirt and grime.

What We Don’t Like

• Prone to freezing in cold temperatures.
• No water repelling capabilities.
• Not easy to mix in small quantities.

Summary

When you want a long term, large capacity solution, this is a nice product to go for. If you don’t live around extreme temperatures, you might like how well this washer will maintain your windshield.

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Caf Outdoor Cleaning Semper Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner – Five Pack

Quick dissolve solutions are a revolutionary alternative to tablets. They come as a concentrated powder that offers high-quality cleaning power. Quick dissolve powders are beneficial because you can dilute them to your desired quantity and concentration.

This CAF powder is packed in easy-to-use pouches. All you need to do is pour the contents of one pouch into the reservoir, then add a gallon of water, and voila!. The solution is formulated to remove dust, dirt, dead bugs, and bird droppings efficiently.

The pouch is compact enough to keep in the car. The package comes with five pouches in a resealable bag, giving you five gallons of solution. However, it doesn’t include antifreeze properties, so the solution will freeze in low temperatures.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• Quick dissolving washer powder.
• Advanced cleaning formula.
• Convenient and easy to use.
• Eco-friendly.

What We Like

• Easy to mix with water.
• Easy to store.
• Cleans exceptionally well.
• Clears bugs and bird droppings.

What We Don’t Like

• No anti-freezing properties.
• No water repelling properties.

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Bmw Windshield Washer Fluid – One Pint

When a premium product is what you’re after, this offering from BMW truly deserves the name. BMW owners don’t have to worry about sorting through tens of products just to find the right one.

Made specifically for BMW vehicles, it’s a concentrated solution that comes in a one-pint bottle. It’s fairly easy to mix. One key aspect of this product that you’ll like is that it’s odorless. Most windshield washers come with a smell that might bother some people.

The bottle comes with a helpful chart that shows you exactly how to dilute the solution for different temperature levels.

Even though diluting is pretty straightforward, we recommend that you follow the directions every time you make it up, depending on the temperature. Don’t make a mess of things by diluting the wrong ratios.

Rarely will you find a windshield washer with such amazing performance! It leaves a streak-free shield, even during the winter months. It prevents frosting, and all you have to do is adjust concentration ratios.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• BMW performance quality.
• Genuine OEM – direct fit.
• Quality engine effectiveness.

What We Like

• It’s effective during winter months.
• It prevents frosting.
• Streak-free cleaning.
• No glare and no odor.
• Genuine BMW product.
• Dilution chart on the bottle.

What We Don’t Like

• Blue dye is hard to get off your hands.
• No water beading properties.

Summary

BMW owners now have an exclusive product that works exceptionally well. It’s super concentrated and easy to use. Of course, it can be used in other vehicles as well.

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Sonax Clear View Windshield Washer 1:100 Concentrate – 8.45 Oz.

The first noticeable aspect of this Sonax product is the bottle it comes in. It has a slant at the top that allows easy measurements. You can easily gauge the amount of liquid you are pouring into the reservoir.

It’s a highly concentrated solution, and if you have heavily soiled areas, you can use it directly with a microfiber cloth. It comes in an 8.45-ounce bottle that yields up to six gallons of washer fluid.

This washer is highly effective when it comes to cleaning oil, insects, grime, and any other dirt you might come across. Better yet, it does all that and doesn’t leave streaks.

If you want something compatible with plastic, this is the ideal cleaner. Your XENON headlamps and plastic diffusers will be okay. It’s free from phosphates and leaves a nice lemon scent behind. It also comes with an anti-limescale ingredient that makes it safe to use with tap water of variable hardness degrees.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• Concentrated cleaning solution.
• Compatible with plastic and XENON headlights.
• Bottle features a dosing chamber.
• Phosphate-free.
• Lemon scent.

What We Liked

• Tap water can be used to dilute the concentrate.
• It is compatible with plastic.
• Removes bug splatter, dirt, and film with easy.
• Streak-free.
• No glare.
• No phosphates.

What We Didn’t Like

• No water repelling properties.
• Might leave streaks if not diluted properly.
• No antifreeze properties either.

Summary

This product is best suited for people looking for a plastic-friendly washer. It’s also ideal for those who live in unpredictable climates because you can dilute the concentrate to desired levels.

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Prestone Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid – One Gallon

Prestone is truly a premier manufacturer of car cleaning fluids, and this washer fluid is a stand-out product. As its name suggests, this all-season washer fluid is formulated for all-year-round use.

It features deep freeze properties for extreme winter protection and water repelling properties for those rainy days. It also contains powerful cleaning ingredients to eliminate bugs and dirt very efficiently.

For temperatures that go as low as minus 27 degrees Fahrenheit, you should pour it into your reservoir undiluted. It doesn’t freeze in the jet hoses or in the bottle. You don’t have to worry about wiper blade damage either.

If you are looking for water beading technology, this is a great product. It’s also excellent at clearing bugs, grime, and traffic grease, especially on hot days. It’s a full solution so, no diluting required.

It also has de-frosting capabilities, so it’s a great de-icer, and it also features a reasonable amount of ammonia, just enough to work as an antifreeze.

Manufacturer Specs and Features

• 1 gallon.
• Tough bug and grime wash.
• Formulated to keep the windshield clear.
• De-icer.
• Water repellent/advanced beading technology.
• Streak-free.
• Glare-free.

What We Liked

• Full solution.
• All seasons washer fluid.
• Safe for all types of wipers.
• Works as a de-icer.
• Repels water.
• Leaves no streaks.
• Strong cleaning capabilities.

What We Don’t Like

• Not concentrated and will not last long.

Summary

If what you want is an all-in-one product that you can use without diluting, this is ideal. You don’t need to have several bottles of washer fluid for different seasons.

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Conclusion

Washer fluids are essential when it comes to keeping your windshield clear. Good visibility will prevent accidents, especially during the rainy seasons. Bug splatter will be a thing of the past, and so will traffic grease.

In our opinion, plain water just doesn’t cut it. It’s just not strong enough, and besides, you don’t need bacteria breeding in your tank, do you?

Do you have any questions regarding windshield washer fluids? Feel free to ask in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you. If you have a comment or experience with any of these washer fluids, please share that with us too!.