Do Sedans Have a Radiator and Need Water Added?
3 Answers
There is a radiator, but water should not be added. Instead, use dedicated radiator fluid or qualified antifreeze. Below are the relevant details: 1. Radiator fluid specifications: The service life of car radiator fluid is 2 years, with a replacement cycle of 2 years. When selecting radiator fluid or antifreeze, opt for high-quality diluted radiator fluid or antifreeze. In case of accidental water shortage, tap water can be added temporarily to prevent unnecessary losses due to lack of water. Additionally, dedicated radiator fluid and antifreeze are both freeze-proof and boil-proof, which water cannot match. 2. Filling capacity: The radiator should not be filled too full. It is generally recommended to fill up to the radiator's marked scale line, which is about 95% of the radiator's capacity. According to standards, only antifreeze or radiator coolant should be added up to the marked scale line.
I found that cars indeed have a component called a radiator, commonly referred to as the water tank, which is mainly used to cool the engine. It requires regular checks of the fluid level, but instead of adding water, a specialized coolant should be used. Coolant is an antifreeze and anti-boil mixture, as pure water can corrode radiator components and may boil at high temperatures or freeze in cold conditions, leading to engine overheating and damage. When I was learning to drive, I once tried adding water, which resulted in the car breaking down and costly repairs later. Therefore, during every maintenance session, I ask the technician to check the fluid level and top it up with coolant if it's low. Different car models may require different types of coolant, such as ethylene glycol-based ones, which are usually specified in the manual. When parked, after the engine has cooled down, you can open the hood and unscrew the expansion tank cap to check if the fluid level is within the standard range. Remember not to perform this operation when the engine is hot to avoid burns. It's recommended to replace the coolant once a year or according to the mileage maintenance schedule to keep the vehicle in good health.
As a car owner, I've experienced issues with the car's radiator. Yes, cars have radiators, which we commonly refer to as the 'water tank,' and they do require proper fluid management. However, you should never add plain water because impurities in the water can cause rust in the pipes, damaging both the radiator and the engine. Instead, you should use a specialized coolant to prevent freezing in winter and overheating in summer. When I first bought a car, I didn't know better and added tap water, which ended up damaging the water pump and costing me a lot in repairs. Later, through regular maintenance, I learned to check the fluid level in the expansion tank myself—if it's low, I add a coolant mixture. Different brands of coolant require specific mixing ratios, such as 1:1. Make it a habit to check the levels before driving, and only perform operations when the engine has cooled down. If you notice the coolant level frequently dropping, there might be a leak, and you should take it to a professional for inspection. Safety first—don't cut corners by using the wrong fluid. Additionally, pay extra attention to the cooling system during hot seasons to avoid overheating during high-speed driving. Developing good habits can extend your car's lifespan.
