If you are actually low on coolant then for a short term just putting in
water is not a problem.  Unless there is a hose that has gone bad and you
are losing a lot of coolant, then that is the main issue to deal with.  In
your area if using water I'd buy distilled or drinking water at the local
supermarket, a lot of hard water from the tap in that area.  Won't kill
your engine but not good for the cooling system.  But driving without
coolant and over heating the engine is a big non no.

On Sun, Apr 21, 2013 at 11:22 AM, PB <pbrattan@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm out in Long Beach, CA (a populated area) with my water light blinking.
> Nearby VW stores are closed, but there ARE nearby auro parts stores.  Is
> there any anti-freeze that will be OK to use. Of course I have some at
> home,  35 miles away. I'm just parked until I know what to do. This is my
> very first on the road mechanical "issue" in 6 yrs.
> Thanks in advance.
> Patti
> 90 Westy Automatic
>