Petrol and diesel owners could be at risk of serious damage if they make a simple error which can horribly backfire.

09:53, Sun, Dec 29, 2024 | UPDATED: 09:54, Sun, Dec 29, 2024

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car rmechanic

Car mechanic has warned petrol and diesel owners (Image: Getty)

A top car mechanic has warned motorists could damage their petrol and diesel vehicles by making a little-known error. 

Vehicle expert Scotty Kilmer has stressed over using pure water instead of antifreeze could be a major mistake, especially in Winter. 

Although water is vital to cool down a vehicle, antifreeze is specially designed to prevent vehicles from “freezing over”. 

With temperatures dropping at this time of the year having an ample amount of the solution could be vital and save motorists from vehicle damage. 

Scotty issued the simple advice on his YouTube channel where he hands out vital tips and tricks for motorists of all shapes and sizes.

antifreeze car

Antifreeze is vital in winter and cannot be ignored (Image: Getty)

Scotty said: “Today I'm going to tell you why you don’t want to run your car’s radiator on pure water. 

“There’s a reason your car’s radiator is supposed to be 50% antifreeze and 50% water. 

“Water actually dissipates heat better than antifreeze but antifreeze keeps it from freezing in the Winter. 

“And the antifreeze protects the engine inside from cavitation. If you’re running on pure water the cavitation can eat up the engine which happened in the case of this Toyota. 

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“The previous water had water and the new owner didn’t know so this is the second engine now. So please don’t run your car on pure water.”

BookMyGarage, the leading online car repair comparison site, stressed that motorists must ensure they dilute the antifreeze before setting off. 

They stressed motorists should not be using tap water as it can contain too many numerals for safe use in vehicles.

They also confirmed motorists should be following a  50:50 ratio where possible in a bid to keep engines in good condition.

BookMyGarage explained: “You may even cause expensive engine damage if you regularly use water instead of coolant.

“Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C - temperatures which a working car engine can exceed under normal driving conditions.

“If you use water alone, you increase the chances of the radiator freezing or overheating - especially in cold climates.  

“Antifreeze raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of water, and so prevents the engine from overheating or freezing when switched off.”