Ions. Ions are what carry the charge in an electrolytic solution. Using distilled water removes ions and thus would be a benefit. But! Most european cars have requirements for phosphate free coolants. The reason behnd this is the amount of ions in the water most Europeans have for their cars. It is claimed that this is not necessary for most US water systems. Their level of ions is sufficiently low.

As to electrolytic mixtures, this is what we are trying to avoid. The key to this electrolytic mixture is that water is the solvent. Water supports electrolysis through its chemical nature. Antifreese is not an electrolytic solvent. The key is which is dissolved in which. The solvent is the medium. If you have water dissolved in antifreese it forms a non electrolytic solution. If the water is the solvent with antifreese disolved in it then you have an electrolytic solution. The key is the mixture. Make sure you have more than 50% antifreese and alls well.

As to brake fluid we use Castrol LMA Dot4 brake fluid but I wouldn't hesitate to use any reputable Dot4.


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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician