What are the consequences of adding salt to the engine coolant tank?
2 Answers
Adding salt to the engine coolant tank can accelerate wear on internal components and may cause corrosion. Hazards of using low-quality engine oil: It degrades the oil quality, causing premature reduction in performance and inadequate lubrication for the engine. Fuel consumption rate becomes higher than the rated standard, and the engine fails to achieve its designated power output. Excessive carbon deposits from combustion affect the engine's combustion efficiency, leading to excessively high combustion chamber temperatures and early damage to pistons, piston rings, and cylinder liners. It also disrupts the lubrication of precision components in the fuel pump and injectors. Engine maintenance tips: Since the combustion chamber is prone to carbon buildup, which can cause difficulty in starting, carbon deposits on the injectors may also lead to clogged fuel passages, distorted fuel spray patterns, poor atomization, and naturally increased fuel consumption.
I've worked in the automotive repair industry for a long time and have seen too many people make this mistake. Adding salt to the engine coolant reservoir significantly increases the water's conductivity, triggering electrochemical corrosion. A current circuit forms between metal components like the aluminum tubes in the radiator, copper parts in the water pump, and iron components in the engine, causing rapid rusting and perforation that leads to coolant leaks. Over time, the system becomes severely clogged, reducing cooling efficiency and making the engine prone to overheating and smoking. What's worse, while saltwater lowers the freezing point, it's far inferior to dedicated antifreeze, which contains anti-corrosion additives to protect the system. When a leak occurs, you might be driving on the highway with the coolant temperature alarm blaring, forcing you to make an emergency stop—not only dangerous but also difficult to repair. It's best to use standard coolant directly to avoid man-made damage, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
