CarCareTruth Score
Decent, but wear gloves and ventilate.
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Prices may varyThe manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet classifies this product with one or more GHS Category 1 health hazards — the most severe tier. The hazard statements in quotes below are the verbatim GHS language from the SDS, as required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. The line under each statement translates the GHS classification into plain language.
GHS Category 2 acute oral toxicity — classified as toxic if swallowed.
GHS Category 2 acute dermal toxicity — classified as toxic in contact with skin.
GHS Category 2 acute inhalation toxicity — classified as toxic if inhaled.
If swallowed, inhaled, or splashed in eyes:
Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (US, 24/7, free) and have the product container with you. Poison Control's standing guidance is to not induce vomiting after chemical exposure; they will direct first-aid steps based on the specific product.
About this product's hazards. This product's Safety Data Sheet uses signal word danger. Read the manufacturer's SDS and follow all safety instructions before use. CarCareTruth ratings translate the manufacturer's safety sheet. They do not replace the SDS or substitute for a hazard assessment specific to your task.
This product ranks #10 of 15 in Washer Fluid.Three above it ↓
Last reviewed July 7, 2026
TL;DR Health score is 1.0/10 · the lowest tier · due to a DANGER-class formula with serious handling hazards, including oral, skin, and inhalation toxicity plus optic-nerve risk. Methanol-free alternatives exist for households where that matters. On performance alone, it's rated to −34°F · the deepest common RTU de-icer rating, confirmed by both the product label and SDS data · and clears winter ice and road salt effectively.
Prestone AS250 is a winter de-icer washer fluid rated to −34°F, placing it in the premium freeze-protection tier for a ready-to-use formula. The label claim is backed by SDS Section 9 freeze-point data. The fluid is RTU · no dilution needed · in a standard gallon jug. Well-reviewed by a large owner base, winter road salt and grime cleaning performance is community-consistent with the label's "Power Cleans" claim. Streak-free results are adequate for a commodity RTU product. Safe for rain-sensing technology windshields per the product listing. Not for sale in California, Texas, or Maricopa County, Arizona.
Best for cold-climate daily drivers who need proven deep-freeze protection at a commodity price. Skip it if your household has chemistry concerns · methanol-free alternatives score significantly higher on health. Not available in California, Texas, or Maricopa County, AZ.
The SDS carries DANGER: H301 (oral toxicity), H311 (skin toxicity), H331 (inhalation toxicity), and H370 (optic nerve risk). It's also a flammable liquid (H226, flash point 90-98°F), so keep it away from open flame or ignition sources during storage and pour-fill. Proposition 65 applies. SDS §8 specifies splash-proof goggles and chemical-resistant gloves; pour-fill is the main exposure point. Drain-destined via stormwater; no aquatic H-codes in SDS §12.
The product label states −34°F protection. SDS Section 9 confirms a freeze/melting point of −34.4 to −27.2°F, which is consistent with the label claim. This puts it in the premium winter tier · adequate for all but the most extreme northern US and Canadian climates.
Yes. SDS 546 lists methanol (CAS 67-56-1) at 20 to less than 35% by weight as the primary active ingredient. This is the standard chemistry for a winter de-icer washer fluid. The DANGER signal word and Proposition 65 warning on the label both stem from the methanol content.
No. Prestone AS250 is not for sale in California, Texas, or Maricopa County, Arizona due to CARB consumer product VOC regulations that restrict methanol in consumer products. Residents of those areas should look for a methanol-free or ethanol-based washer fluid that complies with CARB VOC limits.
The Amazon product listing states the formula is safe for rain-sensing technology windshields. However, because this is a methanol-based formula · not an alcohol-free or surfactant-based formula · verify with your vehicle manufacturer if you have concerns about sensor compatibility.
Methanol ingestion is a medical emergency. The SDS classifies this product as H301 (toxic if swallowed) and H370 (specific organ toxicity · optic nerve damage). Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Keep the product out of reach of children and pets.
Marketing copy from Prestone, via Amazon. Not editorial.
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