Can Engine Coolant Be Replaced with Cold Water?
1 Answers
Engine coolant cannot be replaced with cold water for the following reasons: High-temperature damage caused by replacing coolant with water: In the early days when automotive engine technology was not as advanced, the cooling medium used in car engine radiators was indeed water—plain water or tap water—and it was commonly added and used this way. Therefore, in the past, it was often observed that after driving for a relatively long time, the water in the radiator would boil, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "boiling over." At this point, the engine could not function properly, and the vehicle had to be stopped to wait for the water temperature in the radiator to decrease, along with the engine temperature, before continuing to drive. Low-temperature damage caused by replacing coolant with water: In colder climates, the issue of freezing at low temperatures needs to be addressed. Some substances added to coolant include those that lower the freezing point, giving coolant a much lower freezing point than water. This ensures that even at temperatures below zero or as low as -20 degrees Celsius, the coolant will not freeze. Coolant prevents corrosion and scale formation: Compared to the earlier practice of using plain water for cooling, modern coolant contains additives that provide anti-corrosion and anti-scaling properties. During long-term vehicle use, especially for rubber and metal piping, the continuous exposure to high and low temperatures in the cooling cycle can lead to corrosion if coolant is not used. Over time, accumulated corrosion can easily cause leaks or damage to related pipes and components, rendering the cooling system inoperable and subsequently preventing the engine from functioning properly.
