Abstract: An apparatus for heating and controlling windshield washer fluid temperature is provided, comprising a washer fluid reservoir; a hollow conductive tube in the reservoir containing a heated working fluid for delivering heat to the washer fluid; a valve for controlling the flow rate of the working fluid through the tube; and a control system for controlling the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir. A method for controlling the heating of the washer fluid and for storing heated washer fluid is also disclosed. The apparatus may be installed at the time of manufacture of the vehicle or installed after market as a retro-fit kit. The windshield washer apparatus and control system permits vehicles to operate in cold environments for sustained periods of time at various speeds without thermal shock to the windshield during cleaning with washer fluid.