Can You Still Drive When the Car Radiator Boils Over?
3 Answers
You cannot drive when the car radiator boils over. After the radiator boils over, the engine's cooling efficiency decreases, leading to excessively high temperatures. The expansion of components will reduce the clearance between parts. The hazards of a boiling radiator include: elevated coolant temperature reduces oil viscosity, accelerating wear on various components. If not stopped immediately, it can cause severe engine damage. The causes of a boiling radiator are: 1. Insufficient water level, rust, or leaks in the radiator; 2. Cooling system malfunction; 3. Thermostat failure; 4. Dirt accumulation on the radiator. Solutions for a boiling radiator include: 1. Refilling the radiator with water; 2. Replacing the thermostat; 3. Adding antifreeze.
Never keep driving when the radiator boils over! I've seen too many cases where stubborn drivers ended up with completely ruined engines, costing tens of thousands in repairs. A boiling radiator indicates severe engine overheating and total cooling system failure—possibly due to coolant leaks, a seized water pump, or a broken fan. Continuing to drive will cause cylinder scoring, warped engine blocks, and drastically reduced engine lifespan. For safety, immediately pull over, turn on hazard lights, and let the vehicle cool naturally before checking coolant levels. Make it a habit to inspect the cooling system monthly, replace coolant regularly, and always check before long trips. If overheating occurs, never gamble—call a tow truck instead. This small expense saves major headaches. Remember these details to avoid costly disasters.
A couple of days ago, I heard from a friend that his car's radiator boiled over while driving. He thought about pushing on to the service area, but the engine started buzzing so loudly that it scared him into stopping. The mechanic later checked it and said the pistons were almost melted. When the radiator boils over, you really shouldn't keep driving. Overheating can cause engine parts to expand from excessive heat, leading to oil leaks at best or a blown engine at worst. I immediately advised him not to take the risk—stop the car, turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights, and find a safe place to wait for half an hour before trying to add water to cool it down. But it's best not to drive at all and just call a tow truck for safety. Always keep an eye on the temperature gauge while driving; if it turns red, pull over immediately. It's also good to keep a bottle of purified water in the car for emergencies. After that incident, he spent 20,000 yuan on major repairs—a costly lesson. Now, I always carefully check the cooling system when driving to avoid similar troubles. This experience made me realize that prevention is far better than last-minute fixes.
