Coolant + Tap Water Is It OK??

[seb]

Hi all. Been enquiring about coolant change with a few BMW garages. I asked them what they normaly do when doing coolant change and all of them say they only put 1.5 litres of coolant plus the rest water. Is this OK?? I know the spec says 50:50 coolant and distilled water. I can accept if they use less coolant as our weather is warm but to use tap water ....? When I mentioned distilled water or battery water to them the gave me a funny look. I know also that our tap water is not as heavy as some europeans or american in terms of carbonate and other mineral.. What do you do for your car? 50;50 mixture of distilled water and coolant always? Please share your practice. Thanks.

 

[IsaacVky]

Coolant = Absorb heat faster, release heat slower
Water = Absorb heat slower, release heat faster

So you will need a combination of both and why you need distilled water is because of the particles in the water which may block your tiny water gallery OR cause rust. Get diamond or nesh from your house and insist them to use it.

 

[chili e30]

is batter to use distilled water coz tap water have clorine it will make your radiator rust faster.

 

[ALBundy]

I usually use 2-3 bottles of Water Wetter (which also contains anti-rust agent) with filtered water (Amway E-Spring filtration) from my house tap.

IMO, this is more effective than using coolant, as the water wetter decreases water surface tension (and hence increases the surface area) and promotes better heat transfer.

Google online for Redline water wetter and there is plenty of good information.

Cheers

 

[infinityKL]

water water water....thats it for me...never had any problems with the cooling system for the last 4 years...but will try the 50:50 combo next service.... good info, thx

cheers...

 

[Mouse]

i think if u started with distilled water since u own the car brand new, then u should continue the practice. but if u r using tap water all the time and suddenly have the idea to use distilled water, then i think its too late because the reason that you should only use distilled water is to avoid mineral deposits which will deteriorate your cooling system over time.

 

[tamade7]

Coolant = Absorb heat faster, release heat slower
Water = Absorb heat slower, release heat faster

So you will need a combination of both and why you need distilled water is because of the particles in the water which may block your tiny water gallery OR cause rust. Get diamond or nesh from your house and insist them to use it.

Are you sure? It's all about specific heat bro.

 

[chookleng]

I use RO (Reverse Omosis) water and change it every 6-9months period. Reason of using RO is because it contains TDS (Total Disolve Solid) of not more than 3. as such, the RO water contain no junk things which cant see with our naked eyes. compare to normal water its contains TDS of 500-1400++ (the one come out from our tap before purify)

 

[Hafizzul]

I use RO (Reverse Omosis) water and change it every 6-9months period. Reason of using RO is because it contains TDS (Total Disolve Solid) of not more than 3. as such, the RO water contain no junk things which cant see with our naked eyes. compare to normal water its contains TDS of 500-1400++ (the one come out from our tap before purify)

Yup, TDS is the most correct thing to measure when its come to water used in thermo application. Higher TDS will increase chances of creating scales & scales will create heat concentration & further create weak point at the surface and not to mention poor heat transfer. Since recent BMW engine using aluminum, temperature is a big deal...

 

[chookleng]

yea. i think RO water can be easily available within RM5-RM8 for 1 drum, 5gallon (19 liters). I just bring two drums with me whenever i change the water. no collant o others things added when i was on RO water.

 

[laneza]

hehe just read ur bmw manuals...it always showed 50:50 is the best...use filter water or boiled water ( let it cold first ) will be more benefit to ur radiator

 

[IsaacVky]

Are you sure? It's all about specific heat bro.

Heat capacity and specific heat capacity? yes I'm ready to hear your comments bro :rock: