What is the Best Windshield Washer Fluid to Use?

When choosing a windshield washer fluid, knowing your options can help you make the best decision for the way you use your vehicle. It’s always important to know what climates you’ll be driving in before deciding on the type of washer fluid that’s best for your driving situation. The benefits of a premium washer fluid, or a washer fluid specifically designed for the most common driving conditions where you live and commute, could make a world of difference. Before we discuss the various types of windshield washer fluid available, we first must understand what washer fluid is and what it can do for your driving experience.

A common mistake drivers make is believing that they can save money by filling their washer fluid reservoir with plain water. Doing this may result in costly repairs, and could allow mold and bacteria to form in the system’s reservoir. For this reason, washer fluids include a biocide additive to eliminate mold and bacteria.

Lower temperatures will also cause plain water to freeze, which can damage the washer system’s reservoir, lines, or washer pump motor. Most washer fluids include methanol in their formula so the washer fluid does not freeze during winter. Regardless of the type of washer fluid you choose, using washer fluid instead of plain water will always offer more protection against mold, bacteria, and freezing, and can deliver more cleaning power for improved visibility.

Premixed washer fluid is the standard windshield washer fluid available in stores, and is packaged in plastic gallon jugs. In addition to basic washer fluid formulas, there are also several premium premixed blends with added benefits for various driving situations. Premixed washer fluid is ready to add to any vehicle straight from the bottle. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries a variety of options from top brands, including O’Reilly Chemicals, Windex, and Rain-X to help you find the washer fluid that works best for the way you drive.

For fleets or shops that consume a large quantity of washer fluid during vehicle service, it might be beneficial to use a washer fluid concentrate that can be mixed with water. Concentrates come in both liquid and tablet form, and are designed to allow the user to mix the appropriate amount of water with the concentrate to create the desired amount of washer fluid. Washer fluid concentrates come in summer formulas, winter formulas, and a methanol additive which can be used for additional freeze protection.

There are a few things to consider when selecting the right washer fluid for your vehicle, including the weather conditions where you live and drive or the time of the year. Below are some starting points to help you choose the best washer fluid available based on their specifications and benefits that allow you to drive more safely.

Temperature

Washer fluid is available at temperature ranges from +32°F for warmer climates down to -40°F for the coldest climates. Getting the right temperature-rated fluid for the typical conditions in your area can help you keep your washer system from being damaged by liquid expansion in extreme cold. Not all washer fluid temperature specifications are available in every market, and may be restricted based on region according to the common environmental conditions in those areas.

The next consideration is the type of washer fluid you prefer to use in your vehicle. Basic washer fluid provides the minimum care your vehicle needs and is generally blue in color. Basic washer fluid is a great entry-level product for the price-conscious customer, and is still designed to work and clean better than plain water for adequate washer system performance.

Premium washer fluid goes above and beyond the basic washer fluid design by offering additional properties that will help you tackle almost any driving conditions. Premium washer fluid formulas may contain additives such as water repellent, bug remover, and de-icer to help keep your windshield clean, no matter what kind of driving environment. These washer fluids vary in color, and may be green, orange, or purple. We’ll discuss these various types of premium washer fluid in further detail in the next section.

Winter Washer Fluid with De-Icer

De-icing washer fluid features a higher methanol concentration that can help melt away any ice on the windshield. This allows the washer fluid to clean the windshield without freezing, even while driving, due to its significantly lower freezing point. If you often drive in harsh winter climates or have noticed ice buildup on your windshield while driving, windshield washer fluid with de-icer is a perfect choice for your vehicle.

When switching to a winter washer fluid, don’t forget to drain any old washer fluid from your system before adding the winter mix to avoid diluting the washer fluid additives. This could cause the washer fluid’s freezing point to rise to an unsafe level for the winter conditions in your area.

All-Season Washer Fluid

All-season washer fluid provides a catch-all for many of the additives mentioned above, and includes cleaning agents for bugs and road grime in the summer months and cold weather protection during the winter. This can make it perfect for year-round use in most areas. Our Rain-X Washer Fluid provides a perfect all-season solution the stands up to most climates and is designed to perform at its best in any weather conditions.

We hope this has helped you better understand the variety of washer fluid options available for your vehicle. If you still need help making a decision, our parts professionals are available to help you find the right washer fluid for your vehicle, both in-store or online. If you’d like to shop in-person, find your local store at O’Reilly Auto Parts stores near me.

When changing your washer fluid it’s also a good idea to check the condition of your windshield wipers, especially when preparing for spring precipitation or winter weather. If you need replacement wiper blades O’Reilly Auto Parts is your one-stop shop for all of your maintenance needs. We provide free wiper blade installation as well as several other free store services, including Check Engine light testing, alternator and starter testing, headlight and tail light bulb installation, and fluid and battery recycling. Stop by your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store today to learn more about our store services.

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