[Green Squall]

I accidentally put windshield washer fluid into the coolant reservoir. Been driving it for a few days until I realized the mistake. How serious is this, especially with single digit temps?

Can I use a turkey baster to get it out, and then refill with coolant? Or should I get a mechanic to do a full drain?

[Gone Camping]

How much did you put in? What engine?


It's mixed throughout the whole cooling system, a baster would take till spring. If it was just topping off i'd think you should be ok. If a gallon or so.. i'd flush the system.. that includes the heater core and engine block.

[Green Squall]

Used a little less than a gallon. Sounds like a I need to drain the whole cooling system. What engine? Not sure what you mean but the car is a 2011 Nissan Rogue.

Stupid me. The coolant reservoir looked exactly like the windshield wiper reservoir in my old car.

[Gone Camping]

Small engine=less capacity=higher percentage of contamination.


Yeah, i'd flush the system. If you do this yourself be aware that glycol is poison to animals and sweet smelling to them.


Probably find a good video how to if ya Google "Eric the car guy" if needed.

[armedoldhippy]

windshield washer fluid is high content alcohol, most brands. shit does NOT freeze. how is that very different from your antifreeze? alcohol USED to be used as antifreeze years ago. i'm just an old damn hippy, but i wouldn't fret over it too much.

[Gone Camping]

Originally Posted by armedoldhippy

windshield washer fluid is high content alcohol, most brands. shit does NOT freeze. how is that very different from your antifreeze? alcohol USED to be used as antifreeze years ago. i'm just an old damn hippy, but i wouldn't fret over it too much.

You have a point, a little I wouldn't worry about as the alcohol should evaporate off quickly and not raise the freezing point too much. However, with almost a gallon (maybe 1/3 the total capacity?) and that alcohol is much less of a lubricant as antifreeze, it could effect longevity of the water pump bearing/s.


But I'm a bit anal on my vehicles.

[Green Squall]

Originally Posted by armedoldhippy

windshield washer fluid is high content alcohol, most brands. shit does NOT freeze. how is that very different from your antifreeze? alcohol USED to be used as antifreeze years ago. i'm just an old damn hippy, but i wouldn't fret over it too much.

True. I'm just shocked did something so stupid. Wasn't even high lol. I've had this car less than a year, trying to keep it in tip top shape, so I'm going to get it drained anyways.

[Lester Beans]

It's a very common mistake. Don't beat yourself up over it and I wouldn't sweat it at all. It will be fine.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Green Squall

I accidentally put windshield washer fluid into the coolant reservoir. Been driving it for a few days until I realized the mistake. How serious is this, especially with single digit temps?

Can I use a turkey baster to get it out, and then refill with coolant? Or should I get a mechanic to do a full drain?

Here's a How-To:

Trailer Park Boys - Ricky Explains Gas Siphoning to Cory and Trevor

Hopefully, this doesn't happen. LOL

Trailer Park Boys - Cory and Trevor's Gas Station

[moose eater]

Any idea what your ratio of mix was before you added the fluids, ethylene glycol:H2O?

What was the fluid you added rated to? (they make a wide variety of mixes, and not all are winter rated).

Both of those are necessary to determine if what you added is an issue.

And if you -do- flush (I would), be aware that many heater cores won't withstand the pressure of a true 'pressure flushing,' and you can cost yourself a new heater core if you're not careful; minimal pressure on the flush is the key to a thorough flush without damaging the coolant and heating system.

But yah, I'd flush and replace with proper mix sooner than not.

50:50 is good to near -50. 60:40 (antifreeze:H2O) is good to about -60 f. or so. And use distilled water, mixing in clean jugs, to your desired ratio.

At least you didn't pump a gasoline engine's fuel tank full of diesel (or vice versa).. Or add coolant to your oil... ;^>)

Besides, look at it this way; every mechanical foul-up is an opportunity to stay home, eat well, drink a beer, and smoke a joint.... until you pick a path and your job is done... With the right beer and joint, that might be days of rest and relaxation to be had. ;^>)