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