How Long After the Car Overheats Can the Radiator Cap Be Opened?
2 Answers
The radiator cap should only be opened using a safe method more than 15 minutes after the car has been parked. The working principle of the radiator cap is that when the car is running, the coolant temperature rises, increasing the pressure inside the radiator. When the pressure reaches a certain level, the pressure valve is pushed open, allowing the coolant to flow into the adjacent overflow tank. Then, when the car stops running and cools down, the vacuum in the cooling system draws the coolant back from the overflow tank into the radiator. Here is some relevant information about car overheating: Handling method: Avoid turning off the engine immediately when the water temperature is high. When the car's water temperature is too high, the cooling system's water pump is driven by the engine. Turning off the engine stops the pump, preventing the coolant from continuing to circulate. At this time, all parts of the engine remain at high temperatures, and if they are not effectively cooled, the engine may be damaged. Precautions: A triangular warning sign must be placed after parking. If the car "boils over" on the road, remember to place a triangular warning sign 50-100 meters behind the car after parking on the roadside to alert oncoming vehicles to avoid it. On highways, the placement distance of the warning sign should be increased to at least 150 meters.
From my over ten years of driving experience, I can tell you that you must never open the radiator cap immediately when the car is overheated—it's a serious safety issue. The cooling system has extremely high steam pressure, and opening the cap recklessly can cause scalding hot liquid to spray out, leading to severe burns. It's best to wait 30 to 40 minutes for the engine to cool down completely, then carefully use a damp cloth to cover the cap and slowly twist it open. Regular maintenance is crucial—check the coolant and fan periodically to avoid overheating problems. If you're in a hurry, at least wait until the temperature gauge drops to the middle position. Remember, safety comes first—a little patience is always better than regret.
