Can the car be driven when the water temperature is too high?

[Gianna]

When the car's water temperature is too high, it should not be driven, as this can cause engine damage or even greater losses. Solutions for high water temperature: 1. Pull over to the side of the road, do not turn off the engine immediately, let it idle for a few minutes, and then open the engine hood. 2. Check if the cooling fan is running. If it is not, inspect whether the fan belt is intact and check the belt tension. Both too loose or too tight can cause high water temperature. 3. After the water temperature has dropped, open the radiator cap. It is important to first place a cloth over the radiator cap, slowly unscrew it, and wait until you hear a hissing sound before fully opening it to prevent hot steam or water from spraying out and causing burns. Once the radiator pressure has decreased, add cold water or antifreeze.

[Tobias]

If I see the car's temperature gauge running high, I would never continue driving. High water temperature indicates engine overheating. If you stubbornly keep driving, engine components like pistons or cylinders could deform or even melt, leading to cylinder explosion or scoring - repairs for that could cost thousands, more expensive than buying a used car. I remember once on the highway when my temperature gauge suddenly spiked, I immediately pulled over and found all coolant had leaked out. Had I not noticed in time, the entire engine would have been ruined. Safety first - pull over, turn off the engine, check coolant level. If it's too low, add some water as emergency measure, but it's best not to restart - call a tow truck to the repair shop directly. Overheating can also cause spontaneous combustion, which is life-threatening. Don't risk driving just to save a few minutes. Develop a habit of regularly checking the cooling system, like inspecting coolant monthly, to prevent such troubles.

[AliviaMarie]

I have some experience in car repairs, and you should never drive when the engine is overheating. Possible causes include insufficient coolant, a non-functioning fan, or a stuck thermostat. After pulling over safely, open the hood to check the coolant level in the radiator. If it's empty, quickly add water or antifreeze, but don't rush back on the road. When the engine overheats, internal pressure becomes too high, and components can easily get damaged—such as blowing the head gasket or ruining the water pump, with repairs costing at least a thousand. Wait for the car to cool down for about an hour, then feel the radiator hose to check if it's still hot. Try adding coolant to see if the level changes. If it seems safe, drive a short distance to a repair shop, but towing is the best option to avoid worsening the problem on the way.

[DelMaggie]

From a cost-saving perspective, continuing to drive with high engine temperature is not worth it. Engine overheating repairs can be expensive, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands, and it also disrupts work and daily life. I recommend stopping immediately to check if the coolant level is normal. Add coolant if possible, but avoid forcing the engine to start. Towing fees might cost a few hundred, which is much cheaper than engine repairs. Regularly inspect the cooling system during maintenance and change the antifreeze every two to three years. It's a low-cost measure that prevents major issues. High engine temperature might be a minor fault initially, but ignoring it can escalate into a major problem, making the loss outweigh the gain.

[DelAlana]

Once while driving, my car's temperature suddenly spiked with the warning light on. I hesitated and didn't stop, which led to engine smoke and breakdown, costing me a month's salary in repairs. From that lesson, I learned to pull over, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool down when the temperature rises. I also check the radiator and fan by opening the hood. Now, I always keep a bottle of coolant in the car for emergencies. High temperature is usually caused by coolant leaks or water pump failure. Continuing to drive can severely damage the engine, which isn't worth the risk. Safety is also important—don't open the hood immediately after stopping to avoid burns.