How Many Hours Can a Car Run in Summer?
3 Answers
It's generally fine to drive a car for over ten hours in summer, but the mileage is a different story. If you drive more than 5,000 km in a single trip, it can cause significant damage to the vehicle. Additionally, prolonged driving can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Extended driving: This keeps the brake fluid at high temperatures, which can lead to brake failure. A single mistake could result in a fatal accident, so prolonged driving is not recommended. 2. Regular family cars: Even with shorter durations, under two hours, the engine of a typical family car may start emitting white smoke, forcing you to pull over. Overheating the engine can also cause it to fail completely.
As a truck driver with over 20 years of long-distance experience, engine overheating is our biggest summer concern. Whether it's a new or old vehicle, continuous driving shouldn't exceed 4 hours. The key is monitoring the temperature gauge - when the needle crosses the midpoint, it's dangerous. Immediately find shade to stop and cool down. Last year on the highway, I experienced radiator boiling, which turned out to be a burnt-out cooling fan resistor. Don't shut off the engine immediately after stopping - let the fan run for two more minutes. Before long trips, always check antifreeze concentration, and older vehicles should carry spare coolant. Air conditioning compressors working continuously also risk overheating - sometimes driving with windows down is actually easier on your vehicle.
You young folks need to pay attention to your tires during summer road trips! Last week, my nephew's SUV had a tire blowout on the highway after driving for 5 hours straight in 40-degree heat. In summer, ground temperatures can reach 70 degrees, and it's safer to keep tire pressure about 0.2 bar higher than in winter. Especially between noon and 3 PM, it's advisable to stop at service areas every 2 hours to cool the tires by splashing water on them. I always keep a tire pressure monitor in my car—if the pressure rises by 0.5 bar, it's a warning sign. If you smell burning rubber, stop immediately and check the tires. Last year, a colleague's tires started smoking at a service area.
