Should the Qashqai radiator be filled with coolant or water?
2 Answers
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.
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.