Is it safe to put water instead of antifreeze in the car?

Answer 1

As a quick fix yes you can do this. But you need to put antifreeze in it to stop it from freezeing up or boiling over.

Answer 2

This depends on where you live. If you live in the South were it is usually above freezing all year water will work just fine. However, with water you will have to deal with rusting issues sooner or later. This can cause you to have to replace your radiator somewhere down the road. Antifreeze is just what it says it is. It doesn't freeze as easily as water does. I live in Chicago so for about half the year it can get below freezing so I have to have Antifreeze in the car at all times. Also antifreeze usually comes with antirust inhibitors preventing or slowing down the rust process. But, if you need a quick fix say you are on the road and your car overheats because you are low on coolant (antifreeze) water will work in a pinch for sure. So to answer your question... Yes, water will work for sure. I hope this helps. Take care friend

Answer 3

Had an old instructor tell me - Anything when you are stuck in the desert.
If your goal is just to get your car home or to a repair shop, then water will be fine for a short time. One big concern is water will - ummmm - will freeze and could crack your block and make you unhappy. Antifreeze also has rust and corrosion inhibitors to help keep your cooling system nice and clean.
So, I would ask you... why do you want to just add water?
Good luck!

Answer 4

If you have a high performance car or a newer car they dont recomend putting in water. I do believe that it has something to do with how it breaks down. If your strapped for cash use the water and then put antifreeze in later. I dont think that using the water will hurt if you use for a short period. But it is better for your car to use the real stuff.

Answer 5

Its safe for "summer-use" you really don't want to use it for any other seasons, ESPECIALLY WINTER. I ran a whole summer with water, forgetting to change it to anti-freeze. Nothing happened, but I checked it often to make sure I wasn't out or anything due to boiling.

I wouldn't recommend it though.

Antifreeze is cheap at the Auto Stores and Walmart.

Its better to do that, because if the water causes rust which reaks havic in this system

Answer 6

you always need antifreeze in the coolong system to keep engine cool in summer and freeze protection in winter normally a 50/50 mixture. It also has lubricants in it for seals and bearings in water pump and prevents rust and corrosion in the engine and radiator.

Answer 7

Absolutely. The only things is that if you live in a hot place, there's no problem. But if you live in a cold place where temperature get below freezing, then don;t do it because your radiator will freeze and your car won't start. Plus, there may be irreparable damage somewhere and that'll cost you big time. If you can buy a good antifreeze/coolant, do it because it'll save you a few bucks in the long-run.

Answer 8

If you do you will have no freeze protection so if it gets below 32 F @ night you will destroy the engine because the water in all the coolant passages will freeze and expand.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF FREEZING WATER TO EXPAND.

As far as cooling the engine goes you should be fine provided the system is intact and bled properly when filled.

Answer 9

Where you live decides if you need anti freeze. If the temperature goes below freezing you need it and new cars should come with it already in. You can top up with a bit of water but if you fill a lot you need anti freeze. Not only anti freeze, you need water in too.

Answer 10

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