It’s a very common mistake when you put windshield washer fluid in the coolant because, in your car’s structure, the washer fluid reservoir is designed right next to the coolant. So, if you make this mistake and are worried about what happens to your car? Don’t worry! We are moving forward to help you!
How does windshield washer fluid work?
Windshield washer fluid is used to clean windshields with wipers while your car is moving. It is a specialized chemical for cars that helps clean the windshield to ensure the glass is always clean and clear to improve visibility while driving. This fluid is stored in the car, the washer fluid is sprayed from an automatic sprayer and combined with a lever to wash dirt off the windshield surface.
Windshield washer fluid requires higher requirements than normal glass cleaner, meaning this washer fluid should not be scaled because if it creates residue, it will clog the pump, more than that when sprayed on the glass surface. If there are residues, it will scratch the windshield. Windshield washer fluid does not contain too much detergent, bleach because too much soap damages it and hardens the wiper as they have synthetic rubber.
How does it work? An onboard controller works to spray the washer fluid onto the windshield, usually using an electric pump through nozzles mounted under the windshield or under the wiper(s). The levels are activated automatically, cleaning dirt and debris on the windshield. In some high-end models, the washer fluid can be preheated before being sprayed onto the windshield. This is especially ideal in cold climates where a thin layer of ice or frost accumulates on the windshield surface. Thus, it eliminates the need to scrape the glass or manually pour hot water on the glass.
5 benefits of using windshield fluid
- A good washer fluid with specialized cleaning will help remove the oil film, eliminate the phenomenon of reflection and light refraction.
- Easily penetrates, dissolves, and quickly cleans stains, making the windshield surface shiny and ensuring driver visibility.
- Helps the wiper operation to be smooth, without wear from friction, contributing to the longevity of the wiper and protecting the windshield surface from scratches.
- Does not corrode metal parts, does not age the rubber, and does not affect the car’s plastic parts.
- Washer fluid with a rain-repellent coating will help raindrops roll up and bounce off the car to help you drive safely in bad weather like storms.
Where to put windshield washer fluid?
The windshield washer fluid will be contained in a reservoir. The most important thing is that you must identify exactly the position of this reservoir to be able to pour the fluid. Windshield fluid reservoir locations can be designed to be located in several places depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
It is usually located in the engine compartment and is found near the windshield along the firewall. The windshield washer fluid reservoir will be marked with a small image of a water solvent spray. If you cannot locate the reservoir, you can refer to the manufacturer’s manual for guidance.
What happens if you put windshield washer fluid in the coolant?
If you accidentally pour washer fluid into the coolant reservoir. And it makes you worry about what will happen to your car when you mix coolant with washer fluid. Our answer is that it’s not a big deal but putting washer fluid in your coolant tanks is also not a good idea. The main component of windshield fluid is mostly water, so in case you haven’t put too much fluid in the tank. It will simply cook when your engine warms up. The other chemicals in this solution will not affect the antifreeze and the car’s cooling system.
After pouring the wrong fluid into the coolant, the most dangerous consequence that can happen is that your car will not run and will clog the cooling line or radiator. Because washer fluid contains a small amount of soap that easily expands when your coolant heats up. And if the washer fluid stays in the tank for too long, some of the chemicals in this fluid will react with the antifreeze, turning the coolant into a gel.
Furthermore, some types of washer fluid contain alcohol which will provide some antifreeze protection. However, when the engine heats up, the alcohol boils and blows through the radiator cap. As a result, you will leak coolant and antifreeze. Seriously, the methanol in the washer fluid can also affect the seals and hoses.
What to do if you have poured washer fluid into the coolant reservoir?
Presumably, you accidentally put the windshield washer fluid instead of the antifreeze in your cooling system. What should we do next? Windshield fluid includes methanol with a significant share and a bit of ammonium hydroxide. Methanol will burn to produce carbon monoxide, ammonium hydroxide into ammonia, instead of letting it boil, we should drain it. In this situation, the best solution we think is effective is that you must flush all the mixture in your coolant reservoir.
You can use specialized tools or simply a turkey baster to suck the contaminated fluid from the coolant reservoir. Or you can use a small tube and a can to drain all the fluid from the container. Make sure all the fluid has been sucked from the tank. You can pour more clean water and proceed to suck it out, this will help you clean the tank while limiting the scaling phenomenon.
FAQ
Can I use water instead of windshield fluid?
According to experts, using water to replace washer fluid is only temporary. And in the long run, it can damage the wipers and clog the spray nozzle. The dirt on the windshield surface is very diverse. It can be dirt from the environment, tree sap, bird droppings, insect carcasses, or paint spots. Water alone cannot dissolve the dirt and even the wiper cannot wipe the dirt off the windshield.
Therefore, manufacturers often recommend drivers to use water mixed with chemicals and additives to facilitate the cleaning process. Currently, some consumer organizations are concerned that the solvents in the washer fluid may affect your car’s paint and chrome. So many drivers in warmer latitudes have chosen to use plain water instead of washer fluid.
Can you mix windshield washer fluid with water?
You can mix water with the washer fluid without causing danger or damaging your engine or other parts, but of course. The windshield cleaning performance might be decreased. Many drivers often use tap water to pour it directly into the washer fluid to save money. However, regular use of water will cause the wiper and hoses to harden, not to mention in cold temperatures, water can absolutely freeze.
How to put windshield washer fluid in a car?
Step 1: Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The windshield washer fluid reservoir has a fairly basic structure. Usually located under the engine compartment with a usually blue cap and a wiper-shaped symbol. Depending on the car’s make and model. The position of the washer fluid reservoir will be different, some cars are located behind the trunk. And some are located at the front of the car, inside the engine compartment. You should check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see where the reservoir is.
Step 2: Turn the cap and check the condition of the reservoir.
Gently open the container lid and check if there is still old fluid. If the washer fluid has been stored for a long time, you need to drain it and clean the reservoir.
Step 3: Fill with fluid
After making sure the reservoir is clean and free of old fluid. You can use a funnel to pour the windshield washer fluid into the reservoir. You can activate the test spray button and see if everything is fine. If the fluid sprays evenly, the process is complete and you can be reassured.
Final thoughts
We believe that by reading this section, you already have the answer to the question: Can you use windshield washer fluid as coolant? So, if you accidentally put washer fluid in a coolant reservoir, it’s okay because it cannot damage your engine. But this fluid should not stay in the reservoir, you must flush this fluid. Or you can take your car to a trusted repair center to have a guide.