Using tap water in your car’s cooling system may seem harmless, but it can cause serious long-term damage to the engine. The key issue lies in the minerals found in tap water, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals react with the metal components of the engine, leading to corrosion and scale buildup over time. This accumulation can block important cooling passages, reducing the efficiency of the system and potentially leading to overheating.
Corrosion is a major concern when using tap water in a car’s cooling system. Minerals in the water promote rust formation, particularly in the radiator, water pump, and engine block. Over time, this rust can eat away at metal surfaces, causing leaks, reduced performance, and eventual failure of critical components.
Scale buildup is another major issue. As tap water evaporates and heats up, minerals are left behind, creating deposits that form inside the cooling system. These deposits can clog narrow cooling passages crucial for maintaining proper coolant flow. When these passages become blocked, the engine is more likely to overheat, putting significant strain on parts like the cylinder head and head gasket.
The primary function of the cooling system is to prevent the engine from overheating. Tap water has a lower boiling point (100°C) than coolant mixed with antifreeze, which typically has a boiling point of 106°C or higher. This difference may seem small, but it can be the difference between a normal running engine and one that overheats, especially under heavy loads or in hot weather.
Coolant, on the other hand, contains chemicals that help raise the boiling point and protect the engine from overheating and freezing in cold weather. It also contains additives that prevent corrosion and lubricate the water pump, something tap water does not offer.
When tap water is used instead of coolant, the engine is at a higher risk of overheating. Overheating can lead to critical issues like warping the cylinder head, blowing the head gasket, or even cracking the engine block. These problems are not only expensive to repair but can also lead to a complete engine failure if not addressed promptly.
If you find yourself in an emergency where only water is available, it’s better to use distilled or purified water. Unlike tap water, distilled water does not contain harmful minerals that can cause buildup and corrosion. However, it’s important to remember that this should only be a temporary solution. You should flush the cooling system and replace the water with proper coolant as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.
Regular maintenance of the cooling system is vital to prolonging the life of your engine. Using the recommended coolant ensures that the engine is protected from corrosion, overheating, and freezing. Periodically flushing the system and replacing the coolant will help keep the cooling system free of harmful deposits and maintain optimal performance.