Can an Overheated Radiator Damage the Engine?
2 Answers
"This situation can indeed damage the engine. When the temperature of the car's radiator reaches the boiling point, commonly referred to as 'the water in the car radiator boiling into hot water,' it becomes a serious issue. The radiator's temperature can be monitored through the car's coolant temperature gauge, which generally should not exceed 95 degrees Celsius. If the temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius, driving should be stopped immediately. If the engine temperature becomes too high, the expansion of components will reduce the clearance between parts. Additionally, excessive temperature will lower the viscosity of the engine oil, leading to increased wear and tear on components and ultimately shortening the engine's lifespan. 'Boiling over' is not a minor issue and should be taken seriously by drivers, with preventive measures strengthened. When the engine temperature is too high, avoid pouring cold water onto the engine. Forgetting to add coolant when starting the car and then attempting to cool the engine by pouring cold water onto the cylinder block or cylinder head upon noticing the high temperature can have severe consequences. This may cause 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, and is pumped back into the water jacket. This circulation of coolant in the cooling system is referred to as the major circulation."
An overheated radiator can indeed damage the engine, which is a common issue I encounter during car repairs. The engine relies on the cooling system to regulate temperature. If the radiator boils over, it means the coolant is evaporating and can no longer dissipate heat effectively. This causes the engine's metal components to overheat, expand, and deform, such as cylinder head gasket erosion or cylinder head cracking. More severely, the pistons and cylinder walls may seize and wear out, damaging the entire powertrain, leading to costly repairs or even engine failure. Common causes include water pump failure, radiator blockage, or coolant leaks. Preventive measures include regularly checking coolant levels, topping up with fresh coolant to avoid air bubbles, and cleaning the radiator. If the temperature gauge spikes while driving, stop immediately to inspect—do not continue running the engine, or a minor issue could escalate into a major disaster.
