Engine overheating is the single most common cause of catastrophic car damage in Pakistan during the summer months. From May to August every year, workshops across Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Faisalabad see dozens of seized engines. Most could’ve been prevented with Rs. 2,000 worth of coolant. As a car owner, you would realize that during peak summer months, your car ends up throwing a lot more tantrums than it does otherwise.
In this article, we will discuss car overheating and how coolants can help you manage it effortlessly.
Pakistan’s Summer: An Engine’s Worst Nightmare
With the engine running, underhood temperatures easily reach 90-100°C even in normal conditions. In the Pakistani summers, with the engine running in traffic, underhood temperatures can reach 110-120°C.
Your engine itself operates at around 90-95°C internally when running properly. That’s the designed operating temperature. The cooling system maintains this temperature regardless of outside conditions – when working correctly.
But when the outside air is 48°C, the cooling system has to work much harder to reject that engine heat. Instead of cooling with 25°C air, it’s trying to cool with 48°C air. The temperature difference is much smaller, so heat rejection is less efficient. The system is constantly stressed to its maximum capacity.
The Traffic Jam Factor
It is evident that in a place with traffic jams, your car tends to heat up quickly. This is because you are constantly keeping a foot on the clutch and brake, trying to move a few inches ahead and then stopping immediately. It impacts the engine and causes your vehicle to heat up.
The AC Amplification Effect
Almost everyone in Pakistan runs the AC at maximum during the summer. Obviously, at 48°C outside, you need an AC unit. Though the AC keeps you cool, its compressor runs through the engine. Hence, the power is used excessively, resulting in excessive heat.
If the engine continues to run above 115°C, catastrophic failure is imminent or has already occurred.
What Happens When Your Car Overheats?
An overheated engine is a catastrophe. Here is what happens when the car gets hot:
- Aluminum pistons expand so much that they seize in the cylinders
- Bearings fail due to oil breakdown
- Cylinder walls score from metal-to-metal contact
- Connecting rods can actually break from stress
- Crankshaft damage
- Complete engine seizure
Or engine replacement with a used engine: Rs. 120,000 to Rs. 200,000 for the most common cars like Corolla, City, Civic.
This is the Rs. 200,000 disaster that Rs. 2,000 of proper coolant would prevent.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule for Pakistani Summer
Prevention is always better and cheaper than a cure. Here’s a realistic maintenance schedule for Pakistani conditions.
1. Monthly Checks (5 Minutes)
Check coolant level: Open the hood when the engine is cold. Look at the coolant reservoir. If low, add 50/50 coolant mix to bring to MAX.
This is non-negotiable maintenance. Coolant degrades over time, losing effectiveness. Even if the level is acceptable, the quality deteriorates.
2. Before Summer Season (April/May)
Pre-summer cooling system service:
- Check all of the above
- Replace coolant if it’s been 2+ years
- Pressure test system
- Check the AC refrigerant level
- Clean radiator fins from dust and debris
Think of this as preparing for battle. Summer is coming, your cooling system needs to be at 100% capacity.
How Coolants Work?
Coolants magically bring your car back to normal temperature. Plain water boils at 100°C, but a 50/50 coolant combination boils at around 130°C.
While not critical for most of Pakistan, coolant prevents the cooling system from freezing in northern areas where temperatures drop below 0°C.
The water pump has seals and bearings that need lubrication to function correctly. Coolant provides this lubrication while plain water doesn’t, causing water pump seals to fail faster. Replacing a failed water pump costs Rs. 8,000-15,000.
The chemical composition of the coolant (ethylene glycol mixed with water and additives) actually improves heat transfer from your hot engine to the radiator.
Best Coolant for Pakistani Heat
If you are planning to buy a coolant, here are some features you should consider:
- Green coolant: If you’re on a budget, get your hands on it. It is budget-friendly and lasts 2-3 years.
- Pink/red coolant: If you are looking for a coolant that lasts 3-5 years even in extreme heat, opt for pink/red coolant.
- If your car manufacturer recommended a coolant type, choose it over all other options.
Final Thoughts
Summers can affect your vehicles in ways you may not have ever imagined. To extend your car’s engine life, getting a coolant is a great idea, and spending a few bucks on a high-quality one will save you a lot of hassle later. Check out autostore.pk to find the right one for your vehicle.