How long after a car overheats and stalls can water be added?
2 Answers
Half an hour later. Here is relevant information: 1. Methods to prevent overheating of the coolant temperature: Owners should perform seasonal maintenance in a timely manner during seasonal changes and regularly inspect the cooling system to ensure the components such as the fan and radiator are functioning properly. Before driving each day, as a precaution, you can also check if the radiator is low on water and top it up promptly if necessary. Owners can also keep a bucket of water in the trunk for emergencies. 2. Effects of an overheated radiator: The expansion of engine components will reduce the clearance between parts, increasing engine wear; it will lower the viscosity of the engine oil, leading to increased wear on various components and reducing the engine's lifespan; damage to the cylinder head gasket may cause cross-flow between the water passages, oil passages, and air passages on the gasket, allowing oil to enter the radiator and water to enter the engine oil.
When my car overheats and stalls, I absolutely do not rush to add water. This is not something to take lightly—immediately adding water can cause the scorching engine to cool down too quickly, potentially leading to cracked cylinder heads or engine blocks, with repair costs that can be shockingly high. My experience is to wait at least 30 to 40 minutes, until the engine hood feels cool to the touch before taking any action. It's best to carry a thermometer and wait until the temperature drops below 40 degrees Celsius for the safest approach. During this time, park the car in a safe place, turn off the engine, and open the hood to let it cool down—don’t force it to keep running. Regularly check the coolant level to prevent issues beforehand and avoid getting stranded on the road.
