Why NOT to use the wrong fluids for your Car

It is not uncommon for people to mix or use the wrong fluids in their vehicles, and the consequences can range from annoyance to destruction. Before consumers fill fluids under the hood of their vehicle, they can consult the operating instructions. If people have any questions, they should consult with a mechanic or with people from some of the best auto repair shops in Dubai. Sources say adding antifreeze to your car's windshield water tank can result in overly viscous and difficult to clean dirt. However, filling the tank with just water can be a great breeding ground for the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease.

What can go wrong if I use the wrong fluid in my car?

1. The wrath of motor oil

While the brand of motor oil doesn't matter to your car, its viscosity plays a huge role in the proper operation of your car. Just follow the instructions in the user manual. If you use the wrong oil, you risk losing lubrication and shortening the life of your engine. Use synthetic oil when indicated in the manual. Adding synthetic oil to standard oil, contrary to popular belief, will not harm the engine, but offers no less benefit.

2. Do not use liquid detergent

Not only does water create the ideal habitat for deadly bacteria, it also doesn't clean as well as wash liquid and is prone to freezing. Using household glass cleaners or ammonia on a car windshield can foam, damage the finish, and enter the air intake system, potentially creating a harmful atmosphere in the cabin.

3. The perfect fluid for your brakes

Hydraulic fluid specially developed for this purpose is used in braking systems. Replacing similar transmission or power steering fluid can damage the seals, cause system damage, and likely cause brake failure. It's worth noting that if your brake fluid is deficient, your vehicle will almost certainly need the brake system to function. Either the brakes are worn or there is a leak in the system.

4. The battery fluid

The individual cells of certain car batteries must be filled with some electrolyte to cover the lead plates. When tap water mixes with electrolyte in a battery, minerals in the water build up on the battery's internal lead plates, reducing the battery's performance and shortening its life.

5. Let the water cool down

A car's cooling system uses a mixture of water and antifreeze, formerly known as coolant, in proportions (typically 50/50) that prevent it from freezing on a cold day and boiling on a hot day. Adding too much water to a mixture will make it more prone to freezing and boiling. When it's cold outside, it can prevent the car from driving, and in warmer weather, cause overheating. Alternatively, tap water can eventually lead to mineral build-up in the cooling system, reducing its effectiveness.

These are just a few of the things that can go wrong with your car if you use the wrong fluids in it. In some situations, it can be very ugly that you can't take care of it yourself.