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Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid

#36 in Windshield Washer Fluidsliquid
$11.50

Priced as of May 16, 2026

4.6(1,843 ratings)Buy on Amazon

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CarCareTruth's Analysis

Last reviewed May 16, 2026

TL;DR Rated to −34°F — the deepest common RTU de-icer rating — with freeze protection confirmed by both the product label and SDS data. Clears winter ice and road salt effectively. Health score is 1.0/10 — the lowest tier — due to a DANGER-class formula with serious handling hazards. Methanol-free alternatives exist for households where that matters.

What it is and how it performs

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. At 4.6 stars across 1,843 Amazon reviews, 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.

Who should buy this — and who should skip it

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.

Safety and environmental impact

The SDS carries DANGER: H301 (oral toxicity), H311 (skin toxicity), H331 (inhalation toxicity), and H370 (optic nerve risk). 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.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature does Prestone AS250 protect down to?

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.

Does Prestone AS250 contain methanol?

Yes. SDS 546 (November 2022) 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.

Is Prestone AS250 available in California?

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.

Is Prestone AS250 safe for rain-sensing windshield wiper systems?

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.

What should I do if Prestone AS250 is ingested?

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.

From the manufacturer

Marketing copy from Prestone, via Amazon. Not editorial.

  • Melts ice & frost fast, -34 degrees F protection
  • Prevents dangerous windshield refreeze
  • Power cleans away winter salt and grime
  • Streak and glare free; improves windshield visibility; safe for rain sensing technology windshields
  • Size: 1 gallon

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prestone; windshield washer fluid
prestone; de icer; winter windshield wiper fluid
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prestone; windshield washer fluid
prestone; windshield washer fluid
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prestone; windshield washer fluid
Manufacturer specifications
Brand
Prestone
Item Form
Liquid
Scent
Unscented
Specific Uses For Product
Windshield
Material Feature
Liquid
Surface Recommendation
Stone
Special Features
Concentrated
Contains Liquid Contents?
No
Material Features
Liquid
Item Volume
1 Gallons
Unit Count
20 Count
Number of Items
1

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As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, CarCareTruth earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure