Sometimes you will see a question about the proportion of antifreeze and water in the water tank. Whether it is feasible to add water to antifreeze and what water should be added will be explained in this article. Generally, ethylene glycol based antifreeze is sold on the market. When selecting antifreeze, the following three aspects should be considered. Boiling point, freezing point and anti-corrosion function. Whether water can be added to the antifreeze depends on whether the addition of water will affect the boiling point, freezing point, anti-corrosion and rust prevention functions of the antifreeze.
1. Boiling point
Generally, the boiling point of antifreeze is above 110 degrees. The boiling point of antifreeze with good quality can reach above 125 degrees. The boiling point of water is 100 degrees. Adding water to the antifreeze is equivalent to diluting the antifreeze and reducing its boiling point. This may cause the engine to overheat, leading to a series of faults such as overheating or even damage of the water tank.
2. Freezing point
The freezing point of antifreeze is generally below – 25 ℃, and the freezing point of water is 0 ℃. The lower the freezing point, the better the antifreeze effect of the product in the extreme low temperature environment. After the antifreeze is added with water, the freezing point will rise accordingly. In extremely cold weather, icing may occur. Damage to the water tank or radiator, resulting in liquid leakage and seepage.
3. Rust and corrosion prevention
The antifreeze contains some additives with the function of rust prevention and corrosion prevention, which can protect iron, steel, rubber and other materials in the engine cooling system from early corrosion and rust. After the antifreeze is added with water, the antirust and anti-corrosion functions of the additives will be reduced, which will easily lead to scale in the radiator or radiator corrosion, resulting in liquid leakage and seepage.
In a word, the boiling point, freezing point, rust and corrosion resistance of antifreeze after adding water will decrease, which may cause a series of problems, even damage the engine. There are two kinds of antifreeze on the market. In addition to the main antifreeze that can be used directly without dilution, there is also an antifreeze that needs to be diluted in proportion.
