Can You Still Drive When the Coolant Temperature Warning Light Comes On?
2 Answers
You cannot drive when the coolant temperature is too high; you should stop the car immediately and inspect it. Reasons for excessively high coolant temperature: The coolant pump blades may have fallen off or been damaged, or the coolant pump bearings may be stuck; the thermostat may fail to open normally; there may be air in the cooling system, causing airlock and hindering smooth circulation; the fan coolant temperature may rise rapidly; the temperature control switch may fail to regulate the fan operation properly; the expansion tank cap may be damaged (leaking air); the cylinder head gasket may be blown, allowing high-temperature gases to enter the cooling system; debris may be attached to the radiator surface, obstructing normal airflow and leading to poor heat dissipation; or related electronic and electrical components in the system may be damaged. Measures to take when the coolant temperature is abnormal: Open the engine hood and check whether the coolant level in the reservoir is between the maximum (MAX) and minimum (MIN) marks. If it is below the lower limit, you should add coolant. Investigate the cause of coolant leakage by sequentially inspecting the radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat, hose connections, and cylinder head gasket for any leaks. If there is a minor leak in the radiator inlet or outlet hose, you can use tape or a cloth coated with grease to wrap the leaking area and then secure it tightly with wire. If the radiator inlet or outlet hose is severely damaged, cut off the damaged section, find a plastic tube of suitable diameter and length to sleeve over the middle of the hose, and bind it with wire for emergency use.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I've encountered several instances of high coolant temperature warnings. When that red light flashes and the temperature gauge hits the top, it means the engine is seriously overheating. Continuing to drive is practically playing with fire - the engine could overheat and damage the head gasket or pistons, leading to repair costs easily exceeding tens of thousands, not to mention the danger of breaking down on the highway. The causes are usually insufficient coolant, a stuck cooling fan, or a clogged radiator. I remember one time when I ignored the warning and kept driving, only for the engine to start smoking and nearly catch fire - a costly lesson. The right approach is to pull over immediately for inspection: stop in a safe place, let the engine cool down, then check the coolant reservoir level - top it up with distilled water or proper coolant if low; listen for the fan operation; and if the problem persists, don't risk restarting - call a tow truck to the repair shop immediately. Saving money is secondary, safety comes first.
