Can Water Replace Coolant?
2 Answers
Water cannot be used as a substitute for coolant. This is because coolant possesses the following three characteristics, which water cannot replicate. Here are the specific details: 1. Winter antifreeze: To prevent the coolant from freezing and causing the radiator or engine block to crack when the car is parked in winter, the freezing point of the coolant should be about 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in the region, in case of sudden weather changes. 2. Anti-corrosion: Coolant should prevent corrosion of metal components and aging of rubber parts. 3. Anti-scaling: The coolant should minimize the formation of scale during circulation to avoid clogging the circulation pipes and affecting the cooling function of the coolant.
Honestly, coolant really can't be replaced with water long-term—I've seen this issue too often. Water's boiling point is too low; once the car heats up, the engine is prone to boiling over and overheating damage, especially in summer. Impurities in water can also corrode pipes and radiators, and in winter, freezing can crack the radiator. Professional coolant contains rust inhibitors and antifreeze components to protect critical engine parts and extend their lifespan. In an emergency, distilled water can be used temporarily, but don't delay—switch back to dedicated coolant within a week. Remember, don't skimp on routine maintenance costs; otherwise, repair bills will be even higher, and safety could be compromised.
