How to Add Water to a Car's Radiator?
2 Answers
Car radiators are typically located behind the air conditioning condenser, and the radiator cap can be seen by opening the engine compartment. The radiator is a key component in the car's cooling system, functioning to dissipate heat. The coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, and then returns to the water jacket in a continuous cycle, thereby achieving heat dissipation and temperature regulation. Car radiators require antifreeze, whose full name is antifreeze coolant. The role of antifreeze is to cool rather than prevent freezing. When the engine starts running, the car's temperature begins to rise. If the vehicle remains at high temperatures, it can be dangerous and may even lead to explosion issues. Antifreeze is used to cool the car down. It is important to note that you should not add water to a car's radiator because everyday water contains impurities. If impure water circulates in the engine, especially during the major cycle when it flows into the cooling box behind the intake grille, it can produce scale that clogs the cooling system. This can lead to reduced engine power, increased wear, and high temperatures causing water to evaporate easily, resulting in a lack of coolant in the system. This can cause cylinder scuffing, cylinder head deformation, and in severe cases, engine failure. When adding antifreeze to the car radiator, check the scale. There are minimum and maximum marks inside the radiator when adding—usually, filling to the middle is sufficient, and it should not be filled to the top. The frequency of adding antifreeze depends on your driving habits, but generally, it should be added every 20,000 kilometers.
The first time I added water to the radiator, I was all flustered. It wasn't until later that I learned modern cars require coolant instead. You must wait until the engine is completely cooled—at least two hours after parking—so that the radiator doesn't feel hot to the touch. Locate the translucent plastic expansion tank in the engine bay and check the MAX and MIN level marks on its side. If the fluid level is below MIN, open the tank cap and slowly pour in coolant of the same color, making sure not to exceed the MAX line. After tightening the cap, start the car and let the coolant temperature rise to normal, then turn off the engine and check if the fluid level stabilizes. If the expansion tank is completely empty, it's best to seek professional help, as there might be air trapped inside requiring specialized bleeding. Remember, tap water is only for emergencies—long-term use can cause scaling and clog the pipes.
