Does a car radiator need water? How often should it be refilled?
2 Answers
Cars do not require water; they need to use specialized coolant. Generally, 4S shops recommend that car owners refill it every 20,000 kilometers. However, this is not a fixed value, as the specific refill time should be determined based on the driving environment and usage conditions of different car owners. The function of the car radiator and the position for adding water are as follows: Function of the car radiator: The car radiator absorbs heat from the cylinder block to prevent engine overheating. Since water has a relatively high specific heat capacity, its temperature does not rise significantly after absorbing heat from the cylinder block. Therefore, the engine's heat is dissipated through the liquid circuit of the coolant, using water as the heat transfer medium. The heat is then dissipated by convection through large-area cooling fins to maintain the engine's optimal operating temperature. Position for adding water to the car radiator: There are two markings on the inner wall of the coolant reservoir: one is MAX, and the other is MIN, representing the highest and lowest levels, respectively. Simply keep the water level between these two marks.
I've been driving for over 20 years and know that the car's 'water tank' actually refers to the expansion tank of the cooling system, which contains not pure water but a coolant mixture. The coolant has special additives to prevent freezing and engine corrosion. I make it a habit to check the fluid level every two months, preferably when the engine is cool, by opening the tank cap to see if the liquid is between the high and low marks. If the level is low, I add the specified coolant directly without water, as water would dilute the antifreeze effect, risking frozen and burst pipes in winter or boiling and overheating in summer. Engine overheating can lead to serious failures like cylinder bursts, so I check regularly, especially adjusting the coolant concentration during seasonal changes, using more freeze-resistant types in the north. Simple maintenance can extend engine life and reduce the risk of breakdowns. During checks, I also inspect the tank cap's seal—a bad seal can cause faster evaporation. Keeping it stable is crucial.
