Are you tired of smeared and streaked windshields while driving your Tesla? Don’t worry, with the right information, you can kiss those visibility problems goodbye.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best windshield washer fluid for Tesla vehicles, how to use it, and how to maintain your wipers for optimal performance. So sit back, relax, and let’s get ready to see the road ahead crystal clear.

Best Windshield Washer Fluid for Tesla

Tesla has recommendations on which wiper fluid to use, but rather than tell you what to buy, it tells you what not to purchase. It leaves many Tesla owners confused, but I’m here to help you understand.

The best windshield washer fluid for Tesla is one that doesn’t contain bug wash or water repellent. The best washer fluid for a Tesla to be driven in cold weather is washer fluid with antifreeze. 

Tesla doesn’t want you to use washer fluids with bug wash or water repellent because these fluids may damage the washer system. The company claims that such washer fluid leads to noisiness, smearing, or streaking. 

Smearing and streaking reduce visibility; therefore, you should stay away from washer fluids that cause further impairment to your windshield instead of cleaning it. 

If you’re likely to experience temperatures below 40° F (4° C), remember to use wiper fluid with antifreeze qualities. This will prevent wiper fluid from freezing on your windscreen.

tesla-windshield-washer-fluid
Tesla doesn’t recommend a specific brand of washer fluid, but it guides you on which type of fluid to purchase.

Also, if you’re traveling, take note of the weather at your destination and on the way there. If you’ll stay or pass through places with 40° F (4° C) or below temperatures, fill up with washer fluid containing antifreeze. 

It’s important to note that some national or local regulations don’t allow or restrict the use of VOC’s, which are often found in antifreeze washer fluid. Double check that your washer fluid has a limited VOC content.

Can You Use Plain Water For Your Tesla’s Windscreen?

‘Can you use old-fashioned water?’ I hear you ask. Water mixed with a bit of detergent appears to be a popular option among Tesla owners.

A lot of Tesla owners seem to think that using plain water mixed with a bit of detergent is a good idea, especially during the summer when the sun is shining and the weather is hot.

But the truth is, water will freeze and cause damage to the washer system during the winter months.

Also note that if the water you use isn’t treated, it could lead to bacteria growing in the climate control system. This can lead to nasty smells and even damage to the system.

You might get away with using water during the summer, but the water will freeze and cause damage during the winter. There’s no guarantee that you’ll remember to swap water with antifreeze water fluid before the cold comes. 

Therefore, you’re better off sticking to washer fluid with antifreeze all year long. It isn’t costly and aligns with Tesla’s recommendations. 

If you would like to find out How To Spray Water on a Tesla Model 3 Windshield, check out this helpful article that I wrote!

tesla-windshield

Why Do I Need The Right Windshield Washer Fluid in my Tesla?

The right type of windshield washer fluid for your Tesla can greatly improve the performance of your windshield wipers and keep your vehicle in the best shape possible.

This is especially important during the winter months when heavy snow and freezing temperatures can make driving dangerous.

How To Check Windshield Washer Fluid in Tesla

It’s easy to find out if your Tesla has windshield washer fluid in it or not. An icon on the monitor will come on to tell you if you need to fill up with washer fluid. 

Teslas use windshield wiper fluid. You’ll get a warning signal on your dash if the fluid is empty. If you’ve received your Tesla, but the washer fluid doesn’t work, and there’s no warning on the dash, the chances are that you aren’t depressing the washer button deep enough.

What Washer Fluid Does Tesla Recommend?

Tesla doesn’t recommend any specific brand of washer fluid, but they do recommend using a commercial windshield washer fluid without bug wash or water repellent. It also suggests using antifreeze washer fluid when driving in areas at or under 40° F (4° C).

The company says that wiper fluid with bug wash or water repellent formula can damage the wiper system and reduce visibility.

Some of the best options for Tesla owners include Rain-X Original Glass Water Repellent, Prestone All Season Windshield Washer Fluid, and Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Fluid.

These fluids are designed for use in cold temperatures and can be found at major retailers such as Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, and Walmart.

Rain-X Original Windshield Treatment Glass Water Repellent (2)

Prestone 3-in-1 All Season Year Round Windshield Washer Fluid 0 Degree (1 Gallon)

Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate, 1 Bottle Makes 55 gallons of Finished Summer Product, Simply Add Methanol for a Winter Blend Down to -20F

On a similar note, I also wrote an article and compared all the Tesla Windshield Washer Fluid Capacities with some helpful info. Check it out!

How Do You Use Windshield Washer Fluid in a Tesla?

In all Teslas, the wiper button that controls the windshield washer fluid is on a lever on the left side of the steering. The wiper symbols on the lever make it impossible to miss. You can simply press the button to get the windshield wiper working.

However, it works slightly differently on the different Tesla models.

How To Wash Tesla Model Y/3 Windshield

To activate the washer fluid in a model Y or model 3, press and hold the button at the end of the lever. 

The wipers will activate automatically and clean your windshield as the washer fluid flows

Releasing the button will stop the wiper fluid flow. The wipers will wipe three more times before halting.

How To Wash Tesla Model X/S Windshield

The washer fluid system in the Model S/X catches some people out, especially previous owners of the model 3/Y because it works a little differently. Some owners even assume that the washer fluid system is broken. 

In a Model X/S, partial depression of the button at the end of the left lever causes the wiper to wipe once.

To activate the washer fluid, ensure that the button is fully depressed. When fully depressed, the washer fluid will fly out, and the wipers will keep wiping. 

After releasing the button, the wiper will wipe three times before stopping. 

How Do You Refill Tesla Windshield Fluid?

As stated above, the windshield fluid system in a Tesla isn’t much different from an ICE car. If you have had a car before, you wouldn’t even need to look at the user manual to find and fill the reservoir. 

Follow these steps to refill Tesla windshield fluid:

  • Locate the washer fluid under the hood.
  • Wipe any dirt off the cap.
  • Lift the cap and fill with washer fluid to about two inches from the top.
  • Reattach the cap firmly.

As you can see, it’s a pretty simple process

Your Tesla will inform you via a message on the touchscreen when the car needs a washer fluid refill. 

The message appears when the washer fluid nears completion. It gives you time to refill before you run empty. 

This YouTube video by Average Joe Reviews shows how to refill Tesla windshield fluid:

Regular Maintenance of Tesla Windshield Wiper Blades

Keeping your Tesla’s washer system in the best shape is an important part of regular maintenance. This can be done by checking the fluid level and refilling the reservoir as needed, and by using the right type of washer fluid for the season.

Tesla also recommends replacing your windshield wiper blades at least once a year.

When Must I Replace My Tesla Wiper Blades?

Although Tesla recommends replacing your wiper blades at least once a year, you should also check them regularly. You can do this by lifting them up slightly.

If your windshield wiper blades are cracked, splitted or feel rough, you should replace them immediately. If you don’t, the can damage the glass of your windshield (which is much more expensive to replace).

Which Wiper Blades Does Tesla Use?

The wiper blades for different Tesla Models are different sizes, so makes sure you get the correct one. The sizes for each model are indicated in the table below.

Tesla ModelLength of Wiper Blade on Passenger SideLength of Wiper Blade on Driver Side
Model S20 inches (500 mm)26 inches (650 mm)
Model 319 inches (475 mm)26 inches (650 mm)
Model X21 inches (530 mm)26 inches (650 mm)
Model Y20 inches (500 mm)26 inches (650 mm)
A table showing lengths of wiper blades for different Tesla Models

You can get replacement wiper blades for your Tesla on the Tesla online store. A replacement blade costs between $25 and $35.

I have included links for replacement blades for each model below:

Tesla recommends only using replacement blades that are identical to the original blades as blades that aren’t suitable can scratch your windshield.

How To Replace Tesla Windscreen Wiper Blades

You can follow the steps listed below to replace your wiper blades. These steps are taken from the Tesla vehicle manual.

  1. Shift your Tesla into Park.
  2. Make sure the wipers are turned off.
  3. On your dashboard, tap Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This will move the wipers to the correct position.
  4. Life the wiper arm away from the windshield, far enough to get to the wiper blade.
  5. Slide the wiper blade out and up.
  6. Put a towel between the wiper arm and windshield.
  7. Press the locking tab while holding the wiper arm and sliding the blade down the arm.
  8. Slide the replacement wiper blade down and into the wiper arm. This should secur it in place.
  9. Align the new wiper blade on the wiper arm and slide it toward the end of the wiper arm until it locks into place.
  10. Turn of Wiper Service Mode.

How To Clean Tesla Windshield Wiper Blades

If your windshield wipers don’t seem to be doing their job, you might need to clean them. You can use washer fluid, rubbing alcohol or non-abrasive glass cleaner (which must be approved for car glass and rubber use).

To clean the wiper blades, you should lift the wiper arm up a little. You should note that the wiper blades don’t lock into a lifted position, so you have to hold them up. Make sure you don’t overextend them.

Windshield Wiper Blades and Bird Poop: The Importance of Washer Fluid

As any Tesla owner knows, electric vehicles are a cut above the rest when it comes to saving the planet and looking cool while doing it. But when it comes to windshield wipers and washer fluid, Teslas and ICE cars are pretty similar.

Just like every other car, Teslas have a designated slot under the hood, usually located in the front trunk, where the windshield washer fluid reservoir is located.

And just like every other car, Teslas need the right type of windshield washer fluid to keep the vehicle’s windshields clean and clear.

Types of Windshield Wiper Fluids

There are many types of windshield wiper fluids available on the market, from standard wiper fluid to bug wash and water repellent fluids, and even special cleaning agents for heavy rain or bird droppings.

But when it comes to Teslas, the best windshield wiper fluids are those that don’t contain bug wash or water repellent.

Why Tesla Doesn’t Recommend Bug Wash or Water Repellent Fluids

The reason is that these types of fluids can damage the washer system and lead to noisiness, smearing, or streaking.

And as we all know, smearing and streaking can reduce visibility and make it difficult to see the road ahead. So, as Tesla car owners, we want to avoid these types of fluids at all costs.

Best Windshield Washer Fluids for Tesla

The best windshield washer fluid for Tesla is one that is specifically designed for use in cold weather. This type of fluid contains antifreeze, which helps to prevent the fluid from freezing in the reservoir during the winter months.

The Best Way to Keep Your Tesla’s Windshield Clean

The best way to keep your Tesla’s windshield clean is to use washer fluid with antifreeze all year round. Not only is this the ideal alternative to plain water, but it also aligns with Tesla’s recommendations for the best type of washer fluid to use.

How to Check the Fluid Level in Tesla Manually

Manually checking the fluid level in your Tesla’s washer fluid reservoir is easy. The reservoir is located in the engine compartment and is usually marked with an icon of a wiper and washer for identification purposes. If the fluid level is low, simply refill the reservoir with the recommended type of washer fluid.

Cost of Tesla Windshield Washer Fluid

The average cost of a gallon of windshield washer fluid is around $5 to $10, depending on the brand and the type of fluid.

Some brands, such as Aqua Charge, offer different options for different temperatures and climates, so be sure to check the label for specific instructions.

Tesla Model S and Model X

It’s worth noting that while the recommendation for the best windshield washer fluid for Tesla vehicles applies to all models, the Tesla Model S and Model X may have slightly different capacities for the washer fluid reservoir. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for your particular model for exact capacity and refill instructions.

Does Tesla have its own brand of windshield washer fluid?

Tesla does not have its own brand of windshield washer fluid. They recommend using a specific type of fluid but do not specify a brand.

How often should I check my Tesla’s windshield washer fluid level?

It is recommended to check the windshield washer fluid level regularly and before long trips. The car’s monitor will also alert when the level is low.

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Erwin Meyer
Erwin Meyer

A renowned Tesla enthusiast, and successful entrepreneur, enlightens global audiences through his compelling EV narratives. Discover more about his electric journey on his About Me page. Venture to read Erwin's incredible story that's reshaping the future of motoring. Want to spark a conversation with Erwin? Visit his Contact page, and let’s electrify the world together.