Water quality
The importance of water quality
Water used in coolants can vary widely in quality, with key factors such as pH, mineral content, and corrosive ions like chlorides and sulphates playing a critical role. Water that is too hard, too acidic, or too rich in minerals can lead to corrosion, scale buildup, and eventual engine damage. For example, high chloride or sulphate content can increase corrosion, while high hardness can lead to the formation of ‘boiler stone’ or scale, which compromises the cooling system’s efficiency. So, using the right water quality for a coolant is key to for its performance.
Using distilled or deionised water is recommended
Arteco strongly recommends using distilled or deionised water for coolant dilution. Distilled water undergoes a purification process that removes impurities by boiling and condensing, while deionised water has its mineral ions removed via ion exchange. These processes result in high-purity water with minimal contaminants, ensuring optimal coolant performance.
For those unable to access distilled or deionised water, Arteco advises using water that meets certain minimum quality standards. This includes water with a pH between 5.5 and 9.0, a chloride content of less than 40 mg/kg, and a total hardness below 170 mg/kg. Meeting these requirements helps prevent scale formation and corrosion, ensuring the engine coolant performs as expected.
Special considerations for electric vehicles (EVs)
Arteco’s Freecor® EV range is specifically designed for electric and fuel cell vehicles, where maintaining low electrical conductivity is crucial for safety and efficiency. For these coolants, the water used must have extremely low levels of ionic impurities, which can otherwise increase conductivity and reduce safety. Only deionised water is recommended for diluting Freecor® EV coolants, with maximum permissible chloride and sulphate levels of just 2 mg/kg and electrical conductivity below 10 µS/cm.
“The use of poor-quality water with ionic impurities will detrimentally impact the electrical conductivity of the ready-to-use coolant.”
For EVs, it’s critical to ensure the coolant remains safe and effective, and that begins with the right water quality.
Enhanced engine protection and longevity
By adhering to these water quality recommendations, you ensure that the engine coolant provides maximum protection. The use of high-quality water not only prevents corrosion and scale buildup but also ensures the longevity of the engine and cooling system. For EVs, it also maintains electrical safety, protecting both the vehicle and its passengers.
In summary, water quality is a vital factor in coolant performance. Whether you’re dealing with traditional combustion engines or modern electric vehicles, choosing the right water (distilled, deionised, or high-quality tap water) ensures optimal coolant function and longevity.
For further advice or to source ready-to-use solutions, our team is always available to assist.