Your email address will not be published. It’s essential that you use the variation that’s best suited to your vehicle, so take note! Water doesn't burn and it can size a piston, bending a rod. The engine will tend to overheat with it, so don’t stress the engine too much. Open the bonnet to allow the engine to cool down faster. Once these symptoms surfaces, it time to change the water pump in the car. A highly reliable radiator stop leak, K-Seal will permanently repair and fix most leaks in the radiator or radiator casing – putting a stop to those troublesome pinhole leaks in your car radiator. Only drive short distances, slowly and with caution, with a leaky radiator. For example, on a highway with smooth traffic flow or a quiet country road without many turns. Antifreeze is concentrated. Let us know in the comments section below, and feel free to ask us if you have any additional questions. Heed the advice in this video about putting water in your radiator: In an emergency, it will still be better than driving without ANY liquid in your radiator, or with very low levels of it. IAT needs to be changed every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever is sooner. If you're unsure, consult your vehicle owner's manual to be sure. It is the most common and popular type, found in most newer cars worldwide. Instead of freezing and cracking your engine block at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a half-water, half-coolant mix has a freezing point of negative 34 degrees. But, what if you’re in an emergency situation? Do not mix different types. You might be asking yourself: “Can I put water in my car radiator?”. Radiator leaks can be repaired by a professional mechanic. Let’s say you realize the antifreeze level is dangerously low and you have nothing but water in your car. It also helps to lower its temperature in summer and prevent it from boiling over. We are 250 miles away, and are supposed to get on a plane from Seattle the day after Christmas - Can I safely drive it 250 miles without major mechanical work being performed? Usually, the ratio is 50/50, but in very cold climates you may require 60% or more. In this article, you’ll learn what coolant is, why water is a good or bad substitute, and the different available variations of coolant. Water contains a lot of different minerals. Antifreeze is a liquid pumped around and used to remove heat from a system. All Right Reserved. Coolant provides a protective coating for your radiator to inhibit corrosion. Beware when handling antifreeze; it’s toxic if ingested. It will shut down your engine and will not allow you to turn it back on until it is cool enough to run again. From a cold start, you could probably go for at least 1km, maybe 2. Water in your car radiator beats nothing, hands-down. Will it Result in Damage? The radiator keeps your car’s engine cool, and it’s important to look after it. Next, replace the cap and turn on the engine. Mild weather is a better scenario for using water instead of coolant. Always let engine cool before adding water, the sudden temp change can crack blocks or heads. You definitely want to avoid using just water at very low temperatures. Do not just dispose the radiator fluid anywhere. If the problems persist, then you can be certain that it is coolant leakage. Well here is what I know. And in that situation, you should. If that's not happening, then your radiator is not cracked, and you don't need to spend $600 for a new one. Timing Belt: Why Do Cars Use One or the Other? Some modern cars even have a shut-off system that prevents the engine from overheating to dangerously high temperatures. How to Wash Your Car: The Ultimate Guide (28 Steps & An Infographic), How to Read Tire Sizes: Explaining Different Numbers & Digits You See, How Much Paint You Need to Paint Your Car: A Detailed Guide, How to Cover a Broken Car Window: A List of Temporary Solutions, How to Turn on Fog Lights: Where to Find It in Different Makes & Models, Car Stalls While Driving: Why it Happens, What To Do & How to Prevent It, White Smoke Coming from Exhaust: Causes & What to Do About It.