Can I add water if there is no antifreeze in summer?
2 Answers
Can I add water if there is no antifreeze in summer? The water added can only be pure water or distilled water, because if it is not pure water or distilled water, there will be impurities in the water, which will react chemically with the substances in the original antifreeze. In mild cases, the antifreeze effect will be reduced, and in severe cases, the liquid will deteriorate and corrode the radiator. Moreover, adding water is only an emergency measure and cannot be used all the time. Antifreeze can prevent the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator and freezing the engine cylinder block when parking in cold winter. Its full name is antifreeze coolant. The role of antifreeze: Antifreeze is a kind of coolant with special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling system. Antifreeze has excellent performance such as antifreeze in winter, anti-boiling in summer, anti-scale and anti-corrosion all year round. The basic indicators of antifreeze are freezing point and boiling point. The freezing points of antifreeze on the market are -15℃, -25℃, -30℃, -40℃ and other specifications. Generally, it is advisable to choose a freezing point that is 10℃ lower than the lowest temperature in the region.
As an experienced veteran driver, I've found that adding water when coolant is low in summer is only a temporary emergency solution. Coolant isn't just for antifreeze - it also prevents boiling, corrosion, and protects the engine and piping. While adding water can provide emergency cooling, over time the water dilutes the original fluid, lowering the boiling point which can lead to overheating and pipe bursts under summer heat, and may cause rust and scale blockages. I remember once adding water during a long-distance emergency, only to have the water temperature spike later, forcing me to pull into a repair shop. My advice is to use water temporarily to reach a service station, then replace it with new coolant or a distilled water/professional fluid mix as soon as possible. Never cut corners by using tap water long-term, or you'll face hefty engine repair bills.
