Can I still drive when the water temperature warning light is on?
2 Answers
When the water temperature warning light is on, you should not continue driving. If the cause of the fault is uncertain, do not risk continuing to drive. When the water temperature warning light comes on, the owner should stop the car for inspection—note that this means stopping, not turning off the engine. Park the vehicle in a safe area and let the engine continue running at idle speed to dissipate heat by opening the hood. If you see steam rising from the engine cover, it's best to first observe what is causing it before hastily opening the hood to avoid burns. Reasons for the water temperature warning light coming on: 1. Lack of coolant; 2. Engine overheating; 3. Cooling fan malfunction or failure; 4. Thermostat damage.
A couple of days ago, I encountered the engine temperature warning light while driving on the highway, so I immediately pulled over to check. Engine overheating is a serious issue—continuing to drive could cause the oil viscosity to drop, leading to lubrication failure. At best, it could cause cylinder scoring, and at worst, total engine failure. You’ve probably seen that white smoke when the engine overheats, right? I tried opening the hood to let it cool for half an hour, but the electric fan didn’t kick in at all. In the end, I had to call a tow truck. Never try to add water as an emergency fix in this situation—pouring cold water into a hot engine could crack the cylinder block. The mechanic said it was most likely a stuck thermostat causing poor coolant circulation, and in severe cases, the repair cost could be as much as half the price of the car.
