Can You Still Drive When the Radiator Warning Light Comes On?
2 Answers
This could be an alert for excessively high radiator temperature, or it might indicate insufficient coolant levels in the vehicle. In such cases, you should not continue driving. Correct procedure: If road conditions permit, you can shift to neutral and coast for a distance to allow air cooling. After stopping, do not immediately turn off the engine. Open the hood to let the engine idle and cool down, and turn on the heater to enhance cooling by utilizing the small radiator inside the car until the temperature gauge needle moves out of the red zone. At this point, never rush to open the radiator cap, as the system is under high pressure. Opening it could cause an immediate geyser-like eruption. Wait for some time, then cover the cap with a damp towel, gently turn it to release any trapped steam, and then remove it. Check the coolant reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark and no spare coolant is available, you can purchase distilled water from a supermarket and pour it into the reservoir—typically, adding 500ml will resolve the issue. If the fluid level is exactly at the minimum mark, you may continue driving until you obtain coolant or distilled water. However, closely monitor the temperature gauge, maintain slow speeds, and if the temperature rises again, turn on the car's heater.
I've been driving for decades, and a radiator warning light is no small matter. It indicates that the engine temperature is too high, possibly due to low coolant, a faulty water pump, or a broken fan. Never continue driving far, as high temperatures can cause engine seizure or deformation, with repair costs often running into thousands. When I was younger, I encountered a warning and stubbornly drove for over ten minutes on the highway, only for the car to break down, costing me 800 yuan for a tow. The safe approach is to pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and open the hood to let the car cool down. Check if the coolant level is low—if so, add water as an emergency measure. It might be slightly better in winter, but it's especially dangerous in summer. It's recommended to check the cooling system every three months to prevent failures. In short, after the warning comes on, you can only drive briefly to a safe spot—don't take chances.
