How Long Can You Drive When the Water Temperature Light is Flashing?
1 Answers
When the water temperature light is flashing, the vehicle should not be driven any further. The water temperature warning light illuminates because the water temperature is too high. During normal driving, the standard water temperature for a car is around 90 degrees Celsius. If the temperature exceeds this, the vehicle enters a dangerous state, triggering the water temperature warning light, and it is essential to stop and inspect the vehicle. How to handle an overheated car radiator: Stop the vehicle immediately, but do not turn off the engine right away. Keep the engine idling for a while, turn the car's heater to the maximum setting to help dissipate heat, and open the engine hood to aid in cooling. Wait until the coolant temperature drops to a normal level before turning off the engine. The main causes of an overheated water temperature gauge are leaks, insufficient coolant, or a faulty cooling fan. Leaks or insufficient coolant: A leak in the cooling system can lead to a shortage of antifreeze, causing the antifreeze temperature to rise. If the antifreeze level is low, first check for leaks. If a leak is found, promptly add the same type of antifreeze. Do not use tap water or a different type of antifreeze, as this may cause dilution or sedimentation, leading to failure or malfunction. Faulty cooling fan: A malfunctioning cooling fan prevents the heat generated by the car engine during high-speed operation from being dissipated in time, causing the antifreeze temperature to rise and leading to issues like boiling. In such cases, the cooling fan needs to be replaced.