What Type of Water Should Be Added to a Car's Coolant Reservoir?
2 Answers
Add coolant. Below is a detailed introduction about coolant: 1. Method: Generally, coolant should be added as a mixture of half coolant and half water, and distilled water must be used. This is because the minerals in tap water can alter the properties of the coolant and prevent it from functioning properly. Therefore, never add tap water. The prepared coolant can then be poured into the reservoir through the filler neck. The coolant level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. 2. Reason: Water has a freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius, whereas modern antifreeze can have a freezing point as low as -45 degrees Celsius and a boiling point above 110 degrees Celsius. This is why coolant is also referred to as antifreeze.
I recommend not adding tap water or pure water directly to the cooling radiator. Instead, you should use a dedicated antifreeze coolant, preferably the type that is mixed with distilled water. If you add pure water, the minerals in the water can corrode engine components. In summer, it can easily cause the radiator to boil over, and in winter, freezing can crack the entire system, which is extremely dangerous. Antifreeze is typically ethylene glycol-based, protecting the engine from corrosion, preventing freezing and boiling, and extending the system's lifespan. The standard practice is to mix 50% antifreeze with 50% distilled water for the best cost-performance ratio. You can buy pre-mixed bottled coolant at auto shops for convenience. Check the fluid level before daily driving, keeping it between the min and max marks. If it's low, simply top it up. Don’t try to save money by using tap water—saving a few bucks now could cost you big in repairs later. Remember to completely replace the coolant every two years or 30,000 kilometers to ensure the system stays clean and runs smoothly.
