[vina]

Just a curiosity thingy what are the different fluids used in the car made of, what are the desirable physical and chemical properties etc.

For example washer fluid, transmission oil (how is it different from engine oil) brake fluid ...

[dot]

Windshield washer fluid: Mostly propylene glycols + additives
Radiator fluid: Mostly low molecular weight ethylene glycols + green dye
Engine Oil for petrol (fully synthetic): Glycols (max%), ashless dispersants (max 4-6%), detergents (max 4-6%), anti-corrosion agents, viscosity modifiers, color and other additives.
Engine oil for diesel: similar composition with higher percentages of dispersants and detergents.
Brake fluids: Again mostly glycol based.
Transmission fluids: Mostly glycols of different molecular weights and rheology based and other additives.