1932 Austin 10 - Use of engine coolant

[dnyoung]

I've been using tap water in the engine cooling system. Are there any benefits/disbenefits in using a green/red coolant? I live in a mild climate in Australia - no freezing temperatures!

[phil_taylor]

The original garage chart supplied with 1932 cars said 'drain the rad if frost likely. Refill with rainwater.' No mention of antifreeze. In your case rainwater may be in short supply so tap water is fine. Any hardness in the water will be deposited in the first few hundred miles and then the tapwater is hardmess free.
Cheers

[peter_winney]

I use deionised water in the radiator, as supplied for steam irons and in the old days to top up battery cells. But I do add antifreeze

[stephen_voller]

The small print on the Anti-Freeze must say IAT - Inorganic Acid Technology.