Just Put Brake Fluid Into Coolant Reservoir By Mistake. Help Advice Please

[pulmicort1415]

Skoda Fabia mk2.
I have just topped up my coolant reservoir with brake fluid. What should I do.

[Zacs-Master]

Drain it.

[DTCwordfan]

Yep, just drain it out and flush through.

[davebro]

leave it

[bhg481]

I think it's a type of oil, so should float on the coolant - try pouring some on water to check. If it does float it should stay at the top of the header tank so shouldn't do any harm but, if you're worried, adding more water SLOWLY will fill up the header tank and cause it to overflow and the brake fluid will come out first. Make sure you wash any off the paintwork as paint hates brake fluid.

[davebro]

I think you googled that bhg !

[bhg481]

I didn't Google anything

[davebro]

well I googled it and got exactly that wording!

[bhg481]

It's nice to know an expert agrees with me then. I used to do all my own car maintenance and so was aware that brake fluid is oily and should float on water. I also know that brake fluid is a very efficient paint stripper so, if you spill any on the paintwork you make sure you clean it off properly. The only reservation I have about leaving it in the system is that it might affect the rubber hoses; I know there are rubber seals in the braking system but they might be special rubbers.