Does adding windshield washer fluid to coolant have any impact?

[IvanMarie]

Adding windshield washer fluid to the coolant will lower both the freezing point and boiling point of the coolant. If not cleaned and replaced for a long time, it can affect heat dissipation. Moreover, windshield washer fluid has certain corrosive properties, and in severe cases, it can corrode the cooling system, leading to engine damage, which can have serious consequences. The role of coolant: Coolant is a type of cooling liquid containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, preventing boiling in summer, and offering year-round protection against scale and corrosion. Can different coolants be mixed? It is necessary to use the same brand of coolant. Different brands of coolant may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between the additives, rendering them ineffective. How to choose coolant: The basic indicators of coolant are the freezing point and boiling point. On the market, coolants come in various specifications such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, it is advisable to choose a coolant with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.

[AveryLynn]

Last time I accidentally poured windshield washer fluid into the antifreeze, and after starting the car, the coolant temperature light kept coming on. When I took it to the repair shop, they found the pipes were clogged. Windshield washer fluid often contains alcohol and cleaning agents, which can cause chemical reactions when mixed with antifreeze (coolant), potentially forming bubbles or sediment that can block pipes or corrode metal parts in the radiator. Over time, the antifreeze effect also diminishes, making the engine prone to overheating or even burning out, and repairs can cost several hundred dollars. A friend of mine had a similar experience—he added the wrong fluid in summer, and when winter came, the antifreeze didn’t work, causing the engine to freeze and crack. I strongly advise against mixing these fluids. If you’ve already done so, go to a professional shop immediately to drain the system and replace the fluid. Normally, windshield washer fluid should only be added to the windshield washer reservoir. Regularly checking these fluids is basic maintenance to avoid such troubles.

[DiZane]

In my auto repair experience, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze are completely different things. Windshield washer fluid is mainly used for cleaning the windshield and contains alcohol-based solvents, while antifreeze is for cooling the engine and is based on components like ethylene glycol. If you mix them, chemical reactions can cause sedimentation or foaming, reducing antifreeze performance and potentially corroding the metal pipes in the cooling system. I've encountered customers who did this, resulting in soaring engine temperatures and the car becoming undrivable. In severe cases, it can damage the water pump or radiator, leading to costly repairs. For safety, it's crucial to check labels before adding any fluids. If you mix them by mistake, don't hesitate to completely replace the antifreeze immediately—engine overheating is a major hazard. Additionally, choosing reputable brands when purchasing fluids can reduce risks, but ultimately, using them separately is the safest approach.

[DeCharles]

Having driven for decades, I often see people mistakenly adding windshield washer fluid to the coolant. This is absolutely unacceptable. Adding windshield washer fluid alters the properties of the coolant, affecting its heat dissipation and antifreeze capabilities, which may lead to a frozen and cracked cooling system in winter. Simply put, the two liquids are incompatible. Mixing them can cause chemical reactions that clog the pipes, resulting in unnecessary repair costs. Always take the time to distinguish between fluids and pour them directly into their designated reservoirs. It saves both money and hassle.