Can You Keep Driving When the Car Radiator Boils Over?
3 Answers
You should not continue driving when the car radiator boils over. Here are the specific reasons why: 1. After the radiator boils over, the engine's heat dissipation becomes poor, and the excessively high temperature causes components to expand, reducing the clearance between parts. 2. The high temperature decreases the viscosity of the engine oil, accelerating wear on various components. If you do not stop immediately and take appropriate measures, the engine may suffer severe damage or even catastrophic failure. Here are the specific reasons why a car radiator may boil over: 1. Insufficient coolant. The primary function of coolant is to lower the engine's temperature. If there is too little coolant, the engine will overheat. 2. Water pump failure. The engine block has a complete water circulation system, with a water pump installed at the upper outlet. Its role is to pump out hot water and pump in cold water through the pulley to cool the engine. If the water pump fails, the engine's water circulation system will not function properly. 3. Cooling fan failure. The cooling performance of the fan directly affects the engine's heat dissipation capability.
If the radiator boils over, you definitely can't keep driving. I once encountered this situation on a long-distance trip and was so scared that I immediately pulled over. The engine temperature was too high, and continuing to drive could cause parts to deform or get damaged, which would be extremely expensive to repair. My friend who works at an auto repair shop said you must wait until the car has completely cooled down before checking, to see if there's enough coolant, and use purified water in an emergency. But it's best not to risk driving and just call a tow truck or mechanic to handle it. Pay attention to the temperature gauge while driving normally, avoid revving the engine hard in hot summer, and regular maintenance can prevent this. I think safety comes first, so always keep a bottle of water in the car—it's very handy in emergencies.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and a boiling radiator is a common sight. You absolutely must not continue driving, or the engine could be ruined, with repairs costing anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands. After stopping and turning off the engine, don't rush to open the hood—it's extremely hot. Check if the radiator or hoses are leaking; it could be due to insufficient coolant or a faulty water pump. Don't try to fix it yourself; get a professional to take a look. Experience tells me that changing the antifreeze on time is key. In summer, don't overload the car, and if the engine sounds odd, stop immediately. Saving a little time isn't worth the consequences.
