What are the consequences of not adding antifreeze to a vehicle?

[CharlesLee]

The consequences of a car without antifreeze include affecting the heat dissipation effect of the radiator; in cold climates, it can also cause the engine or radiator to freeze, leading to engine failure; it is prone to freezing, causing the engine, radiator, or cooling system components to crack; in severe cases, it can lead to engine cylinder scuffing, and in hot weather, there is even a risk of vehicle self-ignition. What is antifreeze: The full name of antifreeze should be antifreeze coolant, meaning a coolant with antifreeze function. Antifreeze can prevent the coolant from freezing and expanding the radiator or freezing the engine cylinder block or head when the vehicle is parked in cold winter. The role of antifreeze: Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. Antifreeze has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, preventing boiling in summer, and preventing scale and corrosion all year round.

[JaxonLee]

I used to be naive about car maintenance and thought coolant was unnecessary, so I replaced it with plain water. Last winter, my car wouldn't start, and when towed to the repair shop, they found the radiator frozen and cracked, even causing slight deformation to the engine block. The repair cost over 3,000 yuan. The technician explained that coolant is crucial for antifreeze protection, corrosion resistance, and lubricating the water pump. Without it, the cooling system's boiling point drops in summer heat, leading to "boiling over" and steam; rust builds up quickly, clogging pipes and causing leaks; and over time, the water pump bearings wear out faster. Now, every autumn, I check the coolant's color and level to ensure the right mix for antifreeze protection down to -40°C, saving both hassle and money.

[StJulianna]

Skipping antifreeze carries significant risks. The most direct consequence is freezing and expansion in winter, leading to radiator cracks and leaks. In summer, high temperatures can cause boiling and pressure loss, potentially causing the engine to overheat and stall suddenly. Long-term corrosion can damage metal components like cylinder heads and ports, with rust leading to shortened lifespan. The water pump is also affected, suffering from insufficient lubrication and reduced efficiency. I often remind myself to regularly check the expansion tank fluid level, typically topping up or replacing it every six months or 10,000 kilometers. Maintaining a 50% antifreeze concentration works best, preventing minor issues from snowballing into major problems. Repairs are expensive and time-consuming, so it's better to develop good habits early.

[MacBradley]

Saving money on antifreeze is really not worth it. I neglected to add it once, and the engine overheated, costing over two thousand in repairs. If it freezes and cracks the radiator, replacement and labor costs exceed a thousand. Corroded pipes leading to leaks make repairs troublesome and expensive. Long-term low thermal efficiency increases fuel consumption and reduces engine lifespan. In comparison, antifreeze costs just a few dozen per bottle, needing only a yearly top-up—a small investment to avoid major losses.