Summer brings warm weather and extended daylight hours, enticing many to hit the road. However, data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that July and August are the deadliest months for drivers. With increased alcohol consumption, inexperienced teenage drivers on vacation, and crowded roads, summer driving poses unique risks. Understanding these dangers can help you prepare and stay safe.

Within the heart of every internal combustion engine lies a carefully balanced system designed to regulate temperature. Antifreeze and coolant are at the core of this system, working together to prevent overheating, guard against freezing in cold climates, and protect critical components from corrosion.

The car thermostat is a compact yet vital component of your vehicle’s cooling system. Its job is to regulate coolant flow, ensuring the engine warms up efficiently and then stays within a safe operating temperature range. A defective thermostat may cause excessive heat, unstable temperature readings, poor fuel economy, and even damage that compromises engine longevity. Replacing this part at the first sign of trouble is a direct way to restore proper temperature control and safeguard your engine’s health.

Engines operate under extreme conditions where temperature control is critical. Without an effective cooling medium, the immense heat generated by combustion can rapidly harm vital components. Antifreeze, often referred to as coolant when mixed with water, is central to preventing both overheating in the summer and ice formation in the winter.

Antifreeze, also referred to as engine coolant, is a cornerstone of proper vehicle maintenance. Its primary role extends well beyond temperature control; it helps safeguard internal engine components from corrosion, scaling, and premature wear. Decades ago, drivers had limited choices—most vehicles ran on a standard green antifreeze, commonly mixed 50/50 with water. However, automotive technology and engine materials have evolved, prompting a shift in antifreeze formulations. Modern vehicles now rely on carefully engineered coolants suited to specific engine designs, materials, and thermal demands.

Engines generate tremendous heat during normal operation, often maintaining internal temperatures that range between 195 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure these hot-running components do not suffer heat-related damage, every modern vehicle relies on a well-maintained cooling system.

Experiencing a radiator leak can be unsettling, especially when you notice a pool of coolant under your vehicle or see the temperature gauge steadily creeping upward. The radiator is a critical component of your car’s cooling system, helping maintain proper engine temperature and preventing severe damage due to overheating. If your radiator fails to hold coolant, the engine’s temperature control becomes compromised.

Begin by disconnecting the vehicle's battery to eliminate any electrical risks. Use a car jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the parking brake is engaged and place chocks behind the wheels to prevent movement. Always work on a cool engine to avoid burns from hot components or coolant.

Maintaining the optimal temperature of your vehicle’s engine is paramount for its longevity and performance. The cooling system plays an essential role in regulating this temperature, and any malfunction within this system can lead to significant engine problems. One prevalent issue that vehicle owners encounter is coolant leaks, which can vary in severity from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures.