Is the car radiator filled with water or coolant?
3 Answers
The car radiator contains coolant, also known as antifreeze. The radiator, a key component in the vehicle's cooling system, functions by allowing the coolant to absorb heat in the radiator. The heated coolant then flows to the radiator where the heat dissipates before returning to the radiator to complete the cycle and regulate temperature. The steps to replace the radiator coolant are as follows: 1. Unscrew the radiator cap and open the drain valve to release the coolant; 2. Insert a rubber hose connected to a water supply pipe into the radiator filler neck; 3. Turn on the water supply to allow clean water to continuously flow through the engine cooling system; 4. During the flushing process, keep the engine idling until clear water flows out from the radiator; 5. Add new coolant to the radiator.
I used to drive a few older cars, and the radiators were all filled with antifreeze, not pure water. Pure water freezes directly below zero degrees in winter, which could potentially crack the engine block, costing thousands to repair. Antifreeze is actually a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, which prevents freezing even below the freezing point and also prevents boiling in summer, providing more stable cooling performance. My old car once had water added to save money, but it ended up corroding the radiator connections and causing leaks, nearly overheating the engine to the point of failure. After that, I strictly used dedicated antifreeze. Nowadays, new cars are even more particular, with added rust inhibitors and lubricants to extend component lifespan. I check the fluid level every six months to ensure it stays between the upper and lower limits, topping it up promptly if it's low, which makes driving much more worry-free. Remember, don't save small money only to invite big trouble—professional antifreeze costs just around twenty yuan a bottle, and adding it yourself is very convenient. Just follow the ratio specified in the manual.
As an average driver who frequently travels on highways, my car's radiator is primarily filled with antifreeze, not plain tap water. The radiator is responsible for dissipating engine heat. If only water is used, in cold winter regions, the radiator could freeze and crack, leading to engine failure. In summer, water's low boiling point under high temperatures can cause insufficient cooling, making the engine overheat and smoke. Antifreeze prevents freezing and rust, and is typically mixed with distilled water in a 50-50 ratio. I once made the mistake of using tap water, which led to scale buildup clogging the pipes, causing erratic engine temperatures and forcing me to take the car for major repairs. Now I've learned my lesson—I check the radiator fluid level every season to ensure it's bright and clear, not cloudy. Antifreeze only needs replacing every two to three years, and avoid mixing different brands to prevent chemical reactions. Saving a little time on maintenance ensures safer driving.
