Distilled water into radiator

Grant

Grant

Honorary Master
Joined
Mar 27, 2007
Messages
70,464
Reaction score
39,189
Location
Behind the grassy knoll
So my one car went in for a major service.

Amongst the things done was flushing of the cooling system.
I noticed on the invoice that cooling system was filled with about 70% "anti-freeze" & 30% distilled water.

Distilled water (i think it was termed) ?
Is this usual ?
 
Distilled water in a battery yes but never heard of anyone putting it in a radiator.
A bit excessive and expensive but nothing wrong it.
 
Never used distilled water myself but it wont hurt. I knew one old toppie that would only use distilled water in his cooling system. If you flush the system regularly I don't really see the need for it but it could help a bit with the build up of deposits.
 
70 30 is wrong. There's no benefit to going over a 50 50 mix. I've never put distilled water in a radiator. Tap water is fine
 
Distilled water reduces scaling and corrosion. Radiators aren't made like they used to be so if anything this will extend the life if only marginally.
 
Sinbad said:
70 30 is wrong. There's no benefit to going over a 50 50 mix. I've never put distilled water in a radiator. Tap water is fine
Click to expand...

you're quite right
had a look at the manual - 45/55 mix

maybe a typo or something at the agents, will check up on it
 
Sinbad said:
70 30 is wrong. There's no benefit to going over a 50 50 mix. I've never put distilled water in a radiator. Tap water is fine
Click to expand...
Correct... 70/30 is going to cause issues down the line. I learnt that the hard way.
 
Just keep topping up with ordinary water the next few times to bring down that ratio.

I know some coolants come pre-mixed with 50/50 water like the Toyota antifreeze so maybe it was already diluted beforehand and then hand distilled water added to it..

The new blue coolant from Holtz that's becoming popular requires a 25/75 mix with water.
 
Fox1 said:
Just keep topping up with ordinary water the next few times to bring down that ratio.
Click to expand...

That's gonna be hard if your car does not use water, might have to drain a bit off.
 
My (Honda) manual says 60/40 anti-freeze and water, but not to dilute it
 
60/40 anti-freeze and water sounds correct. When they say don't dilute it, they mean top up with anti-freeze rather than water.

My 1968 Wolseley ran on anti-freeze with a dash of water, and it was one of the few cars not boiling in a mid January traffic jam in Durban.
 
Fazda said:
60/40 anti-freeze and water sounds correct. When they say don't dilute it, they mean top up with anti-freeze rather than water.

My 1968 Wolseley ran on anti-freeze with a dash of water, and it was one of the few cars not boiling in a mid January traffic jam in Durban.
Click to expand...

Is it safe to do this? To top up with anti-freeze? What if the concentration of anti freeze becomes to strong? Will it not cause damage?
 
I can't find proof, but years ago a Stellenbosch University study busted the myth that using distilled water gives longer lead acid battery life than local tap water. On average the lifespan difference was 1 or 2 days.

I just replace my batteries once it starts giving problems after 3-5 years. My father babies his batteries, filling up with tap water and gets 6-7 years out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X