Do Cars Need Water? How Often Should It Be Added?

[LeDonovan]

Cars do not require water; they need to use specialized coolant. Relevant information is as follows: Engine: The engines used in cars are all water-cooled engines, which rely on coolant continuously circulating within the engine to dissipate heat. The coolant has two circulation paths within the engine: one is the major cycle, and the other is the minor cycle. When the engine is just started, the coolant undergoes the minor cycle, during which it does not pass through the radiator to dissipate heat, helping the engine to warm up quickly. After the engine runs for a while and reaches normal operating temperature, the coolant switches to the major cycle, passing through the radiator to dissipate heat, thereby maintaining the engine within the normal operating temperature range. Coolant: The coolant needs to be replaced periodically. If not replaced for a long time, the coolant's freezing point may rise, and its boiling point may drop, affecting the engine's normal operation. Therefore, it is essential to regularly replace the coolant during routine car use. When replacing the coolant, ensure that the old coolant in the cooling system is completely drained before adding new coolant.

[McLyla]

I've been driving for over ten years and noticed there's quite a misunderstanding about adding water to cars. Vehicles mainly require two types of fluids: windshield washer fluid and engine coolant. Windshield washer fluid gets used up the fastest, especially during rainy days or in dusty conditions. I usually check it every month or so, and top it up when it's running low. A bottle of dedicated washer fluid from the supermarket lasts quite a while. Coolant, on the other hand, is different—it's for cooling the engine and can't be replaced with water. Every six months, I pop the hood to check the translucent plastic reservoir; as long as the level is between the marks, no action is needed. Coolant typically requires a complete change every two years, and if it's low, you should top it up with dedicated antifreeze. Remember, never pour tap water into the radiator—mineral deposits can cause the engine to overheat and break down, which is definitely not worth it.

[MacKingston]

Working in an auto repair shop for a long time, I often see car owners adding water randomly. In fact, there are only two types of water that a car needs: the windshield washer fluid in the wiper fluid reservoir, and the coolant in the cooling system. Windshield washer fluid is consumed the most, and I recommend checking the fluid level every time you wash your car, topping it up when you see the bottom of the reservoir—frequency depends on the weather. Coolant is much more particular; you must use a specialized antifreeze mixture. During regular maintenance, the mechanic will test the freezing point and fluid level for you, and generally, it should be completely replaced every two years or so. You can check the expansion tank monthly when the engine is cold, and if it's below the lower limit, top it up with the same color-coded fluid. Important reminder: Never use tap water or mineral water as coolant—the minerals can clog the water pipes and, in severe cases, ruin the engine.

[DeKingston]

When I first bought a car, I always thought I needed to frequently add water. Now I understand it depends on the situation. Windshield washer fluid is the simplest—when the front windshield gets dirty and pressing the spray button produces no mist, you know it’s time to refill. I always keep two bottles in the trunk, and I top it up roughly every two months. Coolant is different—that pink or green liquid protects the engine. For the first two years with a new car, you don’t need to worry about it at all. Later, a mechanic told me to pop the hood every six months to check the transparent reservoir’s level. If it’s slightly low, just top it up with specialized antifreeze, but never exceed the maximum mark. A complete replacement is needed every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers—check the manual for specifics. By the way, both electric and gasoline cars now come with maintenance-free batteries, so there’s no need to worry about adding water at all.