Can the car continue to drive with a damaged radiator?
2 Answers
If the car's radiator is damaged, it is not advisable to continue driving. Below is an introduction to abnormal conditions related to the car radiator: 1. If the car radiator is damaged, it is best to use a tow truck for movement. The radiator plays a crucial role in cooling and dissipating heat in the car. During the continuously high temperatures of summer, the car radiator is particularly prone to minor malfunctions. Insufficient water level, radiator corrosion, or leaks can directly cause the radiator temperature to reach the boiling point. In such cases, the engine's heat dissipation is poor, and the temperature becomes excessively high. The expansion of components will reduce the clearance between parts, and the high temperature will also decrease the viscosity of the engine oil. Under these conditions, the wear and tear on components intensify. If appropriate measures are not taken immediately, the engine may overheat, leading to severe mechanical damage. 2. While driving, if white steam suddenly emerges from under the engine hood, or if the temperature gauge needle rapidly rises to the high-temperature "H" mark, it indicates that the engine temperature is too high. This is usually caused by insufficient water in the radiator, leaks, or the radiator fan not operating. In such a situation, immediately find a safe place to stop the car, but do not turn off the engine right away. Let the engine idle to continue dissipating heat, and open the engine hood to increase the heat dissipation speed.
Having driven trucks for over a decade, I've learned that radiator leaks are absolutely not something to tough out. That time on the highway when my radiator suddenly sprang a leak, I tried to push my luck and make it to the next service station. But within three kilometers, the temperature gauge needle shot into the red zone, scaring me into pulling over immediately. The engine block overheated and warped, costing me over 8,000 yuan in major repairs. When the radiator fails and coolant leaks out, the engine runs dry and can seize up in minutes. I've wised up now - whenever I see white smoke from the front or a dashboard warning light, I pull over and shut off the engine to wait for a tow truck. Better to spend 200 yuan on towing than risk engine repairs - it's just not worth it.
