When it comes to keeping your car’s engine cool, there is no doubt that a specialized radiator coolant is better than water. Water has been long considered a traditional coolant for engines. However, compared to chemical coolants, water has certain drawbacks that cannot be overlooked.

In this article, let’s delve into reasons why choosing a manufactured-approved radiator coolant over water is the better choice.\

Coolant Vs. Water: What’s the difference?

Chemical-based radiator coolant is a specially formulated liquid designed to regulate the temperature of your engine. Typically, radiator coolant is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol (commonly known as antifreeze) or propylene glycol. The coolant also contains other additives that prevent corrosion of the metallic parts of the engine and improve heat transfer properties.

Let us learn more about radiator coolants below.

Boiling Point Elevation

One of the most important features of radiator coolant is that it has a higher boiling point when compared to water. This essentially means that it can prevent the engine from overheating. This is especially true when operating under extreme conditions like driving in hot weather or towing heavy loads. Unlike water, these specialized coolants are less prone to boiling and evaporating. This can lead to engine damage and reduced performance.

Corrosion Prevention

One of the critical functions of radiator coolant is its ability to inhibit corrosion within the engine’s cooling system. Coolant contains corrosion inhibitors that protect metal components from rust and oxidation. This essentially extends the lifespan of the engine and cooling system. Using water as a car coolant can lead to corrosion and scale buildup. It also reduces cooling efficiency, and lead to component failure.

Heat Transfer Efficiency

Radiator coolants are specifically formulated with the idea of offering excellent heat transfer. This allows the engine to sufficiently cool down even under demanding conditions. The chemical composition also allows it to absorb and dissipate heat effectively. This helps your car maintain an optimal engine temperature and performance. Although water alone has good heat transfer properties, engine coolants are more stable and can be used over a wide range of operating conditions.

Freeze Protection

As mentioned before, radiator coolant is a mix of antifreeze, water, and other stabilizing additives. The antifreeze has the unique property of preventing the coolant from solidifying inside the engine. This is especially necessary during the colder months. Water alone lacks this particular antifreeze property and can freeze at low temperatures. The presence of frozen water can lead to cracked engine blocks, radiators, and other components.

Environmental Considerations

Although radiator coolants are a chemical, they can be more environmentally friendly when managed properly. It is important to dispose of coolant responsibility to prevent environmental damage. While water is natural, for the longevity and performance of your car, engine coolants are the best choice to prevent corrosion and offer better heat dissipation. This in turn extends the lifespan of radiator and engine components, reducing the need for repairs and replacements.

For high-performance vehicles like European or German cars, it’s best to use manufacturer-approved coolants for engine cooling and continued drive results. Although water is readily available as a radiator coolant, it doesn’t have the necessary chemical and stabilizing properties that provide freeze protection, corrosion prevention, and improved temperature regulation.

Is your vehicle low on radiator coolant?

Radiator repairs and regular engine maintenance are necessary along with the use of proper coolant for the continued performance of your luxury vehicle. Our auto specialists recommend regular inspections and servicing to avoid leaks and replenish or replace your coolant. Here are some of the signs of a coolant leak that you need to be careful of-

• If you have a coolant leak, you may see it running along the engine or already dripping onto the ground. This could be an indicator of a coolant hose leak.

• In other cases, there could be a water pump leak where the seal is leaking. Leaving it unchecked leads to low levels of coolant.

• If engine oil gets into the coolant expansion tank, it is an indication of a cylinder head gasket defect. This means that there is a crack in the engine block or cylinder head. Our mechanics will disassemble the system down to the cylinder head gasket and do the necessary repairs at our car repair workshop in Al Quoz.

• Other symptoms of coolant leak will include dashboard signals, unnatural temperature display in your car’s speedometer, smoke from the exhaust, or engine lights switching on.

In case of encountering any of these issues, we recommend visiting our European car service center for a radiator coolant check and maintenance. We strongly recommend against using water as a long-term coolant in your vehicle and urge our customers to work with our auto specialists to replenish it the right way and do necessary repairs on time.

By opting for coolant and ensuring proper maintenance of the cooling system, you can help safeguard your engine’s longevity and performance for years to come.