Can I Use Water Instead Of Engine Coolant
Water is often mixed with the coolant in a 50 50 ratio.
Can i use water instead of engine coolant. Coolant and water are incomplete without each other. Pure coolant has none of these properties but it becomes a magical elixir for your engine s cooling system when it is mixed with water at a 50 50 ratio. The coolant is a greenish yellow liquid that increases the boiling point of the water. Never use it if the outside temperature is really low.
If the engine overheats stop and wait for it to cool off. The question that may though eat up your head is can you use water instead of coolant. Yes you can put water in your coolant for your vehicle only in non winter weather states. The mixture is known for doing wonders by hampering the freezing or boiling of the coolant under severe weather conditions.
However doing so is not recommended since water won t work well beyond its freezing and boiling points. We want to use distilled water and not ordinary tap water that has minerals to prevent lime scales from forming inside the cooling system. It is the 50 50 concoction of both that works to maintain the engine s cool. The reason why water is not used alone in the radiator is that it has a low boiling point compared to the coolant.
You can use it instead of coolant but only in emergencies. The engine will tend to overheat with it so don t stress the engine too much. Whether you know it as coolant or antifreeze this product is really just an additive that when mixed with water serves to broaden the range at which that water will freeze and boil. You can also add antifreeze if you live in areas with extremely cold temperatures.
Yes you could use water as a coolant in an emergency. You should check the radiator system for leaks the moment. In general using water as coolant is ok for a short time or as a get you home alternative but it does not have the anti freeze and corrosion inhibiting properties of a proper coolant mix so should not be left in the engine for any length of time especially if you live in a cold climate. So use it only in unavoidable situations.
As your cooling system is generally a 50 50 mix of distilled water and ant freeze. However this should only be done in an extenuating circumstance and never in a cold climate location. Remember also to regularly check the coolant level and cooling fan to avoid future problems with your cooling system. In this ratio the mixture will not freeze until temperatures reach minus 30 degrees f and will not boil until 275 degrees f.
To summarize if using water. Water can be used in a cooling system. The role that the coolant plays in cooling the engine should not be underestimated.