How long should you wait to drive after the engine overheats?
3 Answers
After the engine overheats, it requires a cooling period of one and a half hours. Below is relevant information about engines: 1. Concept: An engine (Engine) is a machine capable of converting other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines (reciprocating piston engines), external combustion engines (Stirling engines, steam engines, etc.), jet engines, electric motors, etc. For example, internal combustion engines typically convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. 2. Classification: Internal combustion engines, external combustion engines (where fuel burns outside the engine), gas turbines, and jet engines.
I would never dare to immediately restart the engine when encountering overheating. Once on the highway, the coolant temperature gauge maxed out, and after pulling over, I waited at least 45 minutes before daring to open the hood to inspect. Before removing the radiator cap, you must slowly twist it open with a thick cloth, otherwise, hot water can spray out and cause burns. If you find the coolant has completely leaked, you must refill it. Starting the engine immediately could likely lead to total failure, as metal parts can warp and seize under high temperatures. My advice is to let it cool down completely and then tow it to a repair shop to diagnose the issue. Don’t hesitate over the towing fee—it’s far better than spending tens of thousands on a major engine overhaul.
Last time I went on a road trip with friends, I encountered an overheating alarm. I immediately turned off the AC and turned on the heater to dissipate heat. Generally, in summer, you need to stop for at least half an hour, while in winter, maybe around 20 minutes. But it depends on the specific situation—if there's a lack of coolant, you should top it up first, and if there's a burst hose, don't drive anymore. Once I saw a guy who kept driving even when the engine overheated, and in the end, smoke started coming out of the crankcase. Remember to shift to neutral and rev the engine to assist with cooling when parked, and don't turn off the engine until the temperature drops—the fan will keep running for a while.
