If my car needs anti-freeze can i put water in it until i can get some coolant?
2007-07-28 05:14:52 · 8 answers · asked by gemygurl80 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Only in an emergency and only if the weather is warm, water boils at a much lower temperature then coolant mix and freezes at a much higher temperature then coo lent mix. If it freezes at the very least it will crack your block if it boils over at the very least you will overheat and possibly seize your engine. Also you need to drain the water once you have the coo lent and if this is your only vehicle you will need to open the petcock on the bottom corner of the radiator when the system is hot. So technically the answer is yes and no if it can't be avoided then only for a few miles (less then 10)
2007-07-28 05:23:01 · answer #1 · answered by silencetheevil8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only in an emergency to get you to where you can get Coolant. Cars now days are designed to operate on a 50-50 or antifreeze (coolant) and water. You can't run straight water in newer cars because their radiators are not big enough.
2007-07-28 12:29:09 · answer #2 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Water is fine, it just isnt a rust prohibitor and it evaps alot quicker the antifreeze/coolant. water is fine in the summer months but make sure you have some antifreeze in the winter, but if your car has a overheating problem in the summer coolant is the best for you, if you notice nothing, water is fine for the time being
2007-07-28 12:46:20 · answer #3 · answered by TwoLOUD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you know, i have done this many times. the only difference between the two is that antifreeze does not freeze in the winter. it also stays cooler for your car. but in an emergency, you can always use water until you can get some antifreeze for your car.
2007-07-28 12:38:31 · answer #4 · answered by eli b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would be better to put fluid in the cooling system rather than letting it run low.
How about keeping a plastic bottle of 50-50 mixture of water and anti-freeze in the trunk and then you are always ready to top off the radiator?
2007-07-28 12:19:58 · answer #5 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can add water. Just make sure that you add antifreeze later. You need a 50% water 50% antifreeze mix.
2007-07-28 12:23:08 · answer #6 · answered by lowtek_dh_77 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only if you are in an emergency, it is not recommended to do so. I have done it when im out and im overheating, but not because i cant afford coolant. You dont have coolant, you dont drive.
2007-07-28 12:19:21 · answer #7 · answered by Chris H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, but it needs to be 50/50 as soon as possible
2007-07-28 12:23:44 · answer #8 · answered by cgriffin1972 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋