Can You Drive When the Car's Water Temperature Gauge Is Too Low?
2 Answers
Can You Drive When the Car's Water Temperature Gauge Is Too Low? You can drive when the car's water temperature gauge is too low, but it indicates that the vehicle's water temperature is too low. You should warm up the car before starting it. Below are the hazards of an engine being too cold: 1. The temperature of the air or mixed gas entering the cylinder is too low, resulting in poor-quality combustible mixture, making ignition difficult or combustion delayed, leading to reduced engine power and increased fuel consumption. 2. Water vapor in the combustion byproducts can easily condense into water and combine with acidic gases to form acids, exacerbating corrosion on the engine body and parts. 3. Unvaporized fuel can wash away and dilute the oil film on parts such as the cylinder walls, pistons, and piston rings, accelerating wear on these components.
Last time, the temperature gauge in my car kept showing low readings. I thought it was a minor issue and continued driving for a few days. As a result, fuel consumption skyrocketed, and the engine sound became strange. Upon inspection, I found out the thermostat was broken, causing the coolant to circulate too quickly and preventing the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature. While the car was still drivable, prolonged driving under such conditions could lead to poor lubrication, wear on the cylinder walls, and in severe cases, could cause engine knocking or oil leaks. It's okay to drive to the repair shop for a short distance, but keep the speed below 60 mph. Avoid long-distance high-speed driving at all costs, or the repair cost could jump from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Regularly checking the coolant and thermostat can prevent minor issues from escalating, saving both hassle and money.
