How long should you wait to add water when the engine temperature is too high?
3 Answers
In theory, you can add water at any time. However, in practical operation, because the engine temperature is extremely high, opening the radiator immediately after turning off the engine can cause a large amount of steam to spray out due to high air pressure, which may lead to scalding. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until the engine cools down, approximately 15 to 30 minutes after turning it off, before adding coolant. The effects of excessively high car radiator temperature on the engine include: 1. Expansion of engine components reduces the clearance between parts, increasing engine wear; 2. Reduction in oil viscosity, which can lead to increased wear on parts and reduced engine lifespan; 3. Damage to the cylinder head gasket, potentially causing cross-flow between water, oil, and air passages on the gasket, allowing oil to enter the radiator and water to enter the engine oil.
I think it's too dangerous to add water immediately when the engine temperature is high, as hot steam and boiling water may spray out and cause burns. When I encounter this situation, I usually park the car in a safe place and turn off the engine, waiting at least half an hour or longer for the engine to cool down naturally. Only when the temperature gauge drops to the middle position do I proceed to handle it. During this time, I will check if the cooling fan is running or look for any signs of leakage around. If you rush to add water but ignore other issues, such as a broken water pump, the entire engine could be ruined, and repairs would cost thousands of dollars. When adding water, I recommend using a dedicated coolant mixed with water in the ratio specified in the manual, as pure water can freeze and crack pipes in winter. Remember, safety comes first, and it's best to check the water level regularly before driving.
I've encountered the issue of overheating coolant several times on the road, and each time it left me quite shaken. I always wait for the engine to cool down. My habit is to turn off the engine and wait for 15-20 minutes, then touch the hood with my hand to make sure it's not scalding hot before doing anything else. Adding water directly? No way, the pressure is too high and the cap might burst open—getting your hand burned would be the least of your worries. I first open the front hood to ventilate, then check the coolant reservoir level. If it's below the MIN line, I top it up with coolant; if there's none available, distilled water can be used temporarily, but I make sure to replace it with proper coolant at a shop as soon as possible. Additionally, a stuck fan or lack of coolant can both cause overheating, so I pay attention to these details to avoid repeated trouble. For regular maintenance, I check the cooling system once a month to prevent breakdowns on the road.
