Antifreeze or screenwash

[Cockney_si]

I have a bottle in the back of my car that I can't remember if it contains screewash.

As a rule I normally have scented screenwash but a while back I did run out and used normal screenwash instead so it could be that.

I also had to top up my coolant before the last MOT so it could well be the last of the antifreeze.

Is there an easy and safe way to tell which fluid it is ?

Oviously it's bad to put the wrong fluid in the wrong part under the bonnet so I need to get it wrong.....

Also I think that anitfreeze should not be poured away down the sink or drain so I can't just pour it away and forget about it until I know what it is.

Many thanks !

[gsr600]

how about putting some in the freezer

[Cockney_si]

I don't think that would work as it's diulted with water and the water part would ice up no matter what the fluid would be.

[HOWLING.NORM]

Take a swig and report back tomorrow.

[stewey]

Cockney, I think a 'good rule of thumb' is: if you don't know what's in a container, get rid of it and the container.

[PhilLew]

Shake it!

screen wash will foam up

anti freeze won't

[phizzy]

hi cockney_si - you could try pouring some over your neighbour's car - if you get a good thumping - it's probably anti-freeze

[gsr600]

well why do they call it antifreeze you normally mix it with water.
PhilLew's answer sounds interesting

[Mysterons]

Screenwash contains antifreeze, so add a little washing-up liquid to your solution, dilute it say 1 in 10 with tap water, and you have a good supply of screenwash for the winter (If it freezes in mid-December then it wasn't anti-freeze !)