Can You Keep Driving When the Car Radiator Boils Over?
2 Answers
You cannot continue driving when the car radiator boils over. The correct handling methods are: 1. Pull over and let the engine idle for a while; 2. Cool down the radiator with water, then turn off the engine and replace the belt; 3. After the engine has completely cooled down, replace the hose and add coolant. A boiling radiator refers to a situation where the engine's operating temperature exceeds the normal working temperature, which affects the machine's normal operation and may cause damage. The reasons for a boiling radiator include: 1. The impact of hot weather; 2. Overloaded air conditioning operation and faulty cooling components; 3. Radiator leakage; 4. Insufficient or deteriorated coolant; 5. Blockage in the coolant circulation system; 6. Thermostat failure; 7. Engine water pump malfunction.
As a truck driver with ten years of experience, I've seen too many cases where overheated radiators led to serious disasters. When the engine temperature skyrockets, you must pull over immediately! Continuing to drive can burn through the cylinder head gasket in minutes, causing the pistons and cylinder walls to fuse together—resulting in a ruined engine worth tens of thousands. After stopping, don’t foolishly open the radiator cap right away; scalding coolant can spray up to two meters high. The correct approach is to turn off the engine, wait half an hour, cover the cap with a thick cloth, and slowly twist it open. If you see bubbling and rusty water in the radiator, it’s likely due to failed coolant or clogged pipes. I always keep two liters of purified water in my truck for emergencies, but after adding water, you can only drive slowly to the repair shop.
