Should I Add Antifreeze or Water to the Car Radiator?
3 Answers
You should add antifreeze to the car radiator. Water in daily life is impure and contains impurities. If water circulates in the engine, especially during the major cycle when it flows into the cooling tank behind the intake grille, the impure water can form scale and clog the cooling system. This can lead to reduced engine power, increased wear, and overheating. Additionally, water evaporates easily at high temperatures, causing a shortage in the cooling system, which may result in cylinder scoring, cylinder head deformation, or even engine failure in severe cases. Below is more information about antifreeze: 1. Antifreeze is a coolant with special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent properties such as freeze protection in winter, boil-over prevention in summer, and year-round anti-scale and anti-corrosion benefits. 2. Engines and their cooling systems are made of metals like copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. These metals can corrode and rust over time when exposed to water under high temperatures. In contrast, antifreeze not only prevents corrosion in the engine cooling system but also has anti-corrosion and rust-removal functions. 3. Over 95% of antifreeze used domestically and internationally is ethylene glycol-based. Compared to tap water, ethylene glycol's most notable feature is its freeze resistance, whereas water cannot prevent freezing. Additionally, ethylene glycol has a high boiling point, low volatility, moderate viscosity with minimal temperature variation, and excellent thermal stability. Thus, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze is an ideal coolant.
I recommend adding antifreeze instead of water because antifreeze is specifically designed for automotive cooling systems. It prevents engine damage from freezing in winter, raises the boiling point to avoid overheating in summer, and contains additives to protect metal components from corrosion. Pure water can freeze and expand, cracking the radiator or engine block, or boil over easily leading to cooling failure, while corrosion can shorten the lifespan of the water pump and radiator. I've seen cases where people used water to save money but ended up spending much more on repairs. Safety is paramount—follow the vehicle manual's recommended antifreeze mixing ratio. In emergencies, distilled water can be used temporarily, but switch back as soon as possible. Regularly check antifreeze levels and concentration to maintain stable vehicle conditions, and don't let temporary convenience lead to major mistakes.
Choosing antifreeze is a wise decision, saving money and hassle in the long run. Although the initial purchase might be slightly more expensive, it protects the cooling system, extends component lifespan, and reduces frequent replacements caused by corrosion. While pure water is free, it carries risks: freezing in cold weather can damage the engine, requiring major repairs, and boiling in hot conditions may lead to overheating or burst pipes. Corrosion issues also cause premature wear on metal parts, leading to frequent repairs. I've done the math—replacing antifreeze annually is much cheaper than replacing a water pump. It's best to use long-lasting products that only need replacement every two to three years. In emergencies, if you must add water, use distilled water and limit it to less than half, correcting the mix promptly without delay. Developing good habits ensures your car lasts longer with lower expenses.
