0

My car is running on pure distilled water in its radiator.
No winter here, so freezing the coolant wouldn't be a problem.
It is running on pure water because I'm the 2nd owner and by the time I bought it, it is already the case.

I planned on replacing it with the pre-mixed (ready to use) coolant but one of the mechanics advise not to and just leave it be if I have no problems (and actually I have no problem, haven't had any overheating issue since I bought it). He said that sometimes, new coolants doesn't help on old radiators since is shortens its life more. I got curious and search but have not seen any documentation about it.

Will it really hurt the radiator if I put coolant on it now?

L42
  • 441
  • 1
  • 7
  • 18

1 Answers1

3

This will depend on the car as usually now the metals used in the engine block, head and radiator with the presence of electricity can cause electrolysis ie one of the components gets “eaten”.

This is why the correct coolant type should be used - some have inhibitors designed for aluminium etc.

Solar Mike
  • 34,681
  • 2
  • 30
  • 59