How Long Can a Car Run Continuously in Hot Weather?

[OscarRose]

In hot weather, a car can run continuously for a maximum of three to four hours. Here are some precautions for driving in hot weather: 1. Prevent engine overheating: High temperatures can easily cause the engine to overheat. Therefore, in hot weather, it is essential to strengthen the inspection and maintenance of the engine cooling system. Clean the scale in the radiator and water jacket, and remove any debris stuck between the radiator fins. Thoroughly check the performance of the thermostat, water pump, and fan, and repair any damages promptly. Also, adjust the tension of the fan belt and replenish the coolant in time. 2. Prevent tire blowouts: During the peak of summer heat, tire temperatures rise, making the rubber more prone to softening. In severe cases, this can lead to tire burning. High-speed driving over hard objects can easily cause a blowout. Therefore, regularly check tire pressure while driving. If the tires are overheated or the pressure is too high, park the car in a shaded area to cool down. Avoid splashing cold water or releasing air, as these actions can lead to blowouts during the trip and premature tire damage.

[DeVanessa]

In hot weather, what I pay the most attention to while driving is the coolant temperature gauge. I once drove continuously for 5 hours on the highway, and suddenly the air conditioning stopped cooling. After stopping, I realized the radiator was nearly boiling. Now, I make it a rule to stop at service areas every 3 hours of continuous driving, turning off the engine to rest for half an hour, especially since the engine fan hardly stops in 40-degree heat. It’s advisable to top up the antifreeze before departure, and older cars should particularly check if the radiator is clogged. Using air conditioning increases engine load by 20%, so it’s crucial to monitor coolant temperature fluctuations during long drives. Additionally, tire temperatures can easily exceed limits—I stop every two hours to feel the tire temperature, and in summer, it’s best to keep tire pressure 0.2 bar below the standard value. For long-distance driving, it’s wise to carry spare coolant and a tow rope.

[McIvan]

I'm always extra cautious when driving my old Jeep on long trips in hot weather. Last July, I drove for four hours straight with the AC on while navigating mountain roads, and the engine warning light came on. The mechanic later told me the cylinder head temperature had exceeded 110°C, and continuing to drive could have burned through the head gasket. Now my rule of thumb is: in temperatures above 30°C, never drive continuously for more than 3 hours; when running the AC, pay attention to the cooling fan's RPM sound - if it stays at high speed for prolonged periods, find a place to stop immediately; adjust tire pressure lower but never below the manufacturer's minimum limit. Oh, and try to avoid long uphill climbs during peak heat hours - last time I was climbing a winding mountain road for 20 minutes straight, the coolant temperature needle shot straight into the red zone.

[StHailey]

New cars are indeed more durable in high temperatures. I once drove a friend's hybrid car for 6 hours non-stop on the highway in 38-degree weather, but the auxiliary cooling function with air conditioning was on throughout the journey. For traditional fuel-powered vehicles, it's best not to exceed 4 hours of continuous driving, especially for turbocharged models which require extra caution. If the dashboard coolant temperature gauge exceeds the midpoint by two notches, you must stop and take a break, as the cooling system is already overloaded at this point. Remind everyone to check the freezing point of the antifreeze, and replace coolant that's been in use for over three years promptly. When parking, don't turn off the engine immediately; let it idle for three minutes to help with cooling.