Do you have distilled water for the radiator?
'Distillata' — 'dis-til-LA-ta'. Four syllables; stress on the third.
Ask when the coolant warning light comes on or when the radiator reservoir is visibly low during a summer journey.
'Acqua distillata' is distilled water. 'Per il radiatore' means 'for the radiator'. Tap water should never be used in radiators as the minerals cause scale build-up. Italian stations often sell it in 1L bottles.
Ha del liquido refrigerante?
Do you have coolant?
'Liquido refrigerante' is the antifreeze/coolant mixture.
Il motore è surriscaldato.
The engine is overheating.
Emergency statement — pull over and let it cool before opening the cap!
Quanta acqua metto nel radiatore?
How much water do I put in the radiator?
Asks for guidance on quantity.
In Italian summers, radiator overheating is a genuine risk, especially in traffic jams in cities like Rome and Naples. Always carry a bottle of coolant or distilled water for long summer road trips.