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It's ok as a temporary solution, but a permanent solution depends on the concentration of antifreeze you have right now. In most US climates right now, 50% antifreeze to 50% water is ideal. Colder climates, and during the winter, you can mix 70% antifreeze with 30% water. Auto parts stores sell a very inexpensive tester for testing the concentration of your coolant mix. Obviously, a small amount of water will not greatly change that mix, but over time could throw it off. Why the mix? Of course water itself not only can freeze and, during expansion, crack things like your engine block, but also it boils too quickly (212 deg.) A correct antifreeze mix not only doesn't freeze as fast (lowering the freezing point) but it also doesn't boil as fast (raising the boiling temperature.) Water will typically work very well. The issues with water are, (One) the most obvious being the freezing of water at 32 degrees. (Two) water boils at 212 degrees. Antifreeze boils at a much higher temp. Most modern cars will reach coolant temps higher than the 212 during summer operations. So, adding straight water will get you by for awhile, but for continuous summer operations, you'll be in trouble. As for winter operations, I don't think I need to address that one.

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Q: Is it okay to add water as a coolant when you are out of antifreeze coolant?
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Related questions

Should you add water to low coolant?

It is usually best to add the correct mix of antifreeze and water (usually 50/50). In a situation where there is no antifreeze available, yes, add water, then check the coolant later to see if the mix is adequate, and adjust the mix if necessary.


How do you add water to a Pontiac g6?

Never add water, add coolant, which is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Add it to the overflow or recovery reservoir.


How do you add coolant to a Dodge Durango?

There is a reservoir container marked "coolant" in the engine compartment. Add a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. (If you use "50/50" or "pre mixed" antifreeze, DO NOT ADD WATER). Let the engine get warm and fill to the full line.


Is it ok to add water along with a antifreeze coolant?

50/50 mix of water and coolant is recommended.50/50 mix of water and coolant is recommended.


When check coolant light comes on do you add just water or water and coolant for a 95 ford escort?

add 50/50 mix of coolant and antifreeze or buy premixed from local auto parts supplier


When adding Prestone antifreeze to a Chevy Cavalier 1999 do you need to add water also?

Yes. Never add pure antifreeze. Pure antifreeze will actually freeze before a 50/50 mix. Add coolant that is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. You can buy it already pre-mixed.


Your coolant recovery tank is empty do you need to add antifreeze?

If the vehicle is cold yes but make sure you mix the antifreeze with water before you add it, 50-50 is the best mix.


What is the best reason to use water as a coolant?

The best reason to use water as a coolant is because is because it has a high specific heat capacity. However, you can add a mix of antifreeze with your water.


What kind of engine coolant do you add to a subaru legacy?

a 50/50 mix of good quality antifreeze and water


How do you know if your car needs water?

You can check the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold, if the coolant level is below the add line top it off with the proper coolant, not just water. It is not a good idea to add just plain water. You should use at least a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.


How much antifreeze do you add to a 2001 Saturn?

for an S series from empty it is about 7 qts. 50/50 water/coolant.


Why do you add antifreeze to the coolant?

coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water (usually 50/50) If you were to use just water, you would not have either freeze protection or overheat protection. Water freezes at 32 degrees. Antifreeze could protect engine to -20 to -30 degrees. Water (with no pressure) will boil at 212 degrees. Antifreeze will delay "boil-over" to a much higher temperature (I am not sure of number)