Should You Add Antifreeze to Your Car in Summer?
2 Answers
You should add antifreeze to your car in summer because the engine operates at very high temperatures, and adding antifreeze can prevent the engine coolant from boiling. The full name of antifreeze is antifreeze coolant, meaning it is a coolant with antifreeze properties. It prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block or head when the car is parked in cold winter. Many car owners believe that antifreeze is only used in winter, but in fact, antifreeze should be used year-round. Antifreeze is a type of coolant with special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and protecting against scale and corrosion throughout the year.
I've been driving for several years and often see people asking whether they should add antifreeze in summer. Actually, it's extremely important. Once during a long summer trip, my car suddenly overheated and started smoking, almost breaking down. The mechanic later said it was due to insufficient antifreeze. Antifreeze isn't just for preventing freezing; it's even more critical in hot weather, preventing boiling and protecting the engine from damage. If you only add water instead of antifreeze, the impurities in the water can cause rust and corrode the pipes, and over time, even the water pump can develop issues. Now, I check the fluid level every three months to ensure it's within the proper range. It's best to use dedicated antifreeze mixed with water at a 50-50 ratio. Ignoring this might save money temporarily, but repairing the engine costs much more and increases the risk on the road. A simple habit can save you trouble and money, making driving safer.
