Why can't water be used as a substitute for antifreeze?
2 Answers
Antifreeze cannot be replaced with water because: water has a higher freezing point and a lower boiling point compared to antifreeze. Using water as a substitute for antifreeze can affect the normal operation of the engine, and water can also corrode the engine's water passages, potentially leading to blockage in severe cases. Precautions for using antifreeze: 1. The antifreeze level should be checked regularly, and replenished promptly if it falls below the lower limit; 2. Observe whether the antifreeze has any turbid sediments, and replace it in time if there are any; 3. Different car models have different antifreeze colors, so they should not be mixed; 4. Before winter, measure the freezing point of the antifreeze to prevent it from freezing.
Water is truly detrimental in an engine cooling system. With over a decade of driving experience, I've witnessed countless cases of issues arising from using tap water. Water has a high freezing point—it can freeze at sub-zero temperatures in winter, causing expansion that may crack the radiator or engine block, leading to complete engine failure and thousands in wasted repair costs. Its boiling point is also low; in summer traffic jams, coolant temperatures exceeding 100°C can cause boiling and steam eruptions, which may even scald people. Worse yet, tap water contains minerals and oxygen that, over time, corrode materials like aluminum and copper, rusting and clogging waterways, accelerating water pump bearing wear, and potentially forming scale that reduces cooling efficiency. Antifreeze not only lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point but also contains additives to prevent corrosion and rust, ensuring smooth system operation. A car is our legs—don't cut corners on such a critical detail. Follow the manual and change antifreeze regularly for peace of mind and safety.
