Q: Wrong fluid in reservoir

asked by on January 22, 2017

I put windshield fluid in my coolant, what can I do

My car has 2000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

If you accidentally put windshield washer fluid in the radiator coolant reservoir then you will need to have the entire cooling system drained then flushed out and refilled with fresh correct coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled or deionized water. You can also use coolant that is already premixed when you purchase it.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car not accelerating
This issue could be caused by something as simple as the emergency brake being left on, but that is usually the first thing that would be checked. If the emergency brake is off then there could be an issue with...
Fan not working
The most common problem is the cooling fan switch located on the pipe that connects the upper radiator hose to the radiator in the engine compartment. Another issue is that there may not be sufficient coolant in the radiator. I...
Car stuck in limp mode
It sounds like one of the shift solenoids is not functioning properly. I would recommend having a technician come out from YourMechanic and pull the codes on the computer, replace the shift solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/shift-interlock-solenoid-replacement), and change the transmission filter and...
Recommendation about welding truck floor pans
It used to be very expensive to get a really good welding machine. I use one of these Mig welders that use an inert gas. I bought a decent one for about 400 dollars. They are really good for welding...
Regarding All Wheel Drive
Hi Chrysler 300 owner: With only 20,000 miles on a 2014 Chrysler 300 AWD, you definitely should not be experiencing any jerking type motion while you drive under normal operation. A few of the potential mechanical problems that cause similar...
Error 100 reading on the odometer. Battery fuses and starter are all good. My car won't crank.
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Check the engine control module (ECM) (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-engine-control-module-ecm) for an open short to ground. Check the battery's (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-a-car-battery) positive voltage input circuits, the battery positive voltage output circuits, the ignition voltage input circuits, the...
Oil pressure low
The oil pressure light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-light-is-on-inspection) will illuminate whenever the issue has been detected by the maim computer. If the car is started and the issue hasnt occured yet, the light may come off and on as the issue is detected....
Alternator or Battery is not Charging
The first thing is that disconnecting the battery cable when the engine is running can damage the alternator and computer modules on the vehicle. This will cause voltage spikes that will burn electrical circuits out. With the description of the...
check engine light on 2002 325i bmw
Hi there: Anytime an error is detected it stores a trouble code in the ECU which illuminates the check engine light on your BMW. In order to determine what's causing issues, or causing the check engine light to illuminate, you'll...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2013 Chevrolet Spark
The The Chevy Spark nimbly walks the line between being functional and being totally adorable. In the spirit of mini cars past like the Ford Festiva and the Yugo, this spritely little creation offers improved safety combined with the tech...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Love Camping
Do Do you love camping, getting back to nature and enjoying life in the great outdoors? If you do, then you know that getting there can be half the fun, and it’s even better if you have a great ride....
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Coolant Tube
Common signs include low coolant levels, visible coolant leaks, and engine overheating.