Do You Need to Add Antifreeze in Summer?

[DelDerek]

You need to add antifreeze in summer. Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion throughout the year. Composition of Antifreeze: The main components of antifreeze are: 50% pure water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances. Types of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is generally divided into three types: ethanol-water, glycerol-water, and ethylene glycol-water. Can Different Antifreeze Brands Be Mixed? You must use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands of antifreeze may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could cause chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective. How to Choose Antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are freezing point and boiling point. The market offers antifreeze with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.

[Serenity]

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, my top concern during summer driving is engine cooling. What we call 'antifreeze' should actually be termed 'coolant', and it's crucial to check it regularly in summer. I usually pop the hood monthly to inspect the reservoir tank. The fluid level between those two min-max markers is particularly critical - if it's too low during hot weather, engine temperatures can skyrocket above 120°C. I've witnessed radiators boiling over and spewing steam on scorching days. Modern coolants use ethylene glycol formulations with boiling points about 30°C higher than water, while also preventing corrosion in the cooling system. I recommend checking for cloudy discoloration before summer and replacing if necessary. Never top up with plain water as makeshift solution, or you'll likely encounter overheating warnings during long summer drives.

[StGrace]

Last summer, my friend's car broke down on the road, and it turned out to be caused by insufficient antifreeze. The primary function of antifreeze in summer is to raise the boiling point of the coolant and prevent engine overheating. I regularly check my car's cooling system, paying special attention to the coolant reservoir's level marks—if it's below the minimum line, it needs to be topped up promptly. Most modern vehicles use organic acid-based antifreeze, which can last up to five years, but if the color fades or turns black, it should be replaced. Here's a handy tip: Before summer, use a tester to check the antifreeze's freezing point—if the boiling point reaches above 130°C, it's the safest bet. Otherwise, you might really get stranded in traffic during high temperatures.

[Joanne]

When I first started driving, I also thought antifreeze was only for winter use. I learned the hard way that it's even more crucial in summer. The engine often runs at temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius, relying entirely on the antifreeze cooling system for heat dissipation. Now, checking the antifreeze level and concentration is a must in my car maintenance routine, especially during the scorching months of July and August. Antifreeze not only prevents boiling but also protects components like the water pump and thermostat from rusting. I recommend checking the coolant reservoir every summer, keeping the level at the midpoint for optimal performance. If it falls below the minimum mark, add the same type of product without mixing in water, as this can cause scale buildup and clog the pipes. A replacement only costs around a hundred bucks, which is way more economical than repairing an overheated engine.

[LeLincoln]

A few days ago, I helped my neighbor check his car and found that he didn't even realize his antifreeze was nearly empty. In summer, temperatures under the hood can reach nearly 70°C, and antifreeze acts like a guardian to keep the engine cool. I make it a habit to open the engine compartment two hours after parking to check the fluid level in the transparent reservoir. That long-life antifreeze usually only needs replacement every two to three years, but if the level keeps dropping, you should check for leaks. During summer driving, it's advisable to keep an eye on the dashboard coolant temperature gauge—if the needle rises abnormally fast, pull over immediately. When the antifreeze level is normal, it can absorb high heat, but if it's too low, the water pump can run dry and quickly ruin the engine.

[Andres]

I remember one summer road trip when the coolant temperature warning light came on due to insufficient antifreeze. Now, before summer arrives, I make it a point to thoroughly check the cooling system. In hot weather, the most critical function of antifreeze is to prevent boiling. Checking the level against the markings on the side of the reservoir is basic maintenance – keeping it at the MAX line when the engine is cold is the safest bet. Factory-installed antifreeze in new cars can last four to five years, but when topping up, it's essential to use the same brand and color product. If the antifreeze appears diluted or has excessive contaminants, it's best to replace it entirely. Before hitting the highway in summer, always ensure the coolant level is adequate; otherwise, poor heat dissipation can lead to engine seizure, and repairs could cost thousands.