Can I put water instead of coolant? [8 things you should know]

Can I put water instead of coolant? Car coolant is an important yet underrated part of any car, this fluid keeps your engine from overheating and keeps countless moving components lubricated, this lubrication helps keep countless components in good working condition, making them function properly and more long-lasting. 

Sometimes you might have an unexpected scarcity of coolant, and you will need to use your car. Whether you can use water as a substitute is a commonly asked question by drivers and car enthusiasts alike, this question and everything you need to know about car coolant will be explained in detail in this article.

Can I use water as a substitute for coolant?

Yes, you can use water as a substitute for coolant but only in emergencies, you should never use water as a substitute except it is an urgent situation. You might be shocked to learn how prevalent this habit is. Many individuals believe that automobiles driven in hot regions can benefit from using distilled water as a substitute.

These people believe that antifreeze is only required for cars that will be driven in cold weather.

You should be aware that pouring water into the cooling system poses a serious risk to safety for both you and your car.

You can only use plain water as a temporary solution if there is no coolant available nearby, this should not be made a habit and should be done only in emergencies. 

I recommend waiting for the engine to cool down before opening the pressure cap, as hot coolant can spill and cause mishaps.

Why you should only use water in emergencies

Water can be only used as a temporary substitute for various reasons, below are the major reasons why using water should only be in emergencies.

Low boiling point

Using water as a substitute will make your car’s cooling system overheat at a much faster rate because it boils at a low temperature. This is why water should only be used as a short-term alternative.

High freezing point

Using just water in extremely cold temperatures would cause the water to freeze, which might affect the engine and cause cracks in the car radiator.

Corrosion

Water is made up of minerals that can leave deposits in the radiator, this can cause rust and damage important components like the car radiator.

Ethylene glycol or propylene glycol is present in coolants, which helps minimize the chances of corrosion.

Electrolysis

Using water can also cause electrolysis when a small amount of current flows through the fluid, this can be hazardous to the longevity of the metal.

What type of water is best?

Now that you understand that using water is a very bad idea except you are in an urgent situation, you should know the right type of water to use in urgent situations like this. 

If you will be using water, I recommend distilled or bottled water instead of tap water or any unclean water.

Why is coolant so important?

It eliminates heat to keep your engine working at the best condition possible, this helps you maintain a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

Fuel is burned in internal combustion engines to produce power. The engine utilizes a portion of the power to propel the car forward, and the remnant converts to heat.

Some of this heat is released from the engine through the exhaust. The engine block contains the remaining heat. Coolant is used to keep the engine safe and operating at optimal temperature.

How much water can my radiator contain?

If the water in your radiator is empty, you will need to fill it as much as you can before taking it to a professional. 

There is usually a line on the radiator that shows the level the radiator needs to be filled to. If you cannot find this line on your radiator, check your car’s manual for a more specific level to fill your radiator.

What to do if your radiator stops working

If your radiator stops working, the first thing to do is find out what the issue is, a common cause is a build-up of gunk which clogs the radiator. I recommend a good coolant flush to get rid of these impurities and make your radiator work properly again.

If you are unable to identify the problem, contact an expert as soon as you can, they will be able to easily diagnose the issue and come up with the appropriate solution.

How long can I drive without a working radiator?

If your radiator develops issues and stops functioning, your automobile will operate for about 5-15 minutes before overheating occurs. In scenarios like this, I advise getting your car to an expert as fast as you can.

Selecting the right coolant

Just as using coolants is vital, selecting the right one is equally important! You have to use a compatible coolant, as not all coolants will be suitable for your automobile, and using the wrong product can corrode the water pump and other primary parts.

Check your car’s manual for a detailed instruction on the proper coolant mixture that will be suitable for your automobile, using the wrong mixture can clog the radiator and damage vital components.

Before you add coolant, I advise checking the details at the back of the product, as some need to be mixed with clean water.

FAQ

Wrapping it up

Coolant is an important part of any vehicle that prevents overheating and helps you guarantee smooth rides. 

I recommend using only high-quality coolant and only water in urgent situations. You should check your cooling system regularly and flush it if need be, this helps you remove rust particles and impurities that can clog up the system and helps you prevent unexpected breakdowns.