Bonehead move - poured washer fluid in brake fluid receptacle

[4thPcar]

This is what I get for being in a hurry and multi-tasking. I was filling all our cars with wiper fluid. Lifted the frunk lid and only saw a clear receptacle under the hood, so started to pour fluid in it. Wondered why it was basically full, we've had a lot of rain and Ive used a lot of fluid. Maybe it took one ounce. Then I pulled my head back and saw the windshield wiper fluid tank at the very front of the frunk. Weird place to put it.

I am not inclined to panic unless there is an expert on the forum that feels I need to flush the system. Would an ounce of wiper fluid do that much damage to my system?

Hope this helps other owners from doing the same thing.

Sponsored

 

[RAHRCR]

Potentially yes. Very important to flush or purge well.

 

[DJBlack]

It needs draining asap as the washer fluid is likely lighter than the brake fluid (like when you mix oil and vinegar) so could find it’s way downwards into the callipers, at which point it will boil when you brake hard and will give you brake fade.

It won’t be as bad on a EV compared to an ICE car due to the recoup braking, but if it was me I would be making sure every last drop of washer fluid was removed from the braking system (you basically need to do a brake fluid change at a garage / dealer)

 

[WattTurbo]

If you haven’t used your brakes yet then the fluid should still be in the reservoir. Just use a turkey baster to extract all of the fluid out from it. If you have already used your brakes then you’ll need to flush the lines.

 

[TDinDC]

I agree with the idea of using baster to get as much out as possible BUT I would also have the entire system flushed and uncontaminated fluid put back in. Do not cut corners with brakes.

too bad you are not local as I have a fluid extraction device made specifically for this type of situation.

and I can’t help but chuckle a bit as this sounds exactly like something I would do.

 

[4thPcar]

Thanks everyone. I tried to remove it via baster but the fluid coming out is yellow and not blue. So, I guess it's already mixed. I made an appt with my dealership for Tuesday and won't drive it until then.

The car has 11K miles and as I said, only about an ounce of washer fluid went in, so I am not too concerned and a brake flush at 11K miles wouldn't be a bad idea anyway.

And I'll get a free car wash.

 

[TaycanCook]

I would have used a turkey baster to empty the resevoir and replace the fluid at a minimum.

 

[4thPcar]

Problem is I can’t figure how to get that yellow filter out in order to drain it with a baster.

 

[FlyingPoint]

Brake fluid is hydroscopic. It is not likely that you will notice any degradation unless your fluid gets to the 100C. It will then boil the water, create a gas and brakes can be unreliable or fail. Unless you are a fatalist, have the system flushed before any spirited driving.

 

[FlyingPoint]

Problem is I can’t figure how to get that yellow filter out in order to drain it with a baster.

I use needle fine nose pliers to grab and remove it.

 

[4thPcar]

Problem is I can’t figure how to get that yellow filter out in order to drain it with a basted

I use needle fine nose pliers to grab and remove it.

Seems to only come out if aligned in some mysterious way I cannot divine how? Am I dumber than I thought? I don’t want to damage this as well.

 

[FlyingPoint]

Problem is I can’t figure how to get that yellow filter out in order to drain it with a basted


Seems to only come out if aligned in some mysterious way I cannot divine how? Am I dumber than I thought? I don’t want to damage this as well.

Just grab the lip and pull, however with your luck I would wear safety goggles - no telling the damage you might do to your self.

 

[4thPcar]

I decided I would forgo the free car wash. I got off the filter and sucked all the fluid out. It was a little cloudy so that's probably not good. I am sure I got it all. The car was never moved before or since the operation. Now I need to find the right brake fluid. I searched the owner's manual for this and didn't find a spec. I'll check with Porsche or maybe someone following my bonehead move will know - DOT 4?

Is there a reason to pay 5x retail for the Porsche brand?

Thanks again.

 

[TaycanCook]

I decided I would forgo the free car wash. I got off the filter and sucked all the fluid out. It was a little cloudy so that's probably not good. I am sure I got it all. The car was never moved before or since the operation. Now I need to find the right brake fluid. I searched the owner's manual for this and didn't find a spec. I'll check with Porsche or maybe someone following my bonehead move will know - DOT 4?

Is there a reason to pay 5x retail for the Porsche brand?

Thanks again.

Dot4 will do it. Also, don't pump your brakes until you got fluid in there.

 

[4thPcar]

I read a Rennlist post by a track driver who recommended Pentosin. I can get it here at the parts store, so am good to go.

Sponsored