Should You Still Add Antifreeze to Your Car in Summer?
4 Answers
Adding antifreeze to your car in summer is necessary. Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is designed to allow the car to continue operating in low winter temperatures. Engine coolant contains substances that lower the freezing point of water, preventing the cooling system from freezing in cold weather. The composition of antifreeze includes: calcium chloride from inorganic compounds, and methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, lubricating oil, and purified water from organic compounds. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. Providing freeze protection for the engine against low-temperature environments; 2. Preventing the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine block and cylinder head when parked in cold winter conditions; 3. Offering efficient heat dissipation.
Don’t be fooled by the name – you really need coolant in summer too. This stuff isn’t just for winter antifreeze protection; it’s even more crucial in high temperatures. Engine operating temperatures easily exceed 90°C, where plain water would boil instantly. Coolant’s boiling point reaches over 120°C, making it vital for preventing overheating. Plus, its anti-corrosion formula protects radiators and coolant passages – tap water would cause scale buildup and clog the system over time. Last year my buddy tried saving money with water, only to end up with a rusted-through radiator costing thousands in repairs. Nowadays, long-life coolants typically last two years – just check the level before summer and top up with the OEM-specified color if it’s below the MIN mark.
As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I know that coolant requires more attention in summer than in winter. Under the high-temperature conditions of the engine compartment, high-quality coolant effectively inhibits corrosion. I've seen many cars with radiators clogged by scale, resembling hardened blood vessels, leading to a drastic drop in cooling efficiency. I recall an old Jetta breaking down in summer; upon disassembling the engine, we found the cylinder head gasket blown—all because tap water had been used long-term. The silicate additives in coolant form a protective film on metal surfaces, while the ethylene glycol component also lubricates the water pump. Mechanics recommend testing the freezing point and pH every 20,000 kilometers—if the acidity is too strong, it's time for a replacement.
Last week, my neighbor's sister's car had its temperature gauge spike, and after being towed for inspection, it was found that the coolant was insufficient. When running the AC in summer traffic jams, the engine is under maximum load, causing the cooling system pressure to surge dramatically. Coolant isn't just for antifreeze—it acts more like the engine's temperature-regulating bodyguard. Its special additive formula can dissipate more heat, whereas tap water can form a steam layer on high-temperature metal surfaces, actually hindering heat dissipation. It's recommended to check the coolant reservoir level monthly; when the engine is cold, it should be between L and F. If frequent top-ups are needed, check for leaks—it could be due to hidden issues like aging water pump seals.
