Can Antifreeze Be Mixed with Water for Use?
2 Answers
Antifreeze cannot be mixed with water for use because water has a higher freezing point and a lower boiling point, making it unsuitable for mixing with antifreeze. The Function of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and providing year-round protection against scale and corrosion. Precautions for Mixing Antifreeze: It is essential to use antifreeze from the same brand. Different brands of antifreeze may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between the additives, rendering them ineffective. Precautions for Replacing Antifreeze: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with particular attention to the five-way hose. The five-way hose is named for its five connections to various parts of the engine. Antifreeze flows through the five-way hose and is distributed to different parts of the car to perform its function. If there is any leakage of antifreeze in this section, the hose should be replaced or the connections re-secured as necessary.
This needs to be clarified. You really can't just mix antifreeze with tap water - I learned this the hard way. Even mineral water won't do! Last year I poured half a bottle of mineral water into the radiator to save trouble, and two months later the radiator was full of scale - the mechanic just shook his head. Those anti-corrosion and anti-boiling additives in factory coolant get diluted and become ineffective when mixed with water. Especially nowadays with many engines being aluminum-made, without anti-corrosion protection they're prone to perforation and leakage. If you find the fluid level is low, either add the same type of antifreeze, or if you really can't find any, use distilled water as an emergency measure. But the proper solution is to drive to a repair shop immediately for a complete coolant replacement.
