Is Antifreeze Needed in Summer?
2 Answers
Antifreeze is necessary to add in summer. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. Anti-boiling: Coolant can withstand higher temperatures without boiling, meeting the cooling needs of the engine to a certain extent; 2. Anti-freezing: In low-temperature conditions, it ensures that the vehicle's engine system is not frozen and can start normally; 3. Anti-corrosion: Coolant generally contains a certain amount of anti-corrosion additives to prevent corrosion in the cooling system, avoiding coolant leakage or seepage into the combustion chamber. Precautions for adding antifreeze: 1. Do not mix antifreeze: Different types of automotive antifreeze have different performances, and mixing different types can easily cause chemical reactions; 2. When replacing antifreeze, perform an internal cleaning of the cooling system to avoid any remaining scale. Antifreeze contains ingredients to remove scale. If the scale is not cleaned in time, it will affect the performance of the antifreeze when added; 3. Do not add water to antifreeze. Adding water to antifreeze will cause the freezing point of the antifreeze to rise, reducing its cooling effectiveness.
Yes, you do need to add coolant in summer—don’t think it’s only useful in winter. After years of helping people with car repairs, I’ve seen the common misconception that coolant only prevents freezing. But it also plays a crucial role in summer by preventing engine overheating, boiling, and system corrosion. Hot weather makes engines prone to running at high temperatures, and if the coolant is insufficient or degraded, its boiling point drops, leading to poor heat dissipation or burst hoses. I’ve seen plenty of cars break down in scorching heat simply because the coolant wasn’t topped up in time. I recommend checking the coolant level every two months and observing its color—it should be clear. If it appears dark or murky, it’s time for a replacement. Coolant also protects the water pump and rubber components from rust, so don’t neglect it year-round. Regular maintenance can save you from major repairs down the road.
