Re: Water Wetter cooling system enhancer

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2020/6/16 15:53:37

Another no data, no information consumer product stirring curiousity. Usually, a tip off.

A combustion engine cooling system is designed to rely on solid/forced liquid heat transfer at the engine block and forced liquid/flowing ambient air heat transfer at the radiator. The resistance of the radiator fins is negligible, but the open area/fin area is. (More air flow = more heat removed.) The heat transfer coefficient in the block is greater than that of the radiator. So improving/lowering the surface tension of the liquid side, is not much help. No harm apparently, but money for what?
As far as glycol vs water, the heat capacity of water, 1, is greater than that of glycol, 0.75. So the more glycol you add the less heat removed "en masse" or per unit liquid. Mainly there to prevent from freezing by "eutectic" freeze point depression and does increase the boiling point as the glycol boils higher, 387F, vs 212F. You do not want boiling of any kind in the block, that's lower heat transfer. causes hot spots.
Most "antifreezes" have a corrosion inhibitor package to prevent corrosion in all parts. Lasts about as long as the recommend change interval so unless you don't change it, no need to add. Aluminum in long service may require inhibitor additive dosing.
Water does not have any anti-corrosion properties, actually enables it. Distilled water will slowly "dissolve" metals, and tap water w/ hardness, will deposit scale which lowers heat transfer. This product may just inhibit scale formation, if no deposits observed. So choose your coolant habits wisely, not based on marketing.
My "strategy" if you add regular "antifreeze" and change every ~4 years, you'll find adequate protection and cost effective coolant. But all automotive fluids are increasing in price, so may have to adjust your schedule. Can't leave it in there forever, glycol slowly oxidizes to acid, but requires air.