Here's why:
* Freezing: Water expands when it freezes, which can crack engine blocks, radiator hoses, and other components. This is especially problematic in colder climates.
* Boiling: Water boils at a much lower temperature than the typical operating temperature of a vehicle's engine. Boiling can cause overheating, which can lead to serious engine damage.
* Corrosion: Water lacks the corrosion inhibitors found in antifreeze/coolant. This will lead to significant rust and corrosion inside your engine, severely shortening its lifespan.
* Lack of Heat Transfer: Antifreeze/coolant is formulated to effectively transfer heat away from the engine. Water alone is less efficient at this.
While water might work in a pinch for a very short distance in an emergency (and even then, it's risky), it's never a suitable long-term replacement for proper engine coolant. Always use the type and concentration of coolant specified by Jeep for your Wrangler's engine.
