How often should water be added to a car?
3 Answers
Car radiator water has a service life of 2 years, with a replacement cycle of every 2 years. The car radiator is the main component in the vehicle's cooling system, and the water in the radiator serves to dissipate heat. Below is an introduction about car radiators: 1. Adding water to the car radiator: You must use dedicated radiator water or qualified antifreeze. When selecting radiator water or antifreeze, try to choose high-quality diluted radiator water or antifreeze. In case of emergency water shortage, tap water can be supplemented to prevent unnecessary losses caused by water shortage. Dedicated radiator water and antifreeze can prevent freezing and boiling. 2. The radiator should not be filled too full: If adding water, and especially if adding too much or filling it completely, this will cause a large amount of water to overflow due to "thermal expansion," leaving many water marks and scale on the surface.
Oh, after driving for half my life, I have to say that adding water to a car usually refers to the coolant. In my old clunker, I now have to check the reservoir level every week because the seals aren't tight and it tends to evaporate. If the level drops below the minimum mark, I top it up with a pre-mixed coolant solution—you can't delay this, or the engine might overheat in summer and leave you stranded on the road. New cars are much better; you only need to check every three months. Remember, coolant should be replaced regularly—every two years is safest—or the radiator can rust and clog. The key is never to use plain tap water; I made that mistake when I was younger, and it burned a hole right through the engine. Get into the habit of checking the level when you wash the car—it saves big repair bills later. Car maintenance is all about being meticulous.
As someone who frequently drives new cars, adding water to the car is often a coolant issue. My experience is to simply glance at the fluid level in the reservoir under the hood before driving each week, and add some dedicated coolant mixture if it's below the marked level. The frequency isn't high—generally topping up every few months unless there's a leak or faster evaporation due to hot weather. Windshield washer fluid is a different story; I use it often and top it up with tap water and detergent every time I wash the car. The key is to follow the manual's recommendations and avoid random additions. The cooling system needs to be protected against freezing and boiling, and checking the entire pipeline every six months ensures safety. Always check before long trips to keep the engine stable and reliable. Simple maintenance saves trouble and brings peace of mind.
