What Causes the Reduction of Antifreeze When Using Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
Antifreeze naturally depletes over time, but the rate of reduction is typically slow, usually lasting anywhere from six months to a year. Prolonged high-speed driving or frequent long-distance trips may lead to some evaporation of antifreeze, but the loss should not be significant. If frequent top-ups of antifreeze are required, potential issues such as pipe leaks, poor antifreeze circulation leading to overheating, or aging cylinder head gaskets should be considered. Below is relevant information: 1. Antifreeze: The full name should be antifreeze coolant, meaning a coolant with antifreeze properties. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block or head during cold winter parking. 2. Functions of Antifreeze: Corrosion prevention. The engine and its cooling system are made of metals, including copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. These metals, when in contact with water under high temperatures over time, can corrode and rust. Antifreeze not only avoids causing corrosion to the engine cooling system but also provides anti-corrosion and rust removal functions.
As a long-time experienced driver, I've noticed that it's quite common for the coolant level to drop when the air conditioning is on, mainly because the AC increases the engine's workload, causing the temperature to rise significantly. Under high temperatures, the cooling system experiences increased pressure, making it easier for coolant to leak from aging rubber hose connections or tiny cracks in the radiator. Coolant is somewhat volatile, and when heated, some of it evaporates as vapor, especially noticeable during long summer drives when the fluid level drops more visibly. It could also be due to aging water pump or radiator seal rings, which are more prone to failure under high temperatures. It's advisable to regularly check the coolant color for any changes or look for leaks on the ground after parking. Prompt repairs at a shop are recommended to prevent major engine overheating issues. During routine maintenance, have a technician check the overall integrity of the system.
