Can You Put Water In Coolant Tank? Know Here!

Have you ever thought to put water in the coolant tank instead of anti-freeze? People are fond of experimenting, and this is one thing that car owners do when living under hot climates. There is a myth that a car’s radiator wouldn’t need the antifreeze in warmer weather conditions. But, is that really so? Let’s find out below can you put water in coolant tank or not.

Can You Put Water In Coolant Tank? A Simplified Explanation

Coolant and water are incomplete without each other. It is the 50:50 concoction of both that works to maintain the engine’s cool. The mixture is known for doing wonders by hampering the freezing or boiling of the coolant under severe weather conditions. The question that may though eat up your head is “can you use water instead of coolant.” Read, on to get your answers.

1. The Role Of Coolant

If water were enough then, there would have been no need to invent anything such as a coolant. Where water tends to freeze at lower temperatures, coolant does not. On the contrary, when water boils and evaporates in a hot temperature range, coolant does not. The coolant or aptly the antifreeze is known to stay in the liquid state no matter how wide the temperature variations.

This fact alone explains why you can’t replace coolant with water. The coolant also contains diverse additives that prevent the corrosion of the engine parts. Then why not go by the norm and use water and coolant in equal ratios. Now that you know the answer to “can you put water in coolant tank,” let’s see how the replacement could be dangerous.

          SEE MORE:

• The Consequences Faced When the Coolant Runs Out
• Signs That Indicate Low Coolant Availability In The Reservoir

2. Consequences Of Using Water Instead Water

The above section explains why using water as coolant is a bad idea. What you may be wondering now is what could possibly go wrong, if you use 100% water. Ask, what might not go wrong, as it is the engine that you would be harming. It is quite likely that the freeze plugs would pop out and the water pump would clog owing to water freezing in winters.

In warmer weathers, air would enter the engine due to boiling of water that, in turn, would affect the engine’s overall performance. Once the temperature would rise, water would start evaporating which would lead to engine’s overheating. Another disadvantage of water would be faster rusting of the engine and its corresponding parts.

3. Things To Keep In Mind

The answer to “Can I use water as engine coolant,” is definitely no. On the contrary, this does not mean that you can’t use water at all. One thing straight, always mix water and coolant in equal consistencies. If you are using 50% water, there should be 50% coolant too. Water is mixed with coolant as the former is capable of transferring heat more quickly and effectively.

Remember to always use distilled water instead of normal water. Regular water may contain impurities that may hinder the cooling process, unlike the distilled water which is pure. Lastly, it is the blend of heat transfer capabilities of water and the shielding nature of the coolant that makes everything perfect. Go through maintenance tips for more information on coolants and its importance.

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Wrapping Up

Now when someone asks you “can you put water in coolant tank,” you would know what would be the best. While some may suggest you to utilize the water alone when in warmer climates, do not follow the advice. Because half water and half coolant is what makes the engines play!