can you use water instead of coolant

It is possible to use water instead of coolant temporarily or in an emergency situation, but it is not recommended for long-term use. Water can cool the engine and is even used as a coolant in some tropical climates because it absorbs heat quickly. However, compared to proper coolant (antifreeze), water has a lower boiling point (around 100°C) and freezes at 0°C, whereas coolant can have a boiling point above 110°C and freezing point well below 0°C. This makes coolant much more effective in protecting the engine across a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, coolant contains additives that prevent rust, corrosion, and scale buildup in the engine and cooling system, which water alone cannot provide. Using only water increases the risk of overheating, freezing, corrosion, and other damage to the engine and cooling components over time. Therefore, water can be used briefly in an emergency but should be replaced with the correct coolant as soon as possible for proper engine protection and performance.