Coolants are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and maintain a consistent temperature within the engine. They also contain anti-corrosion additives to protect the metal components of the engine. Adding water to the coolant can dilute its concentration and reduce its effectiveness, making it less capable of absorbing and dissipating heat from the engine.
When an engine overheats, the first step is to turn off the engine and pull over to a safe location. Then, allow the engine to cool down before attempting to address the overheating issue. If the coolant reservoir is empty or low, never add just plain water. If you don't have any coolant on hand, you can temporarily use a mixture of 50% water and 50% antifreeze in an emergency to top off the reservoir. However, it's crucial to have the coolant system checked and refilled with the proper coolant mixture as soon as possible.
