It’s a squirting summer day, and your car’s air conditioning is falling. You don’t have any coolant to fuel the fire, and no gas station is nearby. Can you use water instead of coolant, and will it last long enough to take you to a safer place?
Driving with only water in your radiator is not recommended, but you can safely run with water for 60 to 300 miles without any cracks or damage. Coolant is added to the radiator to prevent corrosion and rust in your engine. It also helps cool down the engine by absorbing heat generated while running. Water alone cannot do this effectively.
Even though this may be convenient and cheap, we would not suggest it. Let’s discuss why!
What Is the Difference Between Water and Coolant?
To understand the significant distinction between water and proper coolant. We will examine their boiling point, freezing point, impurities, and corrosion resistance.
Impurities
If you’re not using distilled water, the impurities from the tap water can spread to different places in the engine’s bottom or settle there, making lumps that cause the engine to jam and block. These impurities also cause the engine to rust more rapidly, leading to the corrosion of the inner walls of the engine, causing a huge amount of money lost to the car owner.
Boiling Point
Your engine typically operates at a temperature higher than the boiling point of water, 212 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the boiling point rises to 223°F when 50/50 ethylene glycol antifreeze is mixed. That number is much closer to the engine’s current temperature. So, the boiling point of the waterless coolant rises to at least 375°F.
The engine will overheat if you don’t use the antifreeze (coolant). You must stop your vehicle so the engine can cool down because the liquid inside will boil over and evaporate. If you let the engine get too hot, you run the risk of severe engine damage.
Freezing Point
If you live in a colder climate, you can free yourself from the tension of a scorching engine and may not care about the boiling point. But if you live in a region with a colder climate, the liquid may freeze. If freezing causes the radiator to crack, you should fix it immediately. As with a cracked or damaged radiator, you can’t drive because the cooling system becomes futile.
Corrosion Protection
One of the reasons why water usage is not appreciated is that the compounds in the water will build up in the engine system and make cooling less effective. Water can undoubtedly corrode metal, and most cooling system components are made of metal.
These represent an extreme danger to the cooling structure, so coolant is made with certain added substances to control deposits and corrosion in the engine’s cooling system.
Check Out Water vs Coolant Temperature Test. Which One is Better:
Can You Use Water as Coolant in a Diesel?
Since the optimal temperature of a diesel engine is 190-220 degrees which is way higher than the boiling temperature of the water, if you use water instead of a coolant mixture, the high temperature inside the motor would easily boil and cause the water to evaporate.
As a result, you would quickly run out of fluid, and the engine would easily overheat. So, It becomes essential to ensure that these engines do not overheat because they are more prone to developing temperatures that are higher than those powered by gasoline.
However, utilizing a suitable coolant is the most effective method. You need to find a coolant with a lot of glycerol in it, and it is easy to find products that contain up to 95% glycerol, even though most products contain between 30% and 70% of this compound. The glycerol will keep the engine lubricated enough so that you can enjoy a smooth drive.
You can choose from three main categories of coolants:
Organic Acid Technology ( OAT)
It is the variation of coolant that is used mostly in Europe. This coolant can run your motor engine for up to 5 years or 150 miles because it is based on ethylene glycol and is more advanced and purified than IAT.
Inorganic Acid Technology ( IAT)
This kind of synthesis is normally utilized for more seasoned vehicles and models that have been around for some time. This choice isn’t comparable to different ones, yet it’s usually more financially savvy, which is why it’s so well known with vehicle proprietors all over the planet.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
It is the blend of IAT and OAT coolants, which makes it a top-notch and reasonable decision for vehicle proprietors all over the planet. It’s the most current variety accessible, which is the reason it’s an exceptionally well-known decision with mechanics and individuals who manage vehicles expertly.
Regarding the substitution span, you can drive your vehicle with HOAT coolant for a considerable time or the previously mentioned 150 miles.
Pros And Cons Of Using Water As Coolant
Following are the potential advantages and disadvantages of using water as a coolant:
Pros
- Includes grease fittings with dust caps and an install tool adapter.
- Antitrust coating guards the housing.
- Specifically designed to resist vast wear and tear.
- Ease of installation.
- It is much more inexpensive than the OEM equivalent.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Premium quality ball joints under $30.
Cons
- None
How Long Can I Use Water As Coolant?
Water can assist in cooling your radiator sufficiently to transport you to a repair shop or any auto item store. But, this is not a long-term fix, but rather an immediate one that will take you to a limited range of about 600 miles or even less. Your cooling system will eventually rust; water may heat up and damage the engine block.
This is particularly evident on the off chance that you are driving in a sweltering region. Similarly, water use in chilled climates is not appreciated for long distances, as the water doesn’t have anti-freezing properties; it will eventually freeze in the engine pipes and cause cracks and damage.
Things To Consider When Using Water As A Coolant
You should know a few things if you want to use water as a coolant in an emergency.
- First, using water as a coolant to keep your engine cool is less effective.
- Secondly, improper use of water can result in engine damage.
- Thirdly, you should only use water in an emergency; a coolant tank is always preferable.
How Do I Fill A Radiator With Water?
The proper way of engine filling is required, as any carelessness on the driver’s part can result in blasting burns. Follow these steps carefully:
- Let the engine cool down first: First, ensure that your motor is excellent before starting this process.
- Unfasten the radiator cap: Find your radiator cap, unscrew it when it is removed, and gradually empty the water until it’s full.
- Tighten the cap again: Turn the engine on and put the radiator cap back on.
- Check the water level: After letting it run for a few minutes, check the radiator’s water level before turning it off. Add more water if required.
FAQs
Can You Run a Car on Only Water?
It is preposterous to expect that you can run your car with only water, and it never will be, except if combination innovation turns out to be monetarily suitable, and, surprisingly, then, at that point, too, you would also require an outside energy source.
Can I Use Water as a Coolant Temporarily?
Yes, you can use water as a coolant temporarily. Assuming your vehicle has run out of coolant and necessities to top it up in a critical situation, you can utilize water for now. Nonetheless, water won’t function as a coolant and can harm your motor. So, It is ideal to utilize coolant, but water can also do the job.
Can Water Cool an Engine?
Water acts as a great savior and can lessen the heat of your vehicle’s engine, but do not use cold water on your engine if it’s still hot. A hot engine can suffer significant damage if cold water is poured. Instead, let the engine cool down and then pour water on it.
What Do You Do When Hot Water Runs Out Fast?
Identifying and replacing defective engine parts such as the head gasket, intake manifold gasket, water pump, and car radiator cap is the first step in reducing hot water loss from your vehicle. You should also consider performing a leak-down test to ensure your engine has no internal leaks.
Can I Drive 2 Miles Without Coolant?
It is not a good idea to drive without car engine coolant for even a few minutes because doing so could cause engine damage that will cost a lot of money to fix. The distance you can cover without a coolant depends on the level of coolant. You can drive your car for a few days if it is low but above the minimum. But only attempt to start your engine if it is below the minimum.
Final Considerations
Now that you know the difference between water and coolant and know that there are better solutions than using water instead of coolant. It can only take you a few miles. You can easily decide the best for an increased life of your motor. Also, ensure you add water with all the precautionary measures to be safe from potential hazards.
Some key considerations include the type of water you’re using, whether or not it’s distilled, and its lifespan. Additionally, it’s important to remember that adding water to your system without taking proper precautions can damage your engine or radiator. Being mindful of these considerations can help you go a long way in extending your vehicle’s life.
