23/05/2025
The Truth About Using Water Instead of Coolant in Nigerian Weather
You open your bonnet, the engine’s hot, and the reservoir is dry.
Your mechanic says, “Oga, just add ordinary water jare — na the same thing.”
And you — being patriotic and budget-conscious — pour pure water inside like it’s a blessing.
But wait… is it really the same thing?
Is coolant just “oyinbo packaging”? Or does it actually protect your car better — especially in Nigerian weather?
Let’s break it down like Apo or Lifecamp traffic at rush hour.
So… Can I Use Water Instead of Coolant?
Technically? Yes.
Should you? Not if you like your engine😏.
Water helps in emergencies, like when you’re stuck in Maraba and Nyanya traffic and your car is overheating like suya. But using it long-term is like using bar soap to wash a Range Rover — e go work, but at what cost?
Coolant vs. Water — The Real Difference:
Coolant isn’t just fancy green (or pink) liquid — it’s scientifically engineered to:
Raise the boiling point
Prevent corrosion in the radiator
Lubricate water pump seals
Keep your engine from turning into “Abule Egba smoke show”
Why Water Can Be a Problem — Even in Nigeria’s Heat:
1. It Boils Faster:
Water boils at 100°C. A running engine can hit 110°C or more. Once it boils, steam replaces liquid — and that’s when your engine starts throwing tantrums.
2. It Rusts Your Engine:
Our tap water is often hard, full of minerals. That “free” water might actually be depositing limescale and rust in your radiator, soon your radiator will start mining mineral resources.
3. It Damages the Water Pump:
Without the anti-corrosion and lubrication in coolant, your water pump could seize — and then, na towing van go settle the matter.
So What Should You Do?
Emergency use of water? Fine. Just replace with coolant ASAP.
Always top up with coolant, not just water. If your coolant is low often, there’s likely a leak.
Buy the right mix. Some coolants come concentrated, others are pre-mixed. Know which one you’re using.
Don’t mix different coolant types. Don’t turn your radiator into a chemical experiment. In badoo's voice "awon Omo science student"
Water is good for drinking, bathing, even making garri.
But for your car? Coolant is the real MVP.
The results will be worse for those using vehicle manufactured after 2006, Using only water over time is a slow sabotage — the kind of mistake that leads to engine overheating, radiator damage, and tears down in front of VIO
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