What are the drawbacks of waterless coolant?
3 Answers
Waterless coolant has drawbacks such as relatively high secondary maintenance costs, longer filling times, and limited usage conditions. Also known as waterless cooling oil or automotive cooling oil, it is a new type of automotive consumer product that completely eliminates traditional coolant issues like corrosion, scale, cavitation, and overheating in the engine's cooling system, thereby extending the engine's lifespan. The benefits of waterless coolant: 1. Prevents internal engine rust; 2. The cooling system operates under no or very low pressure, allowing the radiator cap to be opened at any time; 3. Eliminates the vapor insulation layer, resolving localized engine overheating and releasing engine power; 4. Shorter acceleration distance, smoother acceleration, and more seamless gear shifting.
Waterless coolant has quite a few drawbacks. First, it's extremely expensive—a single bottle can cost several times more than regular coolant. For instance, replacing it in my Accord costs over a thousand yuan, whereas conventional coolant is under two hundred. Second, it's not suitable for all vehicle types, especially older cars or systems with leaks, as residual moisture can trigger chemical reactions that clog the radiator. My friend's car once suffered engine failure due to overheating from this issue. Additionally, the replacement process is complex, requiring professional system flushing that's beyond most DIYers and time-consuming. In extreme cold, its freezing point isn't as low as advertised, becoming risky below -30°C. Overall, while durable, its cost-performance ratio is poor—regular coolant with periodic maintenance is more economical for average cars.
Using anhydrous coolant may cause compatibility issues. With over a decade of auto repair experience, I've frequently observed it corroding aluminum components or radiator connections, especially when mixed with residual old coolant, leading to premature material aging and cracking that causes leaks and skyrocketing repair costs. Another drawback is detection difficulty—its leaks don't evaporate, making them hard to spot unlike conventional coolant loss which is easily noticeable. Coupled with high costs (a single bottle often priced at hundreds or even thousands), replacing the entire system becomes exorbitantly expensive if issues arise. I recommend car owners prioritize ethylene glycol-based conventional coolants for cost-effectiveness and safety. Anhydrous products are only suitable for specific luxury vehicles—invest cautiously.
