Like the title states. I figured, I would let the coolant run out, hit the store in the other car, BUT I get there, no distilled water. Went to all the stores around, either sold out or don't carry. I hate living in a rural place.
My question, I have a reverse osmosis RO/DO filter on my home water supply I have. Takes everything from chlorine, to lead out, and everything in between. at least 95% of all contaminants, some at 95% some above. Is this water ok to make the coolant mix, or wait or travel 50+ miles to get some. Just wanted to check first before I go putting that in.

WOuld anyone know here?

Thanks from VT.

 

Distilled water is the best because it gives you some ease of mind. As long as the nitrate levels are ok you should be fine.

 

RO should work fine. You could also buy the pre-mixed 50/50 coolant, which is probably about right for Vermont. In other areas in the US the weather is such that you would still want to add a little water to achieve a 45/55 or 35/65 mix for optimal cooling.

 

Im a printer by trade and we use RO water and it is good but you need plastic pipes as anything metal will be destroyed. It has no minerals what so ever so it removes it from whatever metal it touches pretty much corrodes and rusts so i dont think i would use

 

Antifreeze has anti-corrosive properties.

 

You should be able to get distilled water in the coolant section of the Parts store or whatever BIG auto store you shop at.
I buy Distilled water at Canadian Tire(a Cdn auto store),and it is pretty well displayed right beside the coolant,along with coolant flush and Bar Leak.

 

The factory service manual specifically calls for demineralized water. As explained above by Pele, the coolant stabilizes the mixture.

 

So it should be ok. Thanks all.

 

Just change it often. Annually would be great.

 

Even better, change it each day, and be sure to buy Prestone... lots of it!

Now, if RCCAZ_1 and I did not own stock in Honeywell (Prestone), we would tell you that most modern extended life (aka long life, etc.) coolant will protect just fine for 5 years, and even the regular stuff is usually good for 2.5-3 years. However, since we have such a great economy right now and you guys can obviously afford to buy extra stuff, please buy Prestone coolant as often as possible so that we can retire early. We and the rich CEOs thank you for your support, and don't worry about paying your rent because at least you know your car is in tip-top shape!

Also, make sure you change your engine oil every hour with Exxon/Mobil products.

 

Sorry,I correct myself,it is De-ionized water.