Can a Diesel Vehicle Continue Driving at 100°C Water Temperature?
2 Answers
Diesel vehicles should not continue driving when the water temperature reaches 100°C. Below are relevant details about diesel vehicles: 1. Precautions: Pay attention to engine overheating. First, move the vehicle to a well-ventilated and shaded area. Then, open the engine hood and wait for the coolant temperature to drop. If immediate opening is necessary, use a large towel soaked in water to cover the coolant reservoir cap before attempting to open it slowly. When steam emerges, quickly move your hand away and wait until the steam completely dissipates before finally opening the cap to add coolant. 2. Scrap Time: The vehicle will be forcibly scrapped once the mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, but the actual condition of the vehicle should also be considered. For commercial vehicles, the scrap time is 8 years. Every vehicle has its own designated scrap period from the time of purchase, as stipulated by national transportation authorities—this is a system based on the number of seats and usage duration, which determines the safety inspection requirements during the vehicle's service life.
If my diesel car's coolant temperature spikes to 100°C, I would absolutely not continue driving. The normal operating temperature should stabilize around 90°C, and 100°C indicates engine overheating, which poses significant risks. I remember once during a long-distance drive when I stubbornly kept going despite slightly elevated temperatures, only to end up with a warped cylinder head that cost me thousands in repairs—a bitter regret. Overheating can cause coolant to boil, drastically increasing internal pressure, potentially damaging the head gasket or even leading to engine seizure. Safety first: I recommend immediately pulling over and shutting off the engine. Wait for it to cool before inspecting the coolant reservoir; if levels are low, add distilled water as a temporary measure. Never rush to restart—allow at least 30 minutes for proper cooling. If this happens on the road, park safely with hazard lights on to prevent accidents. High coolant temperature is no minor issue; mishandling it could trigger catastrophic failures.
