What Are the Effects of Pouring Windshield Washer Fluid into the Antifreeze Tank?
1 Answers
The antifreeze used in the radiator serves two main purposes: cooling the engine and preventing freezing. Accidentally adding windshield washer fluid can cause chemical reactions with the antifreeze, lowering both its freezing point and boiling point. A reduced freezing point can lead to the antifreeze freezing, and since liquids expand when they solidify, this can crack the engine block, necessitating a major engine overhaul. Functions of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and providing year-round protection against scale and corrosion. Can Different Antifreeze Brands Be Mixed? It is essential to use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands may have varying production formulas, and mixing them can lead to chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective. How to Choose Antifreeze: The key indicators for antifreeze are its freezing and boiling points. Market options include freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, it's advisable to choose an antifreeze with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.
