Can I Add Mineral Water to the Radiator?
2 Answers
It is not recommended to add mineral water to the radiator. Instead, specialized antifreeze should be used to achieve the desired effects. Below is an introduction to automotive antifreeze: Definition: Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing when the vehicle is parked in cold winter conditions, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or damage the engine cylinder block. Functions: It provides anti-corrosion protection for components of the cooling system. It prevents scale buildup, which can reduce the radiator's cooling efficiency. It ensures the engine operates within the normal temperature range. Antifreeze must have characteristics such as freeze protection, boil-over prevention, corrosion resistance, scale prevention, and foam-free properties, and it should be unaffected by seasonal or regional variations.
I've been driving for over 20 years and encountered similar issues. Adding mineral water to the radiator is absolutely not acceptable, as I learned the hard way. With my old Toyota, when the coolant level was low, I took a shortcut and added bottled water. The result? Engine overheating alarm on the highway. The mechanic found mineral deposits accumulated and scaled in the radiator, reducing cooling efficiency and nearly causing engine failure. The hard water components in mineral water can corrode the pipes, leading to leaks or water pump failure over time, with costly repairs. Now I only use distilled water or specialized coolant, mixed at about a 50% ratio, which also provides anti-freeze and anti-corrosion properties. In an emergency, adding a bit of distilled water is fine, but it should be replaced as soon as possible. Don't underestimate this—proper engine maintenance ensures smooth and safe driving.
