Can You Drive with High Engine Coolant Temperature?

[OLayla]

You should not continue driving with high engine coolant temperature. The normal operating temperature for an engine is 90 degrees Celsius, which ensures optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency while reducing wear and extending service life. Below are key points about engine overheating: 1. Both excessively high and low engine temperatures can lead to increased wear and reduced power output. Particularly, prolonged operation under high temperatures can severely damage the engine, potentially causing complete engine failure. 2. When the high-temperature warning light comes on, first reduce speed and pull over to the roadside. Do not immediately turn off the engine, as extreme heat causes components like pistons, cylinder walls, and crankshafts to overheat, thinning the engine oil and compromising lubrication. 3. Shutting down the engine at this point while components are thermally expanded (with minimal clearances) may cause soft metal parts to detach or even result in piston seizure. Therefore, after noticing overheating, maintain idle operation temporarily to facilitate cooling instead of turning off the engine immediately.