Can You Drive When the Car Overheats?
2 Answers
You should not drive when the car overheats. If the engine's water temperature is too high, you should immediately turn off the vehicle and avoid starting it, as this could lead to burst water hoses or engine damage, compromising driving safety. If you have coolant in the trunk, make sure to wait until the engine cools down before opening the filler cap to add coolant to prevent burns. The reasons for an overheating car include: 1. Insufficient coolant in the engine or a leak in the engine's cooling system; 2. A damaged water pump or broken belt, preventing coolant from entering the radiator for cooling; 3. A stuck thermostat, failing to open the large cooling cycle in time, preventing the engine coolant from dissipating heat.
I've seen many tragic cases where cars were driven hard despite overheating, resulting in blown engines and major overhauls. When the high-temperature warning light comes on, it indicates a problem with the cooling system, such as coolant leakage, water pump failure, or fan malfunction. In such cases, never continue driving. Engine overheating causes rapid expansion, which may lead to cylinder head deformation, blown head gaskets, or even fire and explosion. I recommend immediately pulling over safely, turning off the engine to let it cool down. Open the hood to check coolant levels and look for leaks in the hoses. If coolant is low, you can use purified water as an emergency measure, but the car must not be driven until fresh coolant is replaced. After temperatures drop to a safe range, try driving a short distance to observe. If the high-temperature light comes on again, call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop. Don't try to save money - repair costs are far cheaper than engine replacement.