Des Moines Auto Repair

Have you noticed the temperature gauge creeping up or a warning light blinking on your car's dashboard? You pop the hood, and, sure enough, your coolant level is low. But what if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any coolant on hand? Is it okay to add water to your car's radiator instead? We'll explain why coolant is essential, what role water plays, and when—if ever—it’s safe to substitute water for coolant in your radiator. Why Coolant Matters in Your Car’s Radiator Coolant, also known as antifreeze, isn’t just a liquid to keep your car from overheating. It’s a specially formulated mixture, typically of water and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, designed to regulate your engine’s temperature in a range of conditions. Coolant prevents your engine from overheating on hot days and keeps it from freezing in cold weather. This blend also includes additives to prevent corrosion, lubricate the water pump ... read more