Can I Add Water When the Car Coolant Is Insufficient?
1 Answers
When the antifreeze is insufficient, you can add an appropriate amount of water, but it is best not to add tap water. Instead, use soft water or distilled water. Of course, purified water is also a type of soft water, as tap water tends to produce scale. Most importantly, do not add too much water, as it will alter the freezing point of the antifreeze, leading to more harm than good. Below are the functions of antifreeze: 1. Anti-scaling. The most troublesome issue for drivers using water as a coolant is scale formation. Scale adheres to the metal surfaces of the radiator and water jacket, gradually reducing heat dissipation efficiency and being difficult to remove. High-quality antifreeze is made with distilled water and contains anti-scaling additives, which not only prevent scale but also have descaling properties. If the radiator has thick scale buildup, it is best to thoroughly clean it with a radiator cleaner before adding antifreeze. 2. Anti-corrosion function. The engine and its cooling system are made of metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. Over time, these metals corrode and rust when exposed to water at high temperatures. Antifreeze not only prevents corrosion in the engine cooling system but also has anti-corrosion and rust-removing properties.
