How long can you drive after the low engine coolant level warning?
2 Answers
It is best not to continue driving after the low engine coolant level warning. If you continue driving, the engine temperature will rise rapidly and without the cooling effect of the coolant, it can cause engine damage. Car owners should regularly check the vehicle's cooling system and the remaining engine coolant level. If the engine coolant is found to be insufficient, it should be replenished promptly. Engine coolant prevents the coolant from freezing during cold seasons, which could crack the radiator and damage the engine block. Its main function is to maintain the operating engine within a normal temperature range, cooling it down when it overheats. Additionally, engine coolant also has anti-freeze, anti-corrosion, and anti-scaling properties.
This is not something to be taken lightly. Last week, my neighbor Old Zhang's car also had a coolant warning alarm. He stubbornly drove another five or six kilometers, only to end up with white smoke pouring out of the engine halfway. The coolant pipe dissipates heat and prevents boiling; if the fluid level is too low, the radiator fins can't make contact with the liquid, causing the engine to overheat and warp in no time. If it's a slow leak, you might barely make it 20 kilometers, but you must turn off the AC, drive at a steady speed, roll down the windows to cool down, and keep a constant eye on the temperature gauge. If you hit traffic or a steep hill, shut off the engine immediately—many cars now have automatic fuel cutoff protection when overheating, which can actually be more dangerous. The safest approach is to find a repair shop within three kilometers after the alarm goes off. Even a roadside shop can top up the fluid for an emergency fix. Whatever you do, don’t try to save on towing fees like Old Zhang did—it ended up costing him 30,000 to fix the engine.
