Water alone is not used as coolant for automobiles.
When discussing the use of freon (or chlorofluorocarbon as it is known) it usually refers to refrigeration and air conditioning. When talking about cars, freon gas is used in the Air conditioning unit. It it sometimes used by racing cars in the radiator in leu of regular coolant (or anti-freeze) but this is not a common practice. On regular cars, coolant is an oil based product placed in the cars radiator and reservoir diluted with water. It's function is to allow the radiator fluid (coolant and water), to be heated and cooled beyond the natural point of water to aid in the cooling of the cars engine.
it is used as a coolant
50% Anti-freeze and 50% clean water is generally used for engine coolant. This mix protects the cooling system from freezing down to -34 degrees F.
good, cheap, efficient and available almost anywhere
I just did a radiator swap on my 1991 Range Rover The radiator cost $300 and took me about 1hr to fit it. If your radiator is rare it may be cheaper to have it repaired by having a new core fitted. If you would like to see how to fit a radiator I made a video about fitting mine it ay help you. @makerepairbin
Water is not used in most modern cars, or at least is not recommended. If it is used, it is because it is cheap and easy to find and will do the job .
Radiator drain plug. Located at the bottom or lower side of the radiator used to drain coolant from the radiator.
To circulate coolant through the engine block, radiator and passenger compartment heater core.
The radiator is used to cool down the coolant (water plus antifreeze etc) which in turn is used to circulate the engine and prevent it overheating.
Radiator-- for storing and removing heat from the coolant. Pump-- used to circulate coolant throughout the engine and back to the radiator for cooling. Fan, either electric or mechanical -- used to draw air through the radiator thus removing heat. Thermostat--Used to keep the coolant at a set temperature. Radiator pressure cap--Used to keep the pressure at a set amount in the system. Hoses uses to transfer coolant from the radiator to the engine and back. Recovery tank--Used to catch any coolant that may overflow.
The radiator helps cool liquids that exits the engine. A tube at the top of the radiator flows the liquid into the radiator. Fans blow air into the radiator and cools this liquid. This liquid is then exited through the bottom of radiator and released back into the engine to be used. Radiator also holds coolant to to speed cooling process of liquid
Engine coolant contains certain chemical properties that water does not. Coolant is used in cars, busses, trucks, and other vehicles, and it is never recommended to use water unless it is only a short-term fix until you can get more coolant. The main difference is freezing point. If you use water as coolant in the winter, it will likely freeze and crack your engine block. In the heat, water boils much faster and produces more heat.