Can I continue driving if the car's water tank is leaking?

[VanPeter]

The car's water tank is leaking and cannot continue driving. A leaking water tank can cause harm to the car and may also prevent it from starting. Necessary protective measures must be taken for the water tank to ensure its normal operation. Hazards of a leaking water tank: If too much water leaks from the water tank, the engine may not receive enough water or coolant for cooling, leading to overheating. A leaking water tank can also reduce the viscosity of the engine oil, preventing the formation of an oil film between friction surfaces and increasing wear. This can cause excessive pressure in the engine cylinder, leading to thermal deformation of aluminum components, ultimately resulting in engine failure and preventing the engine from starting. Measures to prevent water tank leaks: Regularly check the water level in the tank and replenish it if it is too low. Inspect the surroundings of the water tank for leaks and add a bottle of radiator stop-leak agent, which will not affect heat dissipation or cause blockages. Perform rust removal on the water tank to reduce corrosion speed. If the water tank is leaking excessively, take it to a repair shop for professional repair.

[DeLiam]

I noticed water leaking into the car cabin, and it's absolutely unsafe to continue driving. Water ingress poses multiple hazards: once the brake or accelerator pedals get wet, your foot may slip while pressing them, leading to loss of control and potential accidents. Water can also seep into the carpet beneath the seats, soaking electrical wiring and causing short circuits or even fires. I recall my neighbor's car last year—his sunroof drain was clogged, causing a leak that wasn’t addressed in time, ultimately frying the ECU system and costing over ten thousand yuan in repairs. Checking for leaks is usually straightforward: a soft wire can unclog blocked sunroof drains, and a loose windshield seal can be temporarily pressed tight. However, if the issue is unclear, pull over in a safe area to inspect for risks. Safety always comes first—don’t risk driving further, as protecting yourself and passengers is paramount. If necessary, call a towing service to take the car to a professional shop for inspection to prevent major damage.

[DeDamian]

I've dealt with quite a few car water leakage issues. It's still drivable but depends on the severity. A clogged sunroof drain is a minor problem - driving is fine but get it cleared soon. If there's severe leakage from damaged body seals during heavy rain, don't drive as accumulated water could damage electrical systems. With decades of driving experience, I suggest first identifying the leak source - common spots are near the hood or door seams. Driving short distances to repair shops is acceptable temporarily, but maintain low speed and turn off AC to minimize water intake. Ignoring long-term leaks leads to moldy interiors and health hazards from odors. Keep towels handy to quickly soak up water - acting fast saves repair costs. Safety comes first - unresolved leaks create multiple hazards.

[DiGabrielle]

I'll pull over to check the cause of the leak. Usually, it's due to clogged sunroof or AC drains. A minor leak is okay for short drives, but get it fixed ASAP. Water inside can wet seats (uncomfortable) and cause mold or part corrosion. Last time, I temporarily sealed gaps with plastic strips and drove to the shop—cost a few hundred to fix. Key point: prevent water from reaching electronic components to avoid malfunctions. Monitor leakage while driving; safety first.