Can a Van Be Driven When It Overheats?
2 Answers
It cannot be driven because if the van displays a high temperature, it indicates that the engine has already malfunctioned. Here are the relevant details: 1. Van: A van refers to a general term for vehicles that do not have protruding engine compartments or luggage compartments at the front or rear, resembling a loaf of bread. It is defined as: a flat or short-nose body structure, single-layer floor, mid-engine placement (meaning the engine block is entirely located between the front and rear axles of the vehicle), a width-to-height ratio (the ratio of the vehicle's width to its height) less than or equal to 0.90, seating capacity of less than or equal to 9 people, and a passenger car equipped with seats. 2. Water Temperature Indicator Light: The water temperature indicator light is controlled by a bimetallic strip sensor switch screwed into the cylinder block water jacket. This switch controls the red indicator light (high-temperature warning light) on the dashboard.
After driving for so many years, I've learned that you must never drive a van when it's overheating. High temperatures are usually caused by cooling system failures, such as insufficient coolant, a non-functioning fan, or a broken water pump. Forcing the engine to run in such conditions can lead to severe damage like cylinder melting or deformation, potentially resulting in a complete engine failure. A friend of mine had to spend nearly ten thousand yuan on repairs after their engine burned out from not stopping, not to mention the towing fees and other time losses. After stopping, it's advisable to turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for it to cool down, then check the water level in the radiator and add water if necessary as an emergency measure. However, if the problem is serious, it's best to call for professional repairs to avoid the high risk of breaking down on the road. Developing the habit of checking the coolant before driving can prevent a lot of trouble in advance.
