Can You Still Drive If the Antifreeze Boils Over?
3 Answers
It is recommended to pull over if the antifreeze boils over. Here are the specific details: Insufficient Coolant: The main function of coolant is to lower the engine temperature. If the coolant level is too low, it will cause the engine to overheat. The reasons for low coolant levels, aside from depletion, include leaks. After the vehicle overheats, you should check if there is a leak in the antifreeze. When adding antifreeze, it is advisable to use the same brand and not to add water. Water Pump Failure: The car engine's cylinder block has a complete water circulation system. A water pump is installed at the upper outlet of the engine, which functions 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 work properly. If the car overheats, the water pump should be thoroughly inspected at the repair shop. If the water pump is faulty, it is usually due to a damaged impeller, which can be replaced.
When I saw the coolant boiling while driving, I immediately knew something was wrong and absolutely should not continue driving. Coolant boiling indicates the engine temperature has skyrocketed, and continuing to drive poses huge risks, such as cylinder head deformation or piston seizure, with repairs costing at least several thousand dollars. Once, a friend of mine didn’t believe it and stubbornly drove for a while, only to end up with a burned-out engine and expensive towing costs. The correct approach is to pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and wait until the car cools down completely before taking action. Check the coolant reservoir—if it’s low, add some distilled water as a temporary measure, but don’t rush to avoid burns. It’s best to call a tow truck or visit a repair shop directly to check if the water pump is broken, the radiator is clogged, or if there’s insufficient coolant or a leak. Make it a habit to inspect the cooling system every quarter and use a reputable brand of coolant to avoid many troubles. Life and safety always come first—don’t destroy your car to save a little time.
There are many reasons for coolant boiling over. I suspect it might be due to low coolant levels, water pump failure, or radiator blockage causing poor heat dissipation. Driving under such conditions is absolutely not advisable, as high temperatures can accelerate engine wear. In the short term, it might cause boiling and smoke, while in the long term, it can lead to faster component aging and reduced lifespan. I've experienced a similar situation before: I had to pull over on the roadside for half an hour, waited for the engine to cool down, checked the coolant level which was low, and barely made it to the shop by adding water temporarily. However, this is risky as it can easily lead to a second boil-over. I recommend that new drivers remember to shut off the engine and pull over immediately upon noticing high temperatures, and not to rush. It's best to keep a bottle of purified water in the car for emergency coolant top-ups, and regularly visit the shop for maintenance to ensure the water pump and fan are functioning properly. Prevention is better than cure—changing the coolant every six months saves both hassle and money.
