Can You Still Drive If the Car Radiator Is Broken?
2 Answers
In a cold engine state, you can generally drive for about 1-3 kilometers. However, if the engine is hot, continuing to drive may damage it. The reasons for car radiator damage are as follows: 1. Not adding antifreeze in winter. When cold water freezes, it can crack because the material of the small radiator is not as good as that of the main radiator; 2. The radiator has not been cleaned or had its water changed for a long time, leading to gradual corrosion and perforation under the pressure of the water pump circulation; 3. The engine's cylinder gasket is slightly leaking, allowing gas to enter the radiator, which can cause damage to weaker areas under high pressure.
After driving for so many years, I can tell you that you really shouldn't continue driving if the radiator is broken. That time, while I was driving, I noticed white smoke coming from the engine compartment—it turned out the radiator had cracked and was leaking, so I stopped immediately to check. A leaking radiator means the coolant is gone, and the engine can overheat in a short time. Once the temperature gets too high, it can easily cause the cylinder head to warp or even total engine failure. I barely managed to drive to the repair shop, only to end up replacing the entire engine, costing me thousands. If you accidentally find your radiator leaking, I recommend pulling over to a safe spot immediately, turning off the engine, and waiting for a tow truck—don't take risks like I did. Moving a short distance might be okay, but if the engine stalls on the road, it's even more dangerous. Regularly checking the radiator for cracks and ensuring the coolant level is normal can help prevent issues, but once it's broken, professional repair is a must.
