Can Water Be Added to the Car Radiator Coolant?
2 Answers
Water should not be added to the car radiator coolant because it lowers the freezing point and can easily damage the engine. Below is an introduction to coolant: 1. Concept: Coolant, fully known as antifreeze coolant, refers to a coolant with antifreeze functionality. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing during cold seasons when the car is parked, which could otherwise crack the radiator and damage the engine cylinder block. 2. Product Performance: Coolant consists of three parts: water, antifreeze, and additives. Depending on the antifreeze component, it can be categorized into alcohol-based, glycerol-based, ethylene glycol-based, and other types of coolant. 3. Identification: High-quality coolant has a bright color, is clear and transparent, and has no odor. When heated in a beaker and its boiling point measured with a thermometer, genuine coolant has a boiling point above 100°C, while counterfeit products have a boiling point below 100°C.
As a mechanic with over a decade of experience in repair shops, I've encountered countless cases where cars were damaged by adding improper water. In summer, you might be driving when suddenly the temperature gauge spikes. Pop the hood and see the radiator bubbling—chances are someone previously added tap water. The minerals in tap water form scale under high temperatures, clogging the cooling passages like limescale in a kettle. At best, this reduces cooling efficiency and increases fuel consumption; at worst, it can cause engine seizure requiring major repairs. In emergencies, you can temporarily use distilled water as a stopgap. I recommend keeping distilled water in your car for emergencies, and grabbing a bottle of coolant when passing by an auto parts store. Coolant prevents both freezing and boiling—don't skimp on these few dozen bucks.
