Can You Still Drive If the Car Fan Is Broken?
2 Answers
No. The task of the cooling fan is to dissipate all the heat inside the engine through the cooling cycle. If the fan stops working, the engine's cooling is affected, and continuing to drive may lead to the so-called coolant boiling phenomenon. Reasons for car fan failure: 1. Aging of the fan itself: Many engine fans are made of plastic, and the engine compartment is constantly exposed to high temperatures. Over time, this causes the fan components to deteriorate. 2. Sensor signal interference: The fan operates based on signals from the coolant temperature sensor and refrigerant pressure sensor, which control its speed. If these sensors provide distorted signals due to external factors, it can affect the fan's operation. 3. Relay malfunction: If the fan does not turn on even when the coolant reaches the required temperature, the fan relay may be faulty. Due to aging or other reasons, the relay may remain in an open state, preventing the fan from functioning properly.
Last time my car's fan broke down, it was during a summer trip to the beach. The AC fan stopped working, making the car as hot as a steamer, and the engine warning light came on. I barely managed to drive for five minutes to a gas station and stopped to check. It turned out the fan wires were loose, so I temporarily reconnected them and drove home. But if it had completely failed, driving would have been extremely dangerous—the engine temperature could skyrocket, leading to cylinder damage or even engine stalling. Driving short distances at low speeds might be possible, but don’t count on long trips or highways. If you notice any fan issues, pull over immediately, open the windows for ventilation, and contact a professional repair shop as soon as possible. The fan is crucial to the cooling system—if it fails, it affects overall safety. Never force yourself to keep driving to avoid costly engine repairs.