Can a car continue to drive without antifreeze in summer?
2 Answers
In summer, a car cannot continue to drive without antifreeze. The full name of antifreeze should be called antifreeze coolant. The engine's antifreeze has the characteristics of preventing freezing, boiling, corrosion, and scale, and is not affected by seasons or regions. Antifreeze replacement cycle: For vehicles that run for long periods, such as taxis, high-quality antifreeze should generally be replaced once a year. For vehicles with shorter running times, it can be replaced every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. To prevent excessive foam formation, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency between the antifreeze and engine components, ensure the product is within its validity period when adding it. Long-lasting antifreeze can have a validity period of up to three years. If suspended matter, sediment, deterioration, or discoloration is found in the antifreeze, the system should be promptly cleaned and the antifreeze replaced. Precautions for antifreeze replacement: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipelines, with a focus on the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe is named for its five connecting interfaces to various parts. Antifreeze flows through the five-way pipe and is distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there is any sign of antifreeze leakage in this part, the water pipe should be replaced or the interface re-fixed according to the situation.
As a friend who often drives in the summer, I want to remind you not to overlook the absence of coolant. Coolant isn't just useful in winter; it's the lifeline of the cooling system in the summer, helping to lower the engine's temperature and prevent overheating. Under the high temperatures of summer, the engine operates at very high temperatures, and a lack of coolant can cause the cooling system to boil, leading to excessive metal expansion inside the engine, burning out gaskets or cylinder heads. You might not even drive a few kilometers before smoke appears and the car breaks down, not only disrupting your trip but also incurring towing and repair costs starting at thousands of dollars, not to mention the safety risks. I've seen cases where people forced their cars to run, resulting in complete engine destruction—utter regret. I advise you to stop immediately and check. If the coolant is severely lacking, call for a tow truck or add emergency coolant; don't risk starting the car to save trouble. Safety first—during maintenance, regularly check the coolant level and color to ensure it's clear and effective.
