Vehicles — Water

Overview

Water management in vehicles refers to the physical state of the radiator cooling system, which is critical for engine longevity. A vehicle without coolant will overheat and suffer catastrophic engine failure within minutes of driving, leaving you stranded.

How It Works

The vehicle's engine requires a filled radiator to regulate heat during operation. You must pour liquid directly into the radiator (located under the hood/bonnet) rather than the fuel tank. While pure water is standard, coolant or even river water can be used in an emergency, though non-potable water may cause faster engine degradation over time. You can monitor the vehicle's temperature via the dashboard gauge; if it hits the red zone, you must stop immediately or risk ruin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Approach the front of the vehicle and hold the interaction key to open the hood.
2. Equip a full water container, such as a Cooking Pot, Canteen, or Jerrycan.
3. Aim at the radiator component visible under the engine bay until the "Fill Radiator" prompt appears.
4. Hold the primary action button until the radiator is full or the container is empty.
5. Close the hood to protect the engine components from damage.
6. Start the engine and monitor the dashboard temperature gauge to ensure it stays in the normal operating range.

Tips

• Always prioritize a Jerrycan for refilling, as it holds 20 liters and ensures the radiator is topped off in one go.
• If you lack a container, you can submerge the vehicle in deep water, though this is risky and may flood the engine bay.
• Keep a spare full container of water in your trunk at all times to handle unexpected leaks or overheating.
• Overheating is often caused by a damaged radiator; use an Epoxy Putty to repair the radiator if you notice water leaking while parked.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing the fuel intake with the radiator; never pour water into the gas tank as it will ruin the engine.
• Ignoring the dashboard temperature gauge; once the engine starts smoking (black smoke), the engine block is likely already ruined.
• Forgetting to close the hood after refilling, which exposes the radiator to direct ballistic damage during firefights.

Related Items

• Van 01
• Van 01 Wheel
• Van 01 Trunk 1
• Van 01 Door 1 1
• Van 01 Interior
• Windscreen Box

Related Guides

• Engine Maintenance
• Fuel Management
• Vehicle Repair Basics