How Long Can a Car Run Without Water in the Radiator?
2 Answers
If a car's radiator is empty when the engine is cold, it can generally run for about 1-3 kilometers. However, continuing to drive with an empty radiator when the engine is hot can cause severe damage to the engine. In emergency situations, distilled water can be used as a temporary substitute for antifreeze. After driving to the nearest service point, the antifreeze should be replenished immediately. Here’s some information about antifreeze: 1. Introduction to Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance, including preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and protecting against scale and corrosion year-round. 2. Functions of Antifreeze: Engines and their cooling systems are made of metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. These metals can corrode and rust over time when exposed to high temperatures and water. Antifreeze not only prevents corrosion in the engine cooling system but also has anti-corrosion and rust-removal properties.
I happen to have experience with this issue. Last time I drove on the highway, I forgot to check the coolant. When the temperature gauge lit up red, I pulled over immediately, but the engine cylinder head was already deformed, costing me over 8,000 RMB to repair. My advice is to stop and call for roadside assistance immediately if the radiator is completely out of water. Without coolant, the internal engine temperature can skyrocket to over 200 degrees Celsius in just five minutes, causing abnormal friction between the pistons and cylinder walls, leading to severe engine damage (scuffed cylinders). Even if you manage to keep driving, every kilometer accelerates engine failure, potentially causing blown cylinders, melted bearings, or even engine fires. Rather than risking total powertrain failure by pushing forward, it’s far more cost-effective to spend 200 RMB on a tow truck—after all, replacing an engine can cost 40,000–50,000 RMB.
