Can a Boiling Radiator Damage the Engine?
3 Answers
Yes, it can damage the engine. It refers to the situation where the temperature of the car's radiator reaches the boiling point, commonly known as "the water in the car's radiator boils into hot water." The temperature of the radiator can be observed from the reading on the car's coolant temperature gauge, which generally should not exceed 95 degrees Celsius. When the coolant temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius, you should immediately stop driving. If the engine temperature is too high, the expansion of components will reduce the clearance between parts. On the other hand, excessively high temperatures will lower the viscosity of the engine oil, leading to increased wear on components and a reduced engine lifespan. "Boiling" is not a minor issue; drivers should take it seriously and strengthen preventive measures. When the engine temperature is too high, avoid pouring cold water onto the engine. If you forget to add coolant when starting the car and later discover the temperature is excessively high, do not pour cold water onto the engine block or cylinder head to cool it down. The consequences of doing so can be severe, potentially causing the engine block to crack due to sudden cooling, resulting in irreparable damage. When the coolant temperature rises (exceeding 95 degrees Celsius), the thermostat's main valve opens, and the side valve closes the bypass port. All the coolant flows through the main valve into the radiator for cooling, then to the water pump inlet, where it is pumped into the water jacket. At this point, the circulation of the coolant in the cooling system is referred to as the major circulation.
I've been driving trucks for over a decade, and an overheated radiator can really destroy an engine. High temperatures cause engine deformation, blown head gaskets, and seized pistons—repairs can easily cost tens of thousands. Last time I was hauling cargo on the highway, smoke started billowing out. I pulled over and saw the radiator boiling. After towing it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the engine had minor cracks and needed a major overhaul, often caused by insufficient coolant or a clogged radiator. I regretted not doing regular maintenance and checking the water level. Prevention is simple: inspect the cooling system before driving, and if you notice the temperature rising too quickly, pull over, shut off the engine to cool it down, and add water. Long-term neglect can lead to engine failure—safety first, don’t cut corners.
An overheating radiator will definitely damage the engine, as my driving instructor always reminds us. When the engine overheats, components can deform, such as cylinder heads cracking or pistons welding together, leading to exorbitant repair costs. There are various causes: a faulty fan prevents air circulation, a stuck thermostat, or a malfunctioning water pump. Once, I experienced this while driving—the engine immediately stalled and emitted white smoke, costing me thousands later to replace parts. It’s advisable to develop the habit of regularly checking the coolant’s color and quality to avoid impurity buildup. If the radiator boils over, stop the car immediately and address the issue—never risk continuing to drive.
