I live in Brazil, where it’s common for people to use tap water, which is full of chlorine and other harmful chemicals, in their car engines. I recently bought a 1995 Corolla, and I am pretty sure the previous owner used this type of water. I have watched some YouTube videos here that suggest it is best to continue using tap water because switching to an additive might cause the corrosion to disappear and reveal holes in the engine. Is this true? What would you do in my situation? I believe this engine might withstand this type of water better than other brands used here. I’m worried that trying to fix one problem might create several more.
Using tap water in your car engine, especially water with chlorine and other chemicals, is not ideal and can lead to several issues over time.
While it’s common practice in some areas, it does increase the risk of corrosion and mineral buildup in the cooling system. Here’s what you should consider:
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Potential Risks of Tap Water: Chlorine and minerals in tap water can cause rust and scale deposits. This can impair the cooling system’s efficiency and potentially cause overheating.
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Switching to Coolant/Antifreeze: Using a proper coolant mixture (usually a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water) is generally recommended. Coolant contains anti-corrosion additives that protect the engine and cooling system components. While there is a concern that using coolant might reveal existing corrosion and potential leaks, it’s better to address these issues early rather than facing a breakdown later.
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Assessment and Flushing: Consider having a professional mechanic inspect your cooling system. They can check for any significant corrosion or damage. If you decide to switch to a proper coolant, a thorough flush of the system is crucial to remove any deposits and contaminants from the tap water previously used.
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Preventive Measures: If your engine is found to be in decent condition, switching to coolant can prolong its life. Regular maintenance and monitoring can prevent major issues down the line.
In your situation, I would recommend:
- Having the cooling system inspected by a professional.
- Performing a thorough flush of the system.
- Switching to a proper coolant mixture.
- Monitoring the system for leaks or issues after the switch.
Addressing these potential problems now, even if they uncover some existing damage, is better than facing unexpected failures later on.
The YouTube videos you’ve seen might be referring to an existing issue. If there’s already corrosion or weak spots in the cooling system, additives could reveal them. However, this doesn’t mean additives cause the problem; they simply expose existing issues.