Should the Qashqai radiator be filled with coolant or water?

[DiElizabeth]

The Qashqai radiator should be filled with coolant. The car radiator generally refers to the heat exchanger, which is part of the vehicle's cooling system. The radiator in the engine's water cooling system consists of three parts: the inlet chamber, outlet chamber, main plate, and radiator core. The Qashqai is a compact SUV under Dongfeng Nissan, with dimensions of 4401 mm in length, 1837 mm in width, and 1593 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2646 mm. In terms of power, the Qashqai is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 151 hp, a maximum torque of 194 Nm, and a maximum power of 111 kW.

[Danielle]

As a car enthusiast, I've been driving a Qashqai for several years, and the radiator is something you shouldn't overlook. Of course, you should add coolant, not water. Water is simple and cheap, but the Qashqai is designed in Europe with high requirements for internal pipes and the engine. Coolant has excellent antifreeze properties, preventing the radiator from cracking even in sub-zero winters; it dissipates heat quickly in summer, preventing engine overheating and damage; it also contains additives to protect metal parts from rust and clogging. Last time I went on a long trip, I noticed the coolant level was a bit low and promptly topped it up with Nissan-specific antifreeze, which made the drive smoother. Using water might be fine for short trips, but long-term use can lead to scaling, corrosion, and higher maintenance costs. The maintenance manual also emphasizes this, recommending a coolant change every two years to keep the car in optimal condition.

[VonRuby]

From a practical standpoint, just use coolant and forget about water. The radiator is a critical component of the Qashqai. While adding water might work in an emergency, it carries significant risks. Water contains many impurities that can easily form sediment and scale, clogging the water channels. It also has poor thermal efficiency, boiling quickly in high summer temperatures, which can lead to engine overheating. In winter, freezing and expansion can cause radiator joints to crack. Coolant, on the other hand, contains antifreeze and anticorrosion additives that extend the lifespan and protect the vehicle as a whole. When I drive my Qashqai, I regularly check the coolant level and top it up with the manufacturer-recommended red or green coolant—simple and reliable. Neglecting this can lead to costly consequences, such as coolant temperature warning lights or even major repairs. Developing good habits ensures your vehicle remains durable and safe.

[LoganFitz]

When maintaining a vehicle, I tend to recommend coolant over water. Coolant is specifically designed to be antifreeze, anti-rust, and to elevate the boiling point, offering superior overall performance. The Qashqai's radiator system is precision-engineered, and adding water may introduce impurities that can cause corrosion, particularly damaging to aluminum components. With a boiling point approximately 100 degrees lower, water can easily lead to overheating under heavy summer loads. In winter, freezing and expansion can damage pipes and joints. Coolant helps maintain a clean and efficient system, with dedicated brands like Nissan OEM ensuring reliable compatibility. Regular replacement and level checks are also crucial to prevent potential failures. Handling it this way ensures a more secure and worry-free driving experience.