Do You Need to Replace Coolant in Hot Weather?
3 Answers
Hot weather does not necessitate coolant replacement, as coolant change is not related to weather conditions. For vehicles that operate for extended periods, such as taxis, high-quality coolant should generally be replaced annually. Vehicles with shorter operating hours can have their coolant replaced every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. How to Replace Coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leaks or cracks in the pipelines, with a particular focus on the five-way hose. Coolant flows through the five-way hose and is then distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there are any signs of coolant leakage in this area, replace the hose or resecure the connection as needed. Drain the old coolant and then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir and continue to fill it until water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir will have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the drained water runs clear. Note: Remember to remove the heater hose and drain all water from the heater core. Approximately one hour after draining, add new coolant through the radiator hose. Then, pour another container of coolant into the coolant reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As the cooling system expels some air, the coolant level will drop slightly. Top up the coolant until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
Speaking of changing coolant in hot weather, as someone who has been driving for over 20 years, I think this is something you really can't take lightly. I remember last summer was particularly hot, I was driving my old Jetta on a countryside trip when the engine suddenly overheated and started emitting steam, almost requiring a tow truck. Later, the mechanic found out it was because the coolant hadn't been changed for too long, causing the cooling system to fail. Coolant isn't just for preventing freezing; it's even more critical in hot weather because engine temperatures spike quickly, and it's this liquid that does all the work of dissipating heat. If you don't change it, the old fluid can corrode the pipes or become viscous, reducing efficiency and easily leading to overheating incidents. My advice is, no matter the season, follow the manual's guidelines—check it every two years or 30,000 kilometers, especially in high-temperature areas like the southern regions. Changing to fresh coolant in time makes the car run smoother and gives peace of mind on long trips. Don't wait until there's a problem to regret it; changing coolant isn't expensive, and it's much more cost-effective than engine repairs.
I think this is a pretty common question. As a car owner born in the 1990s, I was also confused when I first started driving. Changing antifreeze in hot weather is absolutely necessary, not just a winter thing. The main function of antifreeze is to cool the engine, and it works harder in summer than in winter because high temperatures cause the engine to overheat when RPMs increase. Aged antifreeze can deteriorate and lose effectiveness, affecting heat dissipation. During my last maintenance, the 4S shop technician emphasized the need for regular replacement, usually every two years, and to check the fluid level and color to determine if a change is needed. Despite its name, antifreeze also prevents rust and corrosion, protecting internal components from damage or scaling in hot weather. Now when driving in hot weather, I make it a habit to check the coolant reservoir temperature before trips to avoid breakdowns. A simple maintenance routine brings peace of mind and safety.
