Can Antifreeze Be Used in Summer?
2 Answers
Antifreeze can indeed be used in summer, as it is not just for winter use. It should be utilized year-round. Antifreeze inherently possesses high-temperature resistance properties. When the engine operates, excessively high water temperatures can cause damage, but antifreeze helps cool the engine. The full name of antifreeze should actually be "antifreeze coolant," meaning a coolant with antifreeze properties that prevents the coolant from freezing in cold winter conditions, which could otherwise cause the radiator to burst or damage the engine block or cylinder head. Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and protecting against scale and corrosion throughout the year.
As a seasoned driver with nearly three decades of long-haul trucking experience, using antifreeze in summer is a no-brainer. It's not just the core solution for preventing freezing in winter, but more crucially, it effectively prevents engine overheating in scorching seasons. You see, when the engine is running, temperatures can soar to over a hundred degrees. Relying solely on water for cooling can lead to boiling and steam formation under high heat, causing radiator pressure to spike and potentially damaging the engine. I once neglected this while driving a cargo truck uphill in the peak of summer, resulting in a breakdown and costly repairs for part replacements. Since then, I've only used premium antifreeze, which typically has a boiling point above 110°C—far exceeding water's 100°C—and also prevents corrosion and sediment buildup, extending the vehicle's lifespan. I recommend checking the fluid level quarterly to ensure it stays within the safe range and sticking to OEM specifications year-round, avoiding mixing different types to prevent issues. Don't be fooled by its name—it's the cooling system's year-round guardian, saving you money and hassle.
