Do Sedans Need to Be Filled with Water?
2 Answers
Sedans do not need to be filled with water. The car's engine is water-cooled, but it requires the use of specialized antifreeze. The functions of automotive antifreeze are: 1. To provide anti-corrosion protection for the components of the cooling system; 2. To prevent scale buildup, avoiding a reduction in the radiator's heat dissipation efficiency; 3. To ensure the engine operates within the normal temperature range. Precautions for using antifreeze include: 1. The antifreeze level should be checked regularly, and it should be replenished promptly if it falls below the minimum level; 2. Observe whether the antifreeze has any turbid sediments, and replace it in time if there are any; 3. Different car models may use antifreeze of different colors, which should not be mixed; 4. Before winter, the freezing point of the antifreeze should be measured to prevent it from freezing.
Having driven for half my life, experience tells me whether a car needs water depends on the situation: the engine cooling system should never be topped up with tap water directly, because coolant is a specialized mixture that prevents corrosion and freezing—adding water can cause rust, clog pipes, or even lead to engine seizure. I check the coolant reservoir weekly and only top it up with pre-mixed coolant when levels are low, never pure water. For windshield washer fluid, I often use tap water mixed with washer concentrate—it’s cost-effective and works well for cleaning the windshield. As for older car batteries needing water, it’s rare now since newer models are mostly maintenance-free. The key is developing a habit of regular checks—don’t wait for the temperature warning to scramble. This extends your car’s lifespan and avoids the hassle of breaking down midway.
