Can Windshield Washer Fluid Be Used as Antifreeze?

2 Answers
JuniperLynn
08/30/25 4:12am
Windshield washer fluid cannot be used as antifreeze because it is not antifreeze. Simply put, antifreeze is used for engine cooling, while windshield washer fluid is for cleaning the windshield. The full name of antifreeze should be antifreeze coolant, meaning it is a coolant with antifreeze properties. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing in cold winter conditions, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or damage the engine cylinder block or head. Windshield washer fluid, on the other hand, is commonly known as car windshield cleaning fluid. Functions of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion throughout the year. Can Different Antifreezes Be Mixed? It is necessary to use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands of antifreeze may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between the additives, rendering them ineffective. How to Choose Antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are its freezing point and boiling point. On the market, antifreeze comes in several specifications with freezing points such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.
Was this review help?
16
3
Share
GemmaFitz
09/11/25 8:13am
Having worked in the auto industry for years, I often see customers asking if windshield washer fluid can replace antifreeze. The answer is a firm no. Windshield washer fluid is primarily made of water and alcohol, designed for cleaning windshields, whereas antifreeze is specifically formulated for engine cooling systems. It contains ethylene glycol to prevent freezing and boiling, while also offering rust and corrosion protection. If you mistakenly use washer fluid, its chemicals can corrode the radiator, hoses, and water pump, leading to cooling system blockages or leaks, engine overheating, or even complete failure—repairs can cost thousands. Additionally, washer fluid has poor freeze resistance and may freeze at low temperatures, expanding and damaging the system, potentially causing safety hazards. I recommend car owners regularly check their antifreeze's freeze point and replace it before winter—never risk saving small money at a high cost.
Was this review help?
12
1
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

How to play songs with a USB drive in Jetour X70?

Method to play songs with a USB drive in Jetour X70: Insert the USB drive into the car's USB interface, then open the multimedia player and select USB playback. USB supports four basic data transfer modes: control transfer, isochronous transfer, interrupt transfer, and bulk transfer. The Jetour X70 is positioned as a mid-size SUV model, with dimensions of 4720mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1695mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2745mm. The Jetour X70 is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output power of 108kW, a maximum power speed of 5500 rpm, and a peak torque of 210Nm.
8
0
Share

What is the 0-100 km/h acceleration time of the Leiling?

The 0-100 km/h acceleration time of the Leiling is 12.97 seconds, while the hybrid version takes approximately 12.8 seconds. The Leiling is a compact sedan under Toyota, with dimensions of 4640mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1455mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. It is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 116 kW and a maximum torque of 185 Nm. The engine reaches its maximum power at 5200 to 5600 rpm and its maximum torque at 1500 to 4000 rpm. The Leiling also features VVT-iW technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block.
14
4
Share

What is the Volkswagen Phideon?

Volkswagen Phideon is the Volkswagen Phideon, a mid-to-large-sized sedan. It comes standard with LED daytime running lights across the lineup, featuring an integrated front grille and LED headlights that enhance the car's cohesive design. The side waistline extends seamlessly along the entire body. In terms of dimensions, the Volkswagen Phideon measures 5074mm in length, 1893mm in width, and 1489mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3009mm. It is equipped with two engine options, the EA888 and EA837, delivering a maximum horsepower of 300 HP and a peak torque of 440 Nm, with a maximum driving range of up to 850km.
12
2
Share

What is the method for testing with a cylinder pressure gauge?

Cylinder pressure gauge testing method: 1. First, use compressed air to clean the dirt around the spark plugs; 2. Remove all spark plugs. For gasoline engines, also disconnect the secondary high-voltage wires of the ignition system and securely ground them to prevent electric shock or fire; 3. Insert the conical rubber tip of the dedicated cylinder pressure gauge into the spark plug hole of the cylinder being measured, ensuring it is properly aligned and tightly secured; 4. Fully open the throttle and use the starter to rotate the crankshaft for 3 to 5 seconds (no fewer than 4 compression strokes). Stop rotating once the pressure gauge needle indicates and maintains the maximum pressure reading; 5. Remove the pressure gauge, record the reading, and press the one-way valve to reset the gauge needle to zero. Repeat this process for each cylinder, ensuring each cylinder is tested at least twice. Take the arithmetic mean of the measurements for each cylinder, compare it with the standard value, analyze the results, and determine the working condition of the cylinder.
6
1
Share

How to Reset the Sunroof on a BMW 5 Series?

Method to reset the sunroof on a BMW 5 Series: Raise the sunroof to the top and continue holding the switch for about 25 seconds. The sunroof will then operate automatically; keep holding until it stops by itself, indicating a successful initialization. The BMW 5 Series sunroof changes the traditional ventilation method, allowing wind to flow in and create an air current that draws out stale air from the cabin. The BMW 5 Series has dimensions of 5087mm in length, 1868mm in width, and 1500mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3108mm. It is equipped with a 2.0T high-power engine, delivering a maximum power of 250kw, maximum horsepower of 340ps, and maximum torque of 450nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
2
0
Share

What Documents Are Required for the 6-Year Exemption Vehicle Inspection?

6-year exemption vehicle inspection requires: vehicle license (original and copy), ID card of the vehicle owner, compulsory traffic insurance policy, vehicle and vessel tax payment or tax exemption certificate, to be submitted to the local vehicle management office for application. If entrusting someone else to handle it, the original ID card of the agent and a written authorization signed by the vehicle owner are also required. The vehicle owner should ensure that there are no traffic violation records for their vehicle, which can be checked online or offline for any violations and dealt with promptly. On-site processing procedure: the vehicle owner directly brings the relevant documents (or the agent), may need to queue, but the application can be made on the spot, which is relatively simple.
12
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.