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Can I run straight water in my radiator?

My car’s engine overheated, and I’m stuck on the side of the road with no coolant. Can I use straight water in my radiator to keep my car going?

avatar
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s okay to use straight water in your radiator in a pinch, like if your engine is overheating and you’re out of coolant. But it’s not recommended you drive any extended distance with straight water in your radiator, as this can cause severe damage to your engine.
For the best (and safest) performance, you’ll want to add 50/50 coolant to your car’s radiator as soon as possible.
Coolant acts as a protective agent against corrosion in your radiator tank. When mixed with water, it can help raise the boiling point of water in your car’s radiator. Without
antifreeze
, water can damage your car’s radiator, cylinder heads, and engine block, all of which are serious and expensive fixes.
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