Why mix antifreeze with water and is it possible to do so
Content
Automotive cooling systems today use antifreeze that has a low freezing point. In addition to the function of heat dissipation, this substance is endowed with anti-corrosion and lubricating properties. Water for these purposes is practically not used due to the content of various impurities in it, leading to the formation of scale, as well as due to freezing at low temperatures. However, water under certain circumstances can be mixed with antifreeze.
Can antifreeze be diluted with water
Motorists are often faced with a situation when antifreeze is required to be added to the cooling system, but the necessary liquid is not at hand, and the nearest store is not close. The first thought that comes to mind is to top up with ordinary water. But before you do this, you need to know if it is suitable for these purposes.
When and why to dilute
Since a significant part of the water is present in the antifreeze, nothing bad will happen when it is added. In this case, the concentration of antifreeze will only decrease and the more water is added, the worse its properties will be. However, there are situations when it is recommended to dilute the coolant. This has to be done, as a rule, if the antifreeze was subjected to boiling, in which part of the water evaporated, and the liquid in the cooling system became more concentrated.
Mixing in summer and winter
Basically, water has to be added to antifreeze in the summer, since the liquid evaporates more actively. Water should be topped up in compliance with the following recommendations:
- if initially the engine cooling system was filled with a concentrate that had not previously been diluted, and it took about 100–250 ml of antifreeze, then you can safely add distilled water to it;
- with significant evaporation of antifreeze, it is better to bring the level to normal with the original composition. If the brand of the filled liquid is unknown, then a distillate should be used for dilution, and antifreeze should be replaced in the fall.
In winter, it is prohibited to add water in any quantity. Otherwise, there is a high probability of malfunctions of the cooling system or the motor as a result of its freezing, which will lead to expensive repairs.
When using antifreeze in the cooling system, its minimum freezing point should be -25 ° C, and this figure will decrease with the addition of water.
What kind of water is suitable
The ideal option for diluting antifreeze is a distillate. It does not contain calcium and magnesium. It is not worth using ordinary water for the purposes under consideration, since it negatively affects the components of the cooling system. If you take such water to dilute antifreeze, then it may precipitate. Tap water can be poured only in the case of a low hardness index - no more than 5 mg-eq / l. If it is not possible to determine the hardness, then water with antifreeze must be mixed in small quantities and in the absence of sediment, it can be added to the system.
Manufacturer's recommendations
If you follow the recommendations of antifreeze manufacturers, then they prohibit adding water to the agent in question. This is explained by the fact that antifreeze initially contains various additives that extend the life of the cooling system, lubricating the necessary components and providing better engine cooling. Water will only worsen these indicators. If water was previously used on domestic cars without any fear, then the cooling system of modern cars is made of aluminum alloys, on which corrosion appears from water with a high hardness index. As a result, the radiator becomes clogged over time, which will lead to constant overheating of the motor.
Procedure for diluting antifreeze with water
Antifreeze is diluted with water in different ways, depending on the situation that has arisen and the purchased product.
By car
To mix the liquids in question directly on the vehicle, you first need to determine the freezing point of antifreeze using a hydrometer. With its help, we collect part of the liquid from the expansion tank. We compare the readings of the device with the temperature on the antifreeze canister. If there is no container at hand, then you should focus on the average freezing temperature of the substance -40C. Therefore, water should be added until we bring the indicator to the desired value.
In containers
In car dealerships, antifreeze is offered in two versions:
- ready for use;
- in the form of a concentrate.
If everything is simple with the finished product - you bought it and filled it in, then you will have to tinker a little with the concentrate. To dilute it, you need a distillate and a suitable container. The volume of the diluted substance must match the volume of the heat transfer fluid in your vehicle's system.
Diluting antifreeze in an emergency
Sometimes it happens that due to a leak, the coolant needs to be refilled on the road, but it is not in stock. As a rule, there is no distilled water either. Therefore, boiled or filtered water can be used to fill the system. With a large leak, water can be added in any amount, but only in the summer. At the end of the trip, it is necessary to drain the liquid from the system and fill it with fresh antifreeze.
Dilution of antifreeze concentrate
Antifreeze concentrate is a substance that does not contain distilled water. The rest of the components such as dye, additives and ethylene glycol are present in full.
In order for the antifreeze to perform its functions and not have to be poured out due to improper mixing, the correct proportions must be observed. The procedure itself is not complicated and consists in mixing the concentrate with distilled water according to the table values.
Table: proportions of water and antifreeze concentrate
| Water percentage | Concentrate percentage | Freezing threshold, °С | Boiling threshold, ° С |
| 87,5% | 12,5% | -7 | 100 |
| 75% | 25% | -15 | 100 |
| 50% | 50% | -40; -45 | +130; +140 |
| 40% | 60% | -50; -60 | +150; +160 |
| 25% | 75% | -70 | +170 |
Video: how to dilute antifreeze concentrate
In order for the cooling system of your car to serve as long as possible, only antifreeze should be used as a heat-dissipating fluid. Its filling and dilution with water can be performed by every car owner, adhering to the recommendations given.
